In 1942, a top 4-H club extension agent from Lane County by the name of Richard Kuehner was hired as a full-time executive secretary. During his tenure, he initiated Keep Oregon Green’s Oregon Green Guard program for youth ages 8-18.
The Oregon Green Guard was an educational program encouraging students to engage in activities and projects flexible enough for individuals or groups of Boy and Girl Scouts, Campfire girls, 4-H clubs, FFA schools, and other community clubs.
The main purpose of the Oregon Green Guard was to incentivize youth to help remove hazardous fuels around their farms, houses and outbuildings to better prevent wildfires.
Participants earned merit badges and other awards for their efforts. The community response to this program was so tremendous that the Salem office was deluged with applications to process, posters and fire prevention material to mail out, and were quickly running out of funds to keep up with demand. The office quit actively marketing the program and publicized only the statewide essay and poster contests.
The Oregon Green Guard kit included a pocket-size booklet for members, a membership card, an arm emblem and a poster for kids 8-18.
