Located just a few miles northwest of Salem, Zena Forest Products was established and inspired by German forest management best practices. In 1987, Dieter and Sarah Deumling, along with their 5-year-old son Ben, moved back to Oregon to manage a parcel of land.
Recognizing an abundance of Oregon Oak forest, in the early 2000s, Sarah pioneered a way to turn this undervalued natural resource into beautiful, resilient hardwood flooring. She was instrumental in starting the sawmill, and experimenting, refining and perfecting the company’s sustainable forest management and harvesting best practices.
In 2008, Zena Forest Products reached a pivotal inflection point. The forest was for sale and the land was at risk of destruction and development. Having worked, lived and connected with the forests (developing a deep respect and passion for the planet), Sarah single-handedly found a way to save the forest. She sold the land to a conservation nonprofit organization and purchased 1,300 acres of the original 2,200-acre property. Since that time, the forest has been protected by a conservation easement, which stipulates the forest remains a working ecosystem into perpetuity.
Fast forward to today, Zena Forest Products is at the forefront of a revolutionary approach to sustainable forestry. We’re on a mission to steward a biodiverse and resilient forest – ensuring harvesting doesn’t exceed growth and regeneration, bringing the beauty of the forest to flooring, and restoring the natural resources that are essential to the survival of our world.
We’re champions of our planet
Our purpose is to protect our forests. We believe exemplary forestry is achieved by balancing ecological productivity, protecting water bodies, preserving plant and wildlife species, and considering carbon storage and climate impacts. This mindset is what differentiates Zena Forest Products and allows us to protect the forests of the Willamette Valley and important natural habitats, while producing beautiful, resilient, locally sourced hardwood products.
We’re masters of craftsmanship that’s built to last
We harvest individual trees throughout our 1,300-acre property, felling the second-best trunk in each cluster, and reducing competition for light and nutrients so the remaining trees can thrive. This continuous, careful culling process takes time, combined with an intimate knowledge of the environment, yet the results last for generations. It prompts a gradual increase in total growth while protecting and cultivating the carbon contained within the forest floor and soil, so the trees endure for another 100 years or more.
We’re committed to innovative forestry management
We’re at the forefront of a revolutionary approach to sustainable forestry – rooted in the belief that true innovation lies in balancing the needs of the environment, economy and clients. We’ve spent years researching, developing, experimenting and perfecting our process to make the best hardwood flooring possible, while still doing right by the environment. Using a single section method, we harvest and plant trees to foster growth and ensure every piece of wood can be traced back to its origin. Additionally, we invest in new machinery and technology that allows us to eliminate material waste and leverage previously unutilized wood from restoration projects throughout the state. In fact, we’re the only company in Oregon that’s integrated all aspects of the timber process – using sustainable forest management and harvesting practices to create beautiful, heirloom, artisan products made from native hardwoods.
Bring the exquisite beauty of the forest to your floor today.
