Background
Woodbridge Metcalf (1888-1972) was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He received his B.A. and his M.S. in Forestry from the
University of Michigan in 1911 and 1912 respectively. In 1914, Metcalf accepted a position teaching silviculture and dendrology
in the newly formed Department of Forestry at the University of California. His scholarly interests and activities included
studies of the Coast Redwood, Sierra Redwood, Cork Oak, and Eucalypts. In 1926, Metcalf became the first Extension Forester
for California. He would serve in that post for thirty years, dedicating himself to public education in forestry and conservation.
As Extension Forester, Metcalf played a key role in the development of rural and forest fire protection programs in California,
organized a number of 4-H summer camps at Whitaker's Forest, Las Posadas, and White Oak Flat (among other locations) to teach
California youth about forests and the California environment, advocated for better management of farm woods, studied the
efficiency of windbreaks in the protection of citrus orchards in Southern California, and managed the University-owned Whitaker's
Forest in Tulare County. Metcalf was a life member of the California Conservation Council and served as its president for
four years. After retiring in 1956, Metcalf continued to pursue his tree studies and forestry activities. He conducted tree
surveys and developed street tree recommendations for the cities of Livermore, Walnut Creek, Hollister, Campbell, and Santa
Barbara. He participated in the International Shade Tree Conference amd the Street Tree Symposium at Saratoga and was active
in the California Christmas Tree Growers' Association. Metcalf was the author of numerous forestry articles and pamphlets
as well as censuses of trees in a range of California locations, including the the San Francisco Bay region and the campus
of the University of California, Berkeley, In addition to his forestry work, Metcalf was a skilled yachtsmen. He and his partner,
Glenn Waterhouse, won the International Star Class World Championships in 1933 and represented tne United States in the in
the 1936 Olympic games.
Extent
33 linear feet
Number of containers: 25 cartons, 2 cardfile boxes, 4 oversize folders, 1 box, 1 oversize box
Restrictions
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head
of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The
Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright
owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner.