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Forest Talks & Forest Walks Book Club
We cordially invite you to join Forest Talks & Forest Walks, our virtual book club (with an in-person hike!), hosted by RE Sources, Center for Responsible Forestry, and Whatcom Million Trees Project. The goal of our book club is to be a community-driven space for learning, discussion, and action centered on ecological forestry and local forest issues.
This winter, we’re reading The Final Forest by William Dietrich. The third meeting of this winter’s book club is Sunday, March 29th, 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Logistics: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sunday March 29th, meetup at Mount Baker Highway 542 milepost 43.5. Parking is very limited! There is only room for about 3 medium sized vehicles. If you plan on attending, please sign up via the carpool link.
Waiver: To participate, you must provide a signed waiver. Digital waivers will be provided at the trailhead. Thank you!
What to Expect: After a previous cancellation due to a road closure, we’re excited to try this hike again as many book club members have expressed interest. This long-awaited hike gives us a chance to experience one of the region’s hidden groves of towering old-growth trees, a perfect way to connect with The Final Forest. By luck, this grove along Highway 542 still stands, a local treasure, a cathedral of giants.
The hike is a short, gentle 1-mile round trip through ancient forest. The trail is mostly flat, with a few spots where you’ll step over large fallen logs or navigate muddy areas. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by massive trees and the quiet, cathedral-like atmosphere of these ancient woods, a chance to reflect on the history, resilience, and stories of the forest as we wrap up the book.
How to Prepare: Please read the final chapters 13-18 of The Final Forest by William Dietrich. Bring everything you would for a casual, winter hike! Water, snacks, layers, comfy shoes, binoculars, etc…
About the book:
The Final Forest (2011) is rooted in William Dietrich’s deep connection to Washington State and his early career as a journalist in Northwest Washington, including Whatcom County. Raised near Puget Sound and educated at Fairhaven College at Western Washington University, Dietrich developed a lasting sense of place that shaped his reporting on the people and landscapes of the region. First published in 1992, The Final Forest grew out of his coverage of the spotted owl controversy and the old-growth timber wars that made Forks the self-proclaimed “Logging Capital of the World” and ground zero for a national environmental conflict. This updated edition revisits Forks decades later to examine how forest policy, logging practices, and community life have changed, as tourism has risen alongside the continued presence of working forests and loggers. Written by a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, the book has been recognized as a Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award and a 2011 Outstanding Title from the University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries, underscoring its lasting relevance and impact.
Need a copy?
You can purchase the book here from Village Books. Don’t forget to mention in the comments that you’re in the FTFW book club for 15% off!
Winter 2026 Schedule
Wednesday, January 21st, 7-8:30 p.m. — Virtual Discussion on Zoom
Reading Assignment: Chapters 1–6
Thursday, February 19th, 7-8:30 p.m. — Virtual Q&A with special guest on Zoom
Reading Assignment: Chapters 7-13
Sunday, March 29th, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — In-person Forest Walk + Group Dialogue (dated changed!)
Reading Assignment: Chapters 13-18