Who is Bill Hagenstein?
W.D. “Bill” Hagenstein was a larger-than-life character, world forester, scientist, author, visionary, and a tireless champion of long-view forest management to provide tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits. Recognized as the father of native tree reforestation in the Pacific Northwest, Hagenstein was an active, working forester for more than 75 years. He was national president of the Society of American Foresters and a founder of the World Forestry Center in 1966. Hagenstein was highly respected, brutally honest, a magnetic storyteller, and a shameless advocate. He was awarded the prestigious Gifford Pinchot Medal in 1986. Hagenstein died in Portland, Oregon at age 99 in 2014.
What is forestry?
The science or practice of planting, managing, and caring for forests.
— Oxford English Dictionaries
The profession embracing the science, art, and practice of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources for human benefit and in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values —note the broad field of forestry consists of those biological, quantitative, managerial, and social sciences that are applied to forest management and conservation; it includes specialized fields such as agroforestry, urban forestry, industrial forestry, nonindustrial forestry, and wilderness and recreation forestry.
—Dictionary of Forestry
Society of American Foresters (SAF)
Who should attend?
Urban professionals, college students, and other adults interested in forest and natural resource issues locally and globally.
How do I get to World Forestry Center?
Train or bus: TriMet operates light rail trains (MAX) and buses throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Use its Trip Planner to get you to the zoo. MAX Red Line or Blue Line trains stop next to the World Forestry Center at the Washington Park station. Please note that Bus 63, to Washington Park, does not run on weekends.
Bike: Portland is one of the bike-friendliest cities in the United States. If you bike to World Forestry Center, you’ll find challenging and scenic hills along the way. You can avoid the hills: bike to a MAX station or a bus stop, load your bike on, and hop off at World Forestry Center. If you’re heading back to downtown Portland or points east, you’ll have a great downhill ride home, passing Washington Park’s beautiful Portland Japanese Garden and world-famous International Rose Test Garden. No matter which direction you’re coming from, Metro’s Bike There! map can help you craft a route to World Forestry Center on low-traffic streets and multi-use paths. Bike racks are located in front of World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.
Walk: World Forestry Center is adjacent to the 30-mile-long Wildwood Trail and the 7-mile-long Marquam Trail, with connections to other urban nature trails and multi-use paths. Metro’s Walk There! book and online guide can take you on a spectacular route that combines forested trails, and beautiful neighborhood streets.
Drive: From Highway 26 East or West, take exit 72 for Zoo/Forestry Center and follow the signs.
Where do I park, and how much does parking cost?
Parking in Washington Park is $8.00 for the day or $2.00 per hour. Two self-service pay stations are located on the sidewalk in front of World Forestry Center. Punch in your parking space number, insert credit card and your payment is recorded electronically. No need for sticker or tag. Rates subject to change.
How do I find Cheatham Hall?
Cheatham Hall is on World Forestry Center campus in Washington Park.
Can children attend the event?
Guest speakers are generally discussing topics and delivering presentations at an adult level. College students are welcome and some topics may be appropriate for interested high school students.
When will the video and audio recordings of the lectures be available?
We will post video and audio presentations shortly after the event. Please be sure to subscribe to the Hagenstein Lectures YouTube channel so that you receive notifications when new videos are published.
How are speakers chosen for The Hagenstein Lectures?
World Forestry Center and Society of American Foresters rely upon a growing number of natural resource professionals around the world to serve on the Hagenstein Lectures Advisory Committee as “talent scouts.” Each year, members of the committee submit nominations of qualified individuals.
Why is the focus on young, emerging voices under the age of 45?
Forty five is not a magic number but, like most professions, forestry can take many years of formal education and practical work experience to become recognized as an “expert.” As the baby boom generation retires, a new generation of young, impressive working professionals is now assuming leadership. We will introduce you to many of them.
What if I have a suggestion for a potential speaker for a future event?
We welcome your ideas for new topics and presentations. Please send your suggestions to Saru Wu, Director of Professional Programs at swu@worldforestry.org.
How are The Hagenstein Lectures funded?
World Forestry Center and Society of American Foresters received generous bequests from the Hagenstein estate after Bill’s death in 2014 to support this important work. Bill Hagenstein served in the leadership of both organizations and was one of the founders of World Forestry Center in Portland.
Looking for additional information about the Hagenstein Lectures and our mission?
Email Sara Wu, Director of Professional Programs at swu@worldforestry.org.