Meet Pamela Slaughter
"Whenever I go through the Tillamook Forests, even if I'm not stopping there, I always think of it as my forest because I helped replant it", says Pamela. “You know when you help something, you tend to want to continue to care for it and protect it and keep it safe. And you want it to do well. And so, I feel very bonded to the Tillamook Forest for that reason.
A lifelong Oregonian, Pamela’s deep connection with nature began in her childhood. "It's really hard to be in Oregon and not gravitate to nature. As far back as I can remember I was outside, climbing trees, watching caterpillars, watching wildlife."
"I was in the eighth grade and I was one of the kids that got bused out to integrate schools. It was a hostile environment. But one of the good things that happened was I got to replant the Tillamook Forest,” she recalls. "I saw elk. I saw deer. It was a wonderful experience until my hair, that was pressed down, got frizzier and frizzier until I had a full-on afro. And it really infuriated my teacher. He said, you can't have hair like that - that's a militant look. It irritated me so much that I just kept wearing an afro ever since."
Pamela is founder and executive director of People of Color Outdoors (POCO) in Portland. She is a widely recognized dedicated advocate for increasing diversity in outdoor activities. Her love for the outdoors, combined with her personal experiences of racial discrimination, inspired her to create POCO, an organization to help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) reconnect with nature.
“We help to take away a lot of the anxiety that might come because, like myself, people have had scary experiences. We build a feeling of connection - feeling connected to nature and with other people that are already there,” says Pamela. “A little kindness goes a long way on the trail. It makes a big difference, especially to people that have been traumatized by threats.”
The POCO organizes activities such as hiking, paddling, and camping for communities of color. Its unique approach is to repeat visits to the same locations. This helps participants become familiar with the sites, reducing anxiety and building confidence. "When they feel bonded to land, they start to think about it as their backyard. It starts to feel safe and they bring others," says Pamela.
Pamela with some of POCO’s environmental education program for youth, ‘Guardians’
This summer, State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFTO) is partnering with Pamela and POCO to host a series of visits to the Tillamook State Forest so families can develop a similar connection with this public land. The first visit was on June 15, 2024 to the Tillamook Forest Center. Participants not only enjoyed a short hike along the scenic Wilson River but they also attended panel discussion about the
temporary exhibit, 'Roots', also sponsored by SFTO. Pamela’s efforts are breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy the healing and energizing benefits of the outdoors. By reclaiming nature for people of color, she is not only enriching lives but also paving the way for a more inclusive future in outdoor recreation.
Beaver State Market Teams Up with State Forests Trust of Oregon
Beaver State Market has always been about celebrating what makes Oregon special. Since opening in 2022, they've made it their mission to support local organizations that enhance life for everyone in the state. Their latest partnership is with the State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFTO).
This collaboration of apparel and accessories highlights three iconic Oregon trees: the Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, and Oregon white oak. These items, designed right in Forest Grove, show off local artistry and a love for our state’s natural wonders.
For every purchase from the collection, 10% of the price goes directly to SFTO.
This partnership is all about community, nature, and the pride of being an Oregonian.
So next time you’re shopping for a gift or for yourself, explore the State Forests Trust Collection at Beaver State Market and support opportunities for exploration and enjoyment on our state forests. Enjoy free shipping through June 30, 2024 by using the promo code SFTOLAUNCH.
'Roots' Exhibit Panel Discussion
On June 15, the 'Roots' exhibit, sponsored by the State Forests Trust of Oregon, debuted at the Tillamook Forest Center. The opening event featured a panel discussion with Chad Brown, the exhibit's Creative Director; Pam Slaughter, a leader in BIPOC outdoor recreation and head of PDX People of Color Outdoors; and Brian Chou, a leader in the fly fishing world. They shared their experiences and insights on creating the exhibit, which runs through to September 15, 2024.
Chad Brown, award winning documentary-style portrait and adventure photographer, outdoor enthusiast and Navy veteran reflected on the importance of the exhibit during the panel discussion. "My work behind the camera is just trying to create that platform and be able to inspire people to pursue the outdoors without fear, in a space of love." Chad shared his experience of connecting people to nature and the transformation that occurs. "There's an ah-hah moment in the healing that comes from time in nature. You see it and you feel it, and then you become this advocate of that environment. People realize 'I need to protect this, because this is what has healed me'."
'Roots' highlights the contributions of three BIPOC individuals who have made significant impacts in the outdoor recreation industry. The exhibit emphasizes their strong connections to state forest lands, especially the Tillamook State Forest.
