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RESEARCH

Buzzing with purpose

When Ashley Mertens heads into the dry forests of eastern Oregon, she's not just looking at trees. She's listening for buzzing. Mertens, a graduate research assistant in the Forest Animal Ecology Lab, is investigating how forest management practices affect wild bee communities, and what she's finding could change how land managers think about the intersection of wildfire risk and biodiversity.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

2026 College of Forestry Commencement Celebration

The College of Forestry community gathered at the Forestry Club Cabin in Peavy Arboretum on June 12, 2026, to celebrate the graduating class. Watch highlights from the 2026 College of Forestry Commencement Celebration and join us in recognizing our newest alumni as they begin the next chapter of their journeys. Congratulations, graduates!

FORESTRY & NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION

A Pacific tree frog in an ephemeral pond, or wet spot. Photo by Jon Cox

The big importance of small places: microsites

What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘wildlife habitat’? Do you imagine lush forests, cattail-filled wetlands, river corridors, and mountain meadows? Or are you the type that likes to zoom in to the scale of a mossy log, a decaying stump, or the underside of a rock? The latter could be described as microhabitats nestled within the former larger-scale habitats. A microhabitat is a small, structurally distinct area within a larger habitat that provides everything a species needs: food, water, shelter, space.

In The Woods Podcast

Check out this monthly podcast series brought to you by the Oregon State University Forestry & Natural Resources Extension program.

Listen to the latest episode

Episode 74: Prescribed Burn Associations, or PBA’s

Episode 73: Post Wildfire Recovery, Pt. 2

Episode 72: Cultivating Shiitake Mushrooms

College of Forestry News

News

FEATURES

Forest Restoration and Spotted Owl Conservation Can Work Together, Study Finds

Turning forest waste into clean fuel: OSU researchers explore new bioenergy solutions

Oregon State University to host Get Outdoors Day on May 30 at Peavy Arboretum in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest

Oregon State University and National Taiwan University chart a new course in climate-smart forestry

RESEARCH

Buzzing with purpose

Panel Discussion: Managing Forests for Multiple Values in a Changing World

Forest Restoration and Spotted Owl Conservation Can Work Together, Study Finds

Turning forest waste into clean fuel: OSU researchers explore new bioenergy solutions

OSU researchers expand international collaboration on blue carbon monitoring in Vietnam

OSU, Forest Service find high wildfire risk for old forests where fire used to be common

New research reveals increased wildfire risk for more than 400 communities in Northwest

New forest visions: advancing forestry with robotics, AI and 3D mapping

OSU study links stand spacing to Douglas-fir wood value

Warmer winters and snow drought may threaten western U.S. water by speeding flows, study finds

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

2026 College of Forestry Commencement Celebration

Forestry students honored by Oregon Society of American Foresters

From the Adirondacks to the Andrews: How curiosity and conviction shaped Lucy Heflin’s path

The power of putting yourself out there: OSU senior Abby Schroeder’s College of Forestry experience

From local roots to global branches: The International Forestry Students’ Association year in review

From barriers to belonging: The Paulines carry forward a legacy of inclusive forestry

Oregon State University and National Taiwan University chart a new course in climate-smart forestry

Career highlights from the Wood Innovation for Sustainability degree: Two graduates share their stories

Dam Proud Day Recap: Roots Run 5K Results, Photos and More

Marys River Mural

FORESTRY & NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION

The big importance of small places: microsites

Extension provides wildfire resilience education in Josephine County

Forest tour helps Washington County woodland owners plan for climate change

Multilingual fair connects coastal residents to services and safety

Partnerships improve wildfire preparedness in Washington County

OSU Extension helps woodland owners consider big trees

Oregon State University to host Get Outdoors Day on May 30 at Peavy Arboretum in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest

Clatsop students explore forestry careers outdoors

Workshop helps participants connect students to outdoor careers

Landowners expand prescribed fire use in Eastern Oregon

Clatsop County leaders gain insight into forestry and wildfire

In The Woods Podcast

EVENTS

Christmas Tree IPM and Shearing for High-Quality Trees Workshop

Your land in your hands: digital mapping with Avenza & CalTopo

Tree School Umpqua

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Welcome Nick Bryant

Forestry students honored by Oregon Society of American Foresters

Welcome visiting scholar Metodi Sotirov

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