Cascade Lakes Pub hosts nonprofit Discover Your Forest to raise money and awareness of its programs

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Monday night, Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market Road in Bend hosted a fundraiser for Discover Your Forest. A dollar was donated from each pint served.

Discover Your Forest is a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting and preserving the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests in Central Oregon.

They often engage in activities related to forest education, conservation and community involvement.

They told NewsChannel 21, they primarily focus on interpretive and educational programs, as well as recruiting volunteers.

Central Oregon’s national forests and grassland benefit greatly from the community of diverse volunteers who are devoted to stewardship and their public lands. 

“We are in this space because we would love to recreate, and so a big thing is,  when you are out, pack in and pack up what you are bringing into the forest land," said Karen Walsh, executive director of Discover Your Forest. "It’s healthy for not only the humans but also the wildlife.”

Steve Moore, a volunteer ranger for Discover Your Forest,“ said, "Interpretation is our word for a fun way of educating people about the wonders of the outdoor environment."

Discover Your Forest said money raised at these types of fundraisers help fund programs like Snowshoe With a Ranger, Become a Junior Ranger, and learning the Leave No Trace principles.

The organization also trains volunteers to advocate for healthy forests and protection of natural landscapes, by providing education to visitors, helping to maintain trails, serving at wilderness trailheads, picking up trash and preventing the spread of invasive plants.