I was awestruck by Silver Falls State Park when I first visited in 1972, and the falls and forest continue to inspire me and refresh my perspective on the world whenever I visit. I’m proud to have been a founding member of the Friends of Silver Falls State Park in 1986, and to serve again as a board member in the new millennium.

My wife and I have lived in Silverton for 48 years. We raised our family here, and now have grandchildren thrilled to walk behind the waterfalls. The park remains ever inspirational, and being a board member of the Friends provides an opportunity to express my appreciation for the place itself and the organization that maintains it.

Like all our state parks, Silver Falls faces a future of disrupted financing, shifting governmental priorities, environmental challenges, and increasing need for natural wild spaces. Friends groups like ours permit ordinary citizens to support our parks directly, not only by helping to fund and operate specific projects and programs, but by being informed as to the challenges facing our parks, and empowering to help advance solutions.

I am honored to be part of a group whose aim is to enhance the knowledge, experience, and understanding of a truly special place.