Judi DeSantis

I have always lived in Oregon. I grew up on the Oregon Coast but have lived inland since I was an adult. As a child, my family came to visit Silver Creek Falls and I grew to love those excursions.

I taught elementary school after college. One of my favorite memories was bringing 200 fifth and sixth graders to Camp Silver Creek for outdoor school. Our team was one of the first to implement outdoor school in Salem. We slept in the cabins with the kids and taught classes, organized food, crafts, activities, etc. It was a full five days with the students and we did it several years. It was such a perfect place and I know many of the children would not have experienced camp without the program.

My family moved to Silverton in 1978. I often took my children to the park, especially the Christmas party that was held in the Lodge. I owned several businesses in Silverton but knew exactly where I wanted to volunteer when I retired from my Frame Shop. It has been a big part of my children’s life and mine.

I married my husband, Jim, in 1985. Our family’s blended and we had five children. His grandpa Luigi, with his brothers, had immigrated from Italy. They settled and farmed near the falls. The big house on the North end of the park currently being renovated was his Uncle Tony’s house. Many family reunions were held at the ranches.

Earl McCollum

Earl taught High School Vocational Agriculture for six years in Ontario and Dallas Oregon. After he was an administrator and teacher at Treasure Valley Community College for twenty years. He also wrote grant proposals for the college and got three federal grants approved. He taught wildflower identification, cross country skiing, and backpacking. His last administrative job was Dean of Vocational Education.

After thirty years of teaching, he retired. He and his wife, Betty, began traveling the world with the Elderhostel program. They took thirty trips with Elderhostel and later took ten trips with a local company called Oregon West.

They lived in Bend for six years. While there, Earl led plant identification hikes for the Forest Service.

Earl and Betty moved to Lebanon, OR to escape allergies to Juniper trees and while in Lebanon, Earl spent time climbing mountains with family and friends. He climbed Mt. St. Helens twice, South Sister twice, Middle Sister, Mt. Thielson twice, and Mt. Rainier.

In 2005, they downsized their home and moved to Sublimity. At that time Earl started leading hikes in Silver Falls State Park and began serving on the Friends of Silver Falls Board. He continues that today, as well as volunteering in the Nature Store.

Earl likes to make people smile and enjoys finding out where people are from and why they come to Silver Falls. He is also fond of telling visitors that he and the park are the same age.

Ann Kitchel, Vice President

As a native of the prairies and farmlands of Nebraska, I continue to be in awe of the beauty of the mountains, ocean and forests of Oregon.  I came to Oregon in 2013 to work as a law librarian at Willamette University in Salem.  I live on a small acreage outside of Silverton just a few miles from the park.  The park is practically in my back yard!  I have enjoyed hiking the trails and taking in the scenery over the years.  I began volunteering at the park working in the Nature Store and it was then that I truly began to appreciate what a special place Silver Falls State Park is.  At the store I meet people from every state in the country and from countries all over the world.  What I hear from our visitors is always the same:  Silver Falls is one of the most beautiful places they have every seen.  Experiencing their sense of wonder gives me great joy.

When I was offered the opportunity to serve on the Friends of Silver Falls Board of Directors, I was honored to accept.   This organization is made up of amazing people who love the park and work collaboratively with the State Park to support park operations and fund projects that enhance the experience of our visitors.  As we approach the 100-year anniversary of the park, I am excited to be involved in the work of the Friends of Silver Falls.

Allison Barrows, Secretary

I grew up in Massachusetts with much of my family in Oregon. Each summer I was shipped to Sweet Home, Oregon for several weeks to stay at my grandparents' farm. I explored the fields and forest on their property, played in the Calapooia River and fell in love with Oregon. I moved to attend Oregon State University and twenty something years later, I'm still here. 

I have hiked and biked all over Silver Falls State Park. I hike with my dog so most of my time is spent away from the waterfalls and the forest here is magical. I'm also a sucker for historic lodges and CCC buildings and always stop to admire the craftsmanship. 

Since I spend so much time here I wanted to give back to the park and share my favorite place with others. I started volunteering at the nature store summer of 2022 and I love it. It's exciting to talk with visitors from all over and share our appreciation of this beautiful place. 

In my spare time I enjoy traveling and hiking with my dog, who has been to 42 states!  

Mike Niemeyer, President

Like our other board members I have a longstanding love for Silver Falls State Park, a beautiful place populated with fun and happy staff and visitors.

As a Trail Ambassadors my wife Jackie and I enjoy interacting with visitors: A cosplayer, a bridal party taking pictures, a sister guiding her out-of-state family around the falls, a man with a life-size Yoda, birders, equestrians and mountain bikers and families speaking every language on the planet.

As a first responder for the local fire Dept I also regularly see Park staff step up to aid lost and injured park visitors and evacuate guests when fire threatens. Silver Falls is a great place and I'm happy to be able to support it through the work of Friends of Silver Falls.

Susan Ransom

I love Oregon! I tried to move up here for 40 years before it became a reality. I visited Oregon frequently when my parents moved here in 1975. The goal was to move here as well but my husband would not leave his job. 40 years later, upon retirement we got up here as fast as we could! My daughter also moved to Oregon and she and I fell in love with Silver Falls State Park. We decided to volunteer so we could spend more time there and help support the park. We both work in the Nature Store and help out at special events. It is so rewarding to share our passion for this park with the visitors and we meet interesting people from all over the world!

(Suzie is the one on the right)

In addition to volunteering at Silver Falls, I also volunteer at Willamette Humane Society walking dogs. That is where I rescued the furry love of my life, Charlie. I am the Treasurer for my church, Oasis and in my pre-COVID life, led mid-week children’s Bible programs. I also enjoy kayaking, reading, gardening, and of course, walking Charlie. Retirement life in Oregon is AMAZING!