TILLAMOOK COUNTY – The Oregon Department of Forestry invites the public to experience the Tillamook State Forest this summer by taking part in interpretive programs.

Experienced forest interpreters offer guided walks, talks and tours on this 364,000-acre forest located an hour west of Portland in the northern Coast Range. The programs are free and are conducted at easily reachable locations off Oregon Highway 6 in the Tillamook State Forest. Average program length is one hour.

On Saturday, June 5, bring your binoculars and explore the Tillamook Forest at 2 p.m. as interpreters search for birds by sight and sound. Find out why it seems so quiet in the forest as summer passes. “Fine Feathered Friends” is offered in the Smith Homestead Day-Use Area.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5, witness how past events and practices have shaped the landscape of the Tillamook State Forest as forest interpreters portray “The Tillamook Forest Story” in the Smith Homestead Day-Use Area. Learn how the forest has shaped generations of Oregonians, many who remember the Tillamook simply as “The Burn.” Interpreters will depict the dramatic changes of the 20th century and sketch the future vision for management of the Tillamook State Forest.

For information or special arrangements for custom programs, contact Denise Diermeier, Oregon Department of Forestry, at (503) 359-7485, e-mail ddiemeier@odf.state.or.us, or visit the Web site www.odf.state.or.us/areas/northwest/tillamook/tsf/inter.asp