Salem, Oregon Salem, Oregon Salem is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood of West Salem is in Polk County. Salem was founded in 1842, became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851, and was incorporated in 1857. Salem had a population of 154,637 at the 2010 census, making it the third largest city in the state after Portland
Oregon State Parks Foundation Oregon State Parks Foundation Oregon State Parks Foundation is a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of state parks in Oregon. While the foundation works collaboratively with the Oregon State Parks Commission and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, it is an independent organization, with its own board and priorities. Its mission is "to raise funds to enhance and preserve the experience of using the more than 260 Oregon State Parks, now and for generations to come." The foundation was established as the Oregon State Parks Trust on May 16, 1995. Founding trustees included Lucille S. "Lu"