Empowering PNW Communities to Keep Forests Healthy
The Forest Health Watch Program is a co-produced initiative to facilitate research and education about the health of urban and rural forests in the Pacific Northwest.
We strive to generate actionable information and provide educational opportunities through research conducted by and with communities and partners.
Molly is the WSU Forest Health Extension Specialist based in Mount Vernon, Washington. She has a background in forest entomology and invasive species management. Molly joined as a co-director of the Forest Health Watch in 2023.
Joey is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington State University. He has a background in forest pathology and he is passionate about public engagement in science.
With the help of many incredible partners and collaborators, Joey established the Forest Health Watch in 2020. His initiative to lead this program stems from his experience establishing the Cape Citizen Science program in South Africa during his doctorate.
Gary is a Professor and Extension Specialist at Washington State University. He leads the Ornamental Plant Pathology program at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center. Gary has a robust background in studying and managing insect pests and diseases of conifer species.
Marianne is a Senior Research Associate at Washington State University. She manages many plant health research projects and has a strong background in forest pathology. Marianne has also led multiple citizen science projects such as the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program and the Arbutus ARME.
Todd is the Director of the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center. He serves on the Washington Invasive Species Council and has a background in integrated pest management. Todd is a great resource for inquiries about invasive insects.
Brieanne Laia & Hailey Dillow, Bellarmine Preparatory School, Tacoma, Washington.
Angela Gaither, Environmental Studies Capstone, University of Washington
Lyndsay Felthoven, Environmental Studies Capstone, University of Washington
Hibaaq Arte, Environmental Studies Capstone, University of Washington
We are grateful for our collaboration with Brendan Farrell of Clockwork Micro in the collection of gSSURGO data for the redcedar trees shared in the Western Redcedar Dieback Map project.
We are extremely grateful for the amazing contributions of the below individuals. They provided exceptional feedback to improve the user interface of this website.
Cassidy Trier
Deyi Jeng
Ethel Xu
Alvin Jeong
We are also fortunate to have support from the amazing volunteer coders below. They have helped overcome some interesting challenges for integrating iNaturalist and Tableau Public.
Tyler Sheldon
Tree Mama
Eldan Goldenberg
Community Field Guide Development
Alexis Evans
Our volunteers help overcome our challenges and address many needs. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering to improve this program in any capacity.
Funding for the establishment of this program was provided by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the form of a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (Grant Number 2020-67034-31766).
We have a small budget for research and educational activities. Research activities can involve sample collection and processing. Educational activities generally include activities such as workshops with professional staff and hikes with youth.
We are always looking for additional support to grow and sustain this program, more funding = greater positive impact. Please contact us if you are interested in supporting this program.
Do you want to be move involved in shaping the Forest Health Watch? Please contact us if you would like to be part of an advisory committee.