Forest Learning Center at Mount St. Helens

Within months of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, we began hand-planting 18 million seedlings in the aftermath of one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in North America. Today, those trees stand over 70-feet tall. They're growing so densely that thinning is needed to ensure the heartiest have the sunlight, nutrients and space needed to grow to maturity.

To celebrate the return of the forests at Mount St. Helens, and commemorate the 25th anniversary in 2005, $1 million dollars was provided to Habitat for Humanity through grants from the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation and packages of lumber from Mount St. Helens. The campaign helped build homes for 25 families in 18 states and provinces across the United States and Canada. See the impression this donation to Habitat for Humanity had on Former President Jimmy Carter, in 56k and below or broadband. (You might need a free media player to watch these .wmv files.)

We invite you to browse our web site to learn more about the destruction and renewal, including our interactive sections that allow you to:

• View a live webcam at Mount St. Helens and the Forest Learning Center
• Use our interactive map with its bird's eye view of the mountain
• Go inside the blast
• Compare before and after photos of our forestlands
• See the animals that have returned with our wildlife viewer
• View Mount St. Helens memories from our Forest Learning Center volunteers

We welcome you to visit the Forest Learning Center (see schedule) located just inside the blast zone. Experience this unique story through exhibits, views, trails and a playground the entire family will enjoy!