Series offers six free community days at the Discovery Museum throughout the year to thank the public for six decades of support and engagement.
To mark its 60th anniversary, World Forestry Center is launching a special Free Day Series in 2026, offering six free community days throughout the year as a way of thanking the public for six decades of support and engagement.
This series invites visitors of all ages to explore the museum, participate in hands-on activities, and connect with partners focused on forestry, wildfire preparedness, and environmental education.
“These Free Days reflect our commitment to making forest education accessible to everyone,” said Alli Gannett, Director of Communications. “As we celebrate 60 years, we are proud to welcome the community in for meaningful, engaging experiences that honor our past and look toward the future of our forests.”
The Free Day Series is generously presented by Hampton Lumber. “World Forestry Center is one of the few places where complex forest topics become something people of all ages can easily dive into,” said Kristin Rasmussen, Director of Public Affairs & Communications. “We’re happy to be able to support opportunities for the public to explore the interconnected relationship we have with forests—how thoughtful stewardship helps shape the future of forests, just as forests continue to shape life and livelihoods in our region and around the world.”
Several dates align with World Forestry Center’s signature annual community events, presented in partnership with regional organizations.
2026 Free Day Series Dates:
- February 22
- April 19
- May 17 – Be Wildfire Aware Day (in partnership with the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Portland Fire & Rescue)
- July 18 – ForestFest
- October 25
- December 13 – Doug Fir Day (in partnership with Oregon Women in Timber)
Each Free Day offers an opportunity for the community to gather, explore interactive exhibits, and deepen their connection to this vital natural resource. Full schedules and program details for each event will be announced closer to the event dates.
The Free Day Series is part of World Forestry Center’s yearlong 60th anniversary celebration, honoring its legacy of connecting people and forests while advancing conversations about sustainability, climate resilience, and forest stewardship.
For more information on the Free Day Series and upcoming events, visit worldforestry.org/freedayseries. To learn more about the 60th anniversary, please visit worldforestry.org/about-us/60th-anniversary.
About the Discovery Museum
Located in Portland’s forested Washington Park just steps from the MAX Light Rail, World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum invites visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they impact our lives. The dramatic 20,000-square-foot wooden building has been a Portland icon since 1971. Visitors get a bird’s-eye view of a Northwest forest, explore society’s connection to the woods, and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this critical natural resource. Through interactive and featured art exhibits, visitors learn how forest management affects everyday life and why forests are central to the forestry conversation.
About Hampton Lumber
Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Hampton operates sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and markets wood products all over the world. To help supply its sawmills, Hampton also owns timberland in Oregon and Washington, all of which is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an independent, non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. SFI-certified forests play an important role in water conservation, wildlife habitat, and climate solutions.
