Experience A Working Forest

Discover sustainable forestry in action.

What does sustainable forestry mean for the built environment? On this tour, designed for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, you’ll explore how responsible forest management can produce high-performance materials, stronger structures, and more sustainable outcomes.

AEC Forest Tour

Led by local foresters, you’ll walk through a working forest to see climate-smart design, local sourcing and long-term sustainability in practice.

Along the way, you’ll learn about:

The benefits of growing Douglas-fir on extended rotations for stronger, premium-grade wood.
The environmental benefits like biodiversity, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat.
The economic and environmental advantages of sourcing local timber.
How regulations, certification and conservation shape forest management.

Course Details

Accreditation: 2-Hour Forest Tour — A Living Classroom Experience

AIA Course #: IPB06A - View Details

GBCI Course #: 0920031377 - View Details (requires USGBC login)

Download Full Course Description (PDF)

Upcoming Tours

Each tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and includes a guided walk through the forest, highlighting key topis in sustainable forestry, with lunch provided. Tour locations vary by date and include Olympia, WA and Molalla, OR. Upcoming tours include:

Molalla, Oregon

Olympia, Washington

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