The Forest

H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

Ringed by ridges on the slopes of the Western Cascades, H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest encompasses the watershed of Lookout Creek, a tributary of the Blue River, which flows into the McKenzie River fifty-seven miles from its confluence with the Willamette. For thousands of years, this region offered the Kalapuya people from the valley and the Molalla people from the mountains important areas for seasonal living, hunting, fishing, foraging, and trade.

In its heritage stands of old growth forest, towering, ancient Douglas firs, Hemlocks, and Redcedars shade the mossy banks of fast-flowing streams—cool water home to Speckled Dace and Cutthroat Trout. Each spring, Hermit Warbler and Swainson’s Thrush celebrate the young sun with song. In wet late fall, Rough-skinned Newts make slow tracks in the duff below shelter of Sword Fern and Salal. Through all seasons and everywhere in the Andrews, researchers study how these forests work so we can learn from them and make informed decisions about their care.

In both scientific and creative inquiry, the Andrews Forest embraces experimentation, collaboration, and imagination. Established as a place for inquiry in 1948 by the U.S. Forest Service, and as a charter member of the NSF’s Long-Term Ecological Research Program in 1980, the Andrews has become one of the most studied forest ecosystems in the world. Discoveries here have challenged prevalent notions about forest management and have broadened our understanding of forests’ ecological complexities. Yet, at the Andrews, among the vine maples, lichen, and liverworts, stories are as important as data—and reflection is as important as research.

Running in parallel with the research program since 2004, the Long-Term Ecological Reflections program welcomes writers, artists, scholars, and musicians to live in proximity with scientists at forest headquarters, to connect with field teams, and to create new work informed by their experience. Just as scientists return to dedicated research plots to collect data over decades, residents are invited to visit select locations in the forest that provide common ground for reflection and for considering how relationships with forests change over time. The Forest Log serves both as a record of participants in the Reflections program and as a growing archive of cultural work inspired by encounters with this place.