Discover Your Forest to Change Name to Discover Your Northwest
A letter from Karen Walsh, Executive Director of Discover Your Forest:
Dear Friends, When I became Executive Director of Discover Your Forest (DYF), I was inspired by how deeply Central Oregonians care for the public lands that surround us. Together we have built volunteer programs, launched Stars Over Newberry, and created unforgettable educational opportunities for youth and families.
Today, I’m writing with exciting news about our next chapter. Beginning January 1, 2026, Discover Your Forest will retire its name and continue all of its work as part of Discover Your Northwest (DYNW).
This is not a merger or a farewell. DYF has always been a “doing business as” (DBA) name of DYNW. By uniting under one identity we will: Simplify and strengthen our brand so partners and visitors recognize us everywhere we serve. Focus resources on programs, not parallel branding. Grow opportunities across the Northwest while continuing the local work you value.
I am honored to continue this journey as Director of Programs for Discover Your Northwest. Our dedicated staff and volunteers remain in place, and our partnerships—local and regional—will carry forward seamlessly. As we move toward 2026, you’ll notice updates to our website, emails, and social media. The heart of our mission remains unchanged: to inspire stewardship of our public lands and connect communities with the natural world.
Thank you for your incredible support through every stage of DYF’s story. I’m excited to build the next chapter together—under one clear name, Discover Your Northwest.
With gratitude,
Karen Walsh Executive Director, Discover Your Forest (Future Director of Programs, Discover Your Northwest)
FAQ
Why is Discover Your Forest changing its name?
Discover Your Forest (DYF) has always been part of Discover Your Northwest (DYNW). As a Doing Business As (DBA) entity, DYF has always been a part of Discover Your Northwest. Same staff, same tax ID (91-0921955).
What is happening?
Beginning January 1, 2026, the name Discover Your Forest (DYF) will be retired and all programs will operate solely under Discover Your Northwest (DYNW).
DYF has always been a “doing business as” (DBA) identity of DYNW, so this is a name alignment—not a merger or a new organization.
Why are you making this change?
Using one consistent name:
- Eliminates confusion for members, donors, and partners.
- Strengthens our brand across the Pacific Northwest.
- Streamlines operations, including websites, email domains, and social media.
- This allows us to focus resources on programs and partnerships instead of maintaining parallel brands–rather, it saves duplicative expenses so our budget can go further towards supporting public lands partners.
- Allows our incredible team to spread the successes of DYF’s Bend-area programming to other parts of our service area.
How will this affect current partners and agreements?
It won’t.
All existing contracts, MOUs, and fiscal sponsorships remain valid. Agreements were made and signed between Discover Your Northwest, EIN 91-0921955, and external entities, so nothing will be impacted by this adjustment.
What about Fiscal Sponsor Projects?
Your current DYNW contacts (e.g., Samantha “Sam” Sobash-McWilliams for Fiscal Sponsor Projects) remain the same.
Only the public-facing name and web domains will change.
What about programs and staff?
Programs continue without interruption—from Central Oregon to our full service area across the Northwest.
Karen Walsh will serve as Director of Programs, ensuring seamless leadership.
Our small but mighty local team in gateway communities will keep delivering the same events, retail operations, volunteer support, and education programs you rely on.
What should partners do?
No immediate action is required.
Please update our name to Discover Your Northwest in future communications and promotional materials after January 1, 2026.
Continue working with your existing DYNW contacts for all projects and reporting.
