Starker Lectures

Starker Lecture Series 2025

The 2025 Starker Lecture series brings together top experts to explore water-related challenges we face across western North America including climate change and land use impacts. These talks will explore the fascinating roles of forestry, fire management, geology, and soils and provide inspiration for future conservation and research efforts.

The Starker Lectures Series is sponsored by the Starker Family in honor of TJ and Bruce Starker, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute and the Oregon State University College of Forestry.

Video archives

Lectures

February 19, 2025
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Starker Forests Classroom PFSC 117 and Zoom

Watch the recording

Lecture: Interagency Infrastructure for Landslide Risk Reduction in Southeast Alaska

Speakers: Ron Heintz, Senior Researcher at the Sitka Sound Science Center and
Lindsey Pierce, Environmental Specialist at Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 

Join us for an engaging talk about the Kutí project — a groundbreaking collaboration between the Sitka Sound Science Center and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Learn how scientists, Tribal governments, and municipalities are working together to tackle the growing threat of landslides fueled by extreme precipitation. Discover how innovative tools like hazard maps, enhanced weather forecasts, and the transformative power of a Community of Practice are empowering communities across Southeast Alaska to understand, prepare for, and respond to landslide risks.

March 12, 2025
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Starker Forests Classroom PFSC 117 and Zoom

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Lecture: The Dynamic Aquatic Landscape: A New Perspective and Approach

Speakers: Paul Hessburg, Research Landscape Ecologist USDA-FS, PNW Research Station, Wenatchee, WA, & University of Washington and Oregon State University and
Gordon Reeves, Research Aquatic Ecologist, retired USDA-FS, PNW Research Station, Corvallis, OR & Oregon State University

Aquatic ecosystems are constantly changing due to flooding, wildfires, drought and other natural disturbances. Instead of trying to keep them in a consistent, stable state over time, this talk highlights how working with natural shifts can improve conservation and management efforts. Using the remarkable persistence of Pacific Salmon as an example, the speakers will explore innovative strategies to restore processes that support resilience and adaptability. Join us to discover a fresh perspective on aquatic ecosystem management driven by the ebbs and flows of nature.

April 9, 2025
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Starker Forests Classroom PFSC 117 and Zoom

Watch the recording

Lecture: Collective Action and Resilience; Learning from Northern Colorado's Fireshed Collaboration

Speaker: Daniel Bowker

This talk highlights the transformation of the Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative from a small group into a network of over 30 organizations tackling wildfire risks along the Colorado Front Range. Through shared goals, science-based strategies, and strong collaboration, they’ve improved forest management and community safety. Now integrating stream restoration and watershed health, their work offers powerful lessons in addressing environmental challenges through innovation and teamwork.

More about the series

The Starker Lecture Series takes inspiration from the Starker Family's history of leadership in supporting sound forestry and vibrant communities through scientifically grounded education and positive, sustained action. The Starkers' long-time recognition of the value of closely observing and learning from actions and outcomes "in the woods" also inspires an integration of technical knowledge with practical, on-the-ground experience. An emphasis on issues and opportunities in the active management of forest resources, through lectures, in depth discussions, and field based events, will further honor the unique and exceptional example provided by the Starker Family.

All lectures are free and open to the public. The lectures will also be available via streaming video from this web site. A reception will be held immediately before the lectures. A capstone workshop will be held after the lecture series is complete to deepen the practical understanding and discussion of the lecture topics.