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A nonprofit raising funds to enhance and preserve special places and experiences in Oregon’s parks.

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March Featured Park: Kam Wah Chung Museum

Some of our members might recall Oregon Parks Forever’s campaign to raise 1.5 million dollars to help preserve and restore the historic Kam Wah Chung & Co building in John Day, Oregon. These funds were used to preserve an important part of Chinese Culture and history. If you have not ventured to John Day to see the museum, consider making a trip this summer!

The Kam Wah Chung building was deeded to the City of John Day in 1955, after Doc Hay’s death, to be used as an interpretive center and cultural museum. But this would not become reality until much later, when historians discovered what they had on their hands.

Inside this small stone building is a treasure of Chinese herbs and cultural objects that date from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Ing "Doc" Hay and his partner Lung On bought the business in 1888, and it served as a general store, apothecary, and cultural center for the many Chinese immigrants who came to the area in the late 1800’s to work in gold mines. Doc Hay became known in the community for his expertise in Chinese medicine, often providing cures even when western doctors were unable.

More than 500 herbs are still preserved at the museum, making it one of the largest collections of traditional Chinese medicine in North America.

The John Day Historical Society operated a museum at the site starting in 1976; but in the late 1990’s it became clear that the society lacked the funds for the upkeep and maintenance the site needed. In 2004, Oregon Parks Forever became involved to raise funds for the state’s restoration project, and Kam Wah Chung became a State Heritage Site in 2005.

In 2010, OPB documented Kam Wah Chung in an episode of Oregon Experience (View it here on the OPB website). Due to the efforts made to preserve Kam Wah Chung for future generations, it is available for everyone to visit to this day. Tours operate daily from May to October. Reservations for museum tours are available through the State Parks website; tours are free but space is limited to groups of eight.

Consider making a Donation to Oregon Parks Forever today, and be a part of preserving Oregon’s rich cultural heritage.

Could you double your donation?

Do you know if your employer will match your donations? If you’ve recently sent a donation to Oregon Parks Forever, you could double your impact by checking to see if your employer will send a matching gift! It’s easy to find out.

See if your Employer will Match your Donation Now

Amazing Oregon Waterfalls with Free Parking

Spring in Oregon is an excellent time to see waterfalls! Melting Winter snow and Spring rains mean that the rivers and streams will be full, and the forests will be lush and green.

Some of Oregon’s most popular waterfalls can be busy this time of year. Traffic along Oregon’s Columbia Gorge Waterfall Corridor has increased to the point that ODOT will now be requiring permits for the route between May 24th and Labor Day.

Almost everyone in Oregon is familiar with Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls, and other places like Bridal Veil Falls and Salt Creek Falls are also popular destinations. Other waterfalls, some also very spectacular, provide the opportunity to enjoy these natural wonders with fewer crowds, and no fees to pay. Read the Full Article>

Bringing Track Trails to Oregon

Oregon Parks Forever is working to bring Track Trails to Oregon! Track Trails are nature scavenger hunts for kids that foster a love of the outdoors while teaching about the natural world. Track Trails are geared for elementary school age children, and kids who complete a Track Trail earn TRACKer Gear. Our goal is to have 50 Track Trails in Oregon to encourage kids and families to get outside for healthy outdoor activites.

We want to hear from you! Please take our Track Trails Survey and help us to develop this program for Oregon!

Spring is Here! Check out These Upcoming Events

Tryon Creek OwlFest: March 19 @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
There are five species of Owls that can be found in the woods at Tryon Creek State Park. Learn about the owls at this event, returning for 2022.

Whale Watching Week: March 21 - March 25
While the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center remains closed amid staffing and funding shortages, that doesn't stop the whales from visiting. Bring your binoculars and pick a spot to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures. Between late March and June, about 25,000 gray whales will pass by Oregon’s shores on their way to cooler waters near Alaska. Many whales will be accompanied by their calves, which are born in the winter in the warm waters off the coast of Baja, Mexico.

Heceta Head Lighthouse 128-year Anniversary: March 30 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Celebrate the Heceta Head Lighthouse's 128th anniversary with food, music, and whale watching at this family-friendly event being held at the keeper's house.

Check out more upcoming events on our website event calendar.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Oregon Parks Forever is a statewide, member-supported nonprofit dedicated to raising funds to enhance and preserve special places and experiences in Oregon's parks. www.orparksforever.org.

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