The Lee H. & Marion B. Thompson Foundation was founded by Lee H. and Marion B. Thompson who lived and worked in the Sherwood area for many decades. They farmed and owned land across Washington, Clackamas, and Marion counties and also successfully owned and operated Chick-a-Dee Gardens Nursery and blueberry farms, for more than half a century.

Their passion for conservation began after watching a documentary about the challenges of bird migration in Montana, specifically related to the vital Prairie Pothole Region and how agricultural practices were impacting bird populations. This inspired Marion to start donating to conservation efforts that supported and protected bird migration. Marion went on to establish the Lee H. & Marion B. Thompson Foundation to support her community by providing financial assistance to local nonprofits.

Committed to a lasting legacy of giving, Lee and Marion decided that the majority of their wealth would be transferred to the Foundation upon their deaths. Their generosity ensures that the foundation can continue to benefit the communities they loved for generations to come.