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Forest Pub – The Oregon Christmas Tree Story
The following description was submitted by the event organizer.
Oregon grows more Christmas trees than any other state — but what does it take to cultivate the forests behind this festive tradition? Join OSU Extension’s Christmas Tree Specialist, Priya Rajarapu, and Trout Creek Farm Owner, Tom Norby, for an evening exploring the science, stories, and seasonal spirit of Oregon’s most iconic holiday export. From soil to celebration, trace how evergreens shape both the landscape and a sense of home.
- Priya Rajarapu has joined Oregon State University as the state Christmas tree extension specialist in the College of Forestry. With expertise in insect pest adaptation on crops, she previously worked in the North Carolina State University Christmas tree genetics program. Rajarapu’s extension program provides educational information to Oregon Christmas tree growers and conducts research to address emerging industry issues.
- Tom Norby has been growing Christmas trees in Corbett, Oregon, along with his wife Terri Barnes since 1998. He has taught classes on growing Christmas trees on numerous occasions. He is known for his green approaches to growing trees. He has been the long-time president of the Oregon Christmas Tree Growers Association and the immediate past president of the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.