In 2026, Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative is celebrating 90 years of cooperation! As part of REC’s 90th Anniversary Celebration on August 1st, FSF co-founder and forester Troy Firth will lead walking tours of the Northwestern REC Community Forest, a property conserved in partnership between FSF and REC in 2024 through the USDA Community Forest Program.

The walking tours will follow a loop trail through the forest adjacent to REC’s headquarters. Troy will discuss the property’s history and FSF’s use of sustainable forestry practices to improve the forest’s health and resilience. The walk will traverse uneven terrain, while keeping a relaxed pace. Waterproof footwear is recommended.

REC’s 90th Anniversary Celebration takes place from 11am to 3pm. Tours of the community forest will depart at 11:30am and 1:30pm.

Additional details about the REC 90th Anniversary Celebration, including live music, face painting, food vendors, safety demonstrations, and truck and garage tours, is available on the Northwestern REC website at www.northwesternrec.com/90years