Spanning 305 acres, Zena Forest represents a vital ecological and historical treasure, nestled in the Eola Hills west of Salem. It is the largest remaining continuous stretch of forest in the area. The landscape is diverse, featuring oak and mixed woodlands, riparian zones, grasslands, wetlands, and freshwater habitats, along with forest plantations.
Mission and Objectives of Zena
Zena Forest is not only unique but a pivotal part of ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and education. Our approach to managing this valuable resource is guided by several core objectives:
- Conservation and Restoration: We aim to conserve, restore, and enhance Zena's natural resources and ecosystems. Our strategy is rooted in adaptive ecosystem management, which we implement in collaboration with various partners.
- Educational Excellence and Sustainability: Zena Forest serves as a dynamic educational tool that supports ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ University’s broader sustainability goals. Through hands-on learning opportunities, we foster a deeper understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship among our students and faculty.
History of Zena
In 2008, ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ University acquired 305 acres of Zena Forest from the Trust for Public Lands, cementing it as a protected area through a conservation easement. This easement prevents developmental changes and promotes sustainable forestry aligned with conservation principles. Before ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ's stewardship, the land was managed according to German scientific forestry principles, emphasizing selective cutting and uneven-age management, as part of a larger 1,640-acre Zena Forest.
- Zena Book: Finding a Sense of Place
Students in the "Environmental History of Zena" course at ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ University authored a groundbreaking narrative in 2012, detailing the extensive history of the Zena Forest area. Their work, based on meticulous research, spans from the Pleistocene era to modern times, and focuses on the evolving relationship between humans and the landscape. The resulting publication, divided into sections that explore geological beginnings, cultural transformations, legal frameworks, and conservation efforts, offers fourteen insightful stories about the land’s history.
- Section One explores Zena's geological origins and the Kalapuyan peoples' deep connection to the land.
- Section Two delves into how Euro-American settlers' agricultural practices and ideologies shaped the landscape.
- Section Three examines legal narratives and the ideological battles over land use in the 20th century.
- Section Four discusses conservation efforts and the shift towards sustainable land management since the late 20th century.
This comprehensive book is a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay between culture and nature at Zena. It is available for purchase at the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ University Bookstore and on .