News
FEATURES
After devastating wildfires, watersheds surprisingly thick with fish and amphibians
In the aftermath of historically severe wildfires in 2020, a study of Cascade Range watersheds found that stream vertebrates are doing surprisingly well, highlighted by flourishing fish populations. “Our work looked at the three years following megafires in western Oregon and suggests that fishes are thriving and amphibians are persisting,” said Oregon State University postdoctoral researcher Allison Swartz, who led the study.
College of Forestry finalizes new management plan for OSU’s McDonald-Dunn Research Forest
The Oregon State University College of Forestry has finalized a new management plan for the OSU-owned McDonald-Dunn Research Forest in the Coast Range foothills northwest of Corvallis. Last revised in 2005, the updated plan provides an adaptive framework for sustainable management in a changing climate and sets the stage for the next century of stewardship, said Holly Ober, the college’s associate dean for science outreach and the leader of the planning process.
Yuletide kissers, smooch without guilt: Research suggests your mistletoe didn’t harm its tree host
If mistletoe’s status as a nutrient-stealing freeloader has been cooling your holiday ardor, new research led by an Oregon State University scientist may help relight the fire. A survey of urban forests in seven western Oregon cities found no observable connection between mistletoe infestation and negative health outcomes for the trees it was parasitizing. So worry not: Your yuletide kissing tradition probably does not involve a tree killer. And as you’re setting concern aside, you might want to head outside. “This is the best time of year to look for mistletoe because there are no leaves on the trees,” said College of Forestry professor emeritus Dave Shaw, an OSU Extension Service forest health specialist.
2026 Starker Lecture Series: A century of research forest discoveries
In 1926, Oregon State University acquired the first parcel of what is now a statewide network of 10 research forests. The 2026 Starker Lecture Series will explore the history of these forests and how perspectives and stewardship have shifted with new knowledge and pressures. It will also show how today’s approaches are laying the groundwork for the next generation of learning, building on a century of discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of forests in a changing world.
RESEARCH
Reading the rings: The College of Forestry Tree Ring Lab connects Oregon’s past, present and future
In a quiet corner of the OSU College of Forestry, a growing team of researchers is using the past to inform the future. The Tree Ring Lab, one of the college’s fastest-growing research spaces, studies forest disturbance, climate and succession — using the annual records stored in trees themselves.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Student Spotlight: Whitney Harrington finds her path in natural resources and sustainability
After spending 20 years working seasonal jobs in National Parks across the country – while also balancing roles in the restaurant industry – Whitney Harrington was inspired to pursue a career in natural resources. That journey led her to OSU’s Ecampus, where she’s now double majoring in natural resources and sustainability.
FORESTRY & NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION
Oregon maintains top Christmas tree producer title by adapting
It sounds like the setup for a holiday romantic comedy – Priya Rajarapu works as a Christmas tree expert for Oregon State University’s Extension Service, helping Oregon’s 300-plus Christmas tree growers produce a healthy crop each holiday season so that the state can export millions of perfect trees across the world.
But this job is more science than sentiment. In her Extension role and as an assistant professor in the College of Forestry, Rajarapu, who earned her doctorate in entomology, is studying how to keep Oregon’s holiday industry thriving as the climate changes.
EVENTS
Starker Lecture Series: McDonald Forest: A Century of Dynamic Landscapes
Join historian Bill Robbins as he traces the story of Peavy Arboretum and the McDonald Forest from their pre-OSU land uses to their roles today as living laboratories for research, teaching and community engagement.
PFSC 117
Faculty Research Showcase - CAS/COF/CEOAS
Curious about research but not sure where to start? Looking for hands-on experience that can set you apart? Check out the Faculty Research Showcase!
LINC 100
2026 College of Forestry Art Show: Evergreen
Join us for the College of Forestry’s annual art show, featuring original works by COF students and employees exploring this year's theme — Evergreen — through a range of media and perspectives.
Richardson Hall, The Grove Gallery (2nd floor knuckle)
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Welcome visiting scholar Kuang-Tsung Chang
Kuang-Tsung Chang is a professor at the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Program recognizes the Oregon Naturalist Program
The Oregon Naturalist Program received the Outstanding Team award
Firs for Food Security brings holiday cheer and big community impact
Firs for Food Security is back, and this year’s celebration is merrier than ever!
COF IN THE NEWS
Can You Grow Your Own Christmas Tree? What an Expert Says You Should Know First
Better Homes & Gardens
Dec. 18, 2025
Oregon Christmas tree specialist helps protect state’s status as nation’s top producer
OPB's Think Out Loud
Dec. 11, 2025
A 200-year experiment: If a tree falls in a forest, does it really die?
Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Nov. 4, 2025
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