Richard Burton - I am a fourth year Environmental Studies major who grew up in Medford, Oregon. I value my education for giving me a broad background knowledge of regional environmental issues and also for allowing me to discover the scenic landscape right in my own backyard. My studies have also led me abroad to Mexico where I lived with a host-family and learned Spanish for a summer. At the UO, I teach rock climbing classes at the UO rock wall for the Outdoor Leadership Program. My favorite pastime is climbing outdoors, weather permitting in Oregon, with hiking mountain trails a close second. I am excited to participate in this project as a transition from classroom education to the workplace.

Heather Canapary - I am a senior at the University of Oregon studying Environmental Science and Geology. I am originally from outside of Chicago, but adopted the Pacific Northwest as home because of the spectacular environmental and recreational opportunities. I have a passion for working with youth in an outdoor setting and have had the opportunity to do so in after school programs and as a counselor at summer camp. I am absolutely thrilled to be on the Forest Team because I am ready to take what I have been learning and apply it to a larger scale project.

Nickolas Gillespie - I am a senior at the University of Oregon majoring in Environmental Studies. My studies have given me a background in biology, ecology, environmental history and philosophy, and environmental management. I was born and raised in Oregon and my mother and father instilled a sense of passion for the land and the people who live here. In the future I plan on applying my education to protecting the land and helping others do the same. I have a multitude of interests and talents. I am a musician and love playing my guitar and teaching others. I enjoy all types of sports from table tennis to golf. I am an avid rock and mountain climber and enjoy hiking and camping in beautiful places all over the country. I have also worked as a wildland firefighter for six summers.

Rithy Khut - I am a 4th year undergraduate working towards a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in political science. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master's degree in either teaching or planning/public policy. Outside of academics, I am very active with the University of Oregon Outdoor Program as its Outreach Coordinator. In the past I have worked for the Multnomah Education Service District Outdoor School Program and Campfire USA Camp Namanu. These experiences have fueled my desire to work with children in the out-of-doors. During my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, exploring the world with friends and watching The West Wing.

Katie MacDiarmid - I am an environmental science major and a leader for the U of O Outdoor Pursuits program. I try to be outside as much as possible and I love backpacking, skiing, rock climbing, and exploring. My interests include outdoor and environmental education, working with youth, and learning and teaching about sustainable and healthy living. I am also interested in travel and learning about other cultures. My plans for the future include adventuring and working with people internationally as well as closer to home.

Bari Doeffinger, project manager: I am a second-year Master's student in Environmental Studies. Before arriving in Eugene, I worked for the Student Conservation Association as an environmental education intern in northeastern Mississippi, and as a naturalist for three summers in the Finger Lakes State Parks of New York. My studies revolve around environmental education, communication, and cultural geography. I am excited to work with such a motivated group, and to have academic justification for spending time in the woods.