Register (by September 23, 2025)

Early bird pricing has ended
After July 25: $350
Student registration: $250 

Meals and on-site lodging are provided at no additional charge. Please declare preferences in registration.

*Individuals in need of financial assistance can contact chanda@forestguild.org to explore available options for support. 

Northwest Innovative Forestry Summit – 2025 
Meeting the Moment: Forest Stewardship in Times of Change 

Dates: October 9 at 1:00 p.m. – October 11, at 1:30 p.m.

Location: Winema Camp, 5195 Winema Rd, Cloverdale, OR 98650

Approved for 9, Category 1 CEUs from SAF.

Draft Agenda

The Northwest Innovative Forestry Summit (NIFS) is a space for regional learning, knowledge exchange, and ongoing cooperation to foster ecologically-based forest management strategies with programs focusing on sustainable, forest-related innovation – past, present, and future.  

Join us for a three-day gathering of forest practitioners, researchers, landowners, and community members dedicated to exploring forest stewardship in a time of ecological and social change. Hosted at the Winema Camp near Cascade Head, this year’s event will combine reflective conversations, diverse local perspectives, and hands-on field learning to explore ongoing developments in forest management. Through participatory sessions and a full-day field visit, participants will explore ways that forest practices reflect relationships with land, community, and future generations, and investigate collaborative approaches to resilient and adaptive silviculture. Whether you are managing forests, shaping policy, teaching the rising generation, or engaging in community-based stewardship, NIFS 2025 offers a space to learn, connect, and meet this moment together. 

Over three days, participants will be invited to explore the ecological, cultural, and values-based dimensions of forest stewardship through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and field-based learning.

• Day 1 will set the stage with diverse local voices sharing how they engage with the Cascade Head landscape—through ecology, art, community, culture, and forest management.
• Day 2 will feature a full-day field visit that invites attendees to reflect on how different values shape silvicultural decisions and to collaboratively develop and share their own forest prescriptions.
• Day 3 will close with reflection and group discussion, connecting lessons learned from the coastal landscape to participants’ own home places and practices. 

Full agenda and information about speakers are coming soon. For full details visit the Northwest Innovation Forestry Summit webpage.  

 

Lodging Opportunities  

On-site

We’re excited to offer on-site lodging at Winema Camp, which includes dorm-style housing with shared rooms and multiple bunks. The setup is reminiscent of a classic summer camp—lively, informal, and communal. If that sounds like your style, be sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and ear plugs. 

If dorm-style housing is not for you, you’re welcome to bring a tent and camp outdoors on the property. RVs are also welcome, and there is plenty of space with full hookups available. All on-site lodging options are available at no additional cost. 

 

Off-site

Prefer more privacy? Participants are welcome to arrange their own off-site accommodation and commute to the event each day. Please note that registration costs remain the same regardless of lodging choice. A list of nearby off-site lodging options is provided below.  

 

Off-site Hotels

Cloverdale

• Raines Resort Cabins (7.2 miles from Summit location)

Pacific City 

• Surf and Sand Inn (6.3 miles from Summit location)

• Inn at Cape Kiwanda (7.6 miles from Summit location)

Lincoln City 

• There is a wide variety of hotels in and around Lincoln City. Note that a hotel in this location will be 17+ miles from the Summit location. 

 

Off-site Camping

Cloverdale 

• Webb County Campground (7.8 miles from Summit location)

• Whalen Island County Campground (12 miles from Summit location)

• Sandbeach Campground (17 miles from Summit location)

There are a variety of additional campgrounds in the surrounding area. Take note that some campgrounds may only offer availability on a first come, first served basis or may need to be booked in advance. 

 

Meals  

All meals will be provided during the summit. This includes snacks upon check-in Thursday afternoon, dinner Thursday night, breakfast Friday morning, a sack lunch during the field tour Friday afternoon, dinner Friday evening, breakfast Saturday morning, and lunch before departing Saturday afternoon.  

Please let us know what dietary restrictions you have. We will do our best to accommodate all dietary needs. Additionally, please let us know if you will not be able to attend all of the planned meals.  

  

Notes 

Conditions: Field tours may include longer walks on uneven or steep terrain. Sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. 

Carpooling: We encourage participants to carpool to and from the event if possible. Let us know if you are willing to host a carpool or are interested in taking part in a carpool; we will help with organizing. 

Stuff to Bring:  

If you are staying in Winema Camp’s dorm lodging

• Water bottle 

• Sturdy closed toe shoes 

• Weather appropriate clothing 

• Sunscreen 

• Travel coffee/tea mug 

• Sleeping bag 

• Pillow 

• Ear plugs 

• Toiletries 

• Bath Towel 

• Shower shoes 

If you are staying in a tent at Winema Camp

• Water bottle 

• Sturdy closed shoes 

• Weather appropriate clothing 

• Sunscreen 

• Travel coffee/tea mug 

• Camping supplies 

• Sleeping bag 

• Pillow 

• Ear plugs 

• Toiletries 

• Bath Towel 

• Shower shoes 

If you are staying off-site or in an RV on-site

• Water bottle 

• Sturdy closed toe shoes 

• Weather appropriate clothing 

• Sunscreen 

• Travel coffee/tea mug 

*If you are planning to use on-site showers, please bring your own toiletries and bath towel. 

 

NOTE: Policy on event cancellations:  

1. The last day to cancel registration is September 23rd.  
2. If a registrant cancels their own registration ahead of the event and wants a refund for registration fees, we will issue a refund for the event’s registration/lodging amount only (less any credit card fees the registrant covered in their initial payment). 
3. If the Guild cancels an event, we will refund registrants the full amount they paid, including any credit card fees they covered with their original registration.

This year’s partnering event organizers are featured below. Thank you!