Papers of Woodbridge Metcalf, first extension forester for the state of California.

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.

33 linear feet Number of containers: 25 cartons, 2 cardfile boxes, 4 oversize folders, 1 box, 1 oversize box

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Collection is open for research.