News
FEATURES
Celebrating 100 years of stewardship in the McDonald Forest
In 2026, Oregon State University’s College of Forestry will celebrate 100 years of stewardship of the McDonald research forest — a living legacy that has shaped forest management, education, research and recreation across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. To mark this centennial milestone, the College of Forestry will be hosting a number of events, reflecting on the past, present and future of the forests, and investing in new signage and interpretation on the McDonald Forest.
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.
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
Tree School Lane brings wide-ranging natural resources learning
Tree School Lane, organized by Oregon State University’s Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, featured 32 classes designed to support the successful management of Oregon’s woodlands and to complement year-long natural resources education programs offered by Extension and its collaborators. The event brought woodland owners, forestry professionals and community members together for expert-led classes on forest management, reforestation, wildfire preparedness and tree care.
EVENTS
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
Starker Lecture Series: What We’ve Learned from Decades of Long-Term Forest Research
Drawing on decades of work at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Mount St. Helens and across the U.S. Long-Term Ecological Research network, Dr. Fred Swanson will reflect on the major accomplishments of these programs and how mission, culture, place and chance influence scientific discovery and impacts on management and policy — and why long-term inquiry remains vital to forest science, education and stewardship.
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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 Yago Lestido-Cardama
Welcome International Scholar Yago Lestido-Cardama
Welcome Heather Rankin
Welcome, Heather Rankin! Manager of the Cooperative Chemical Analytical Laboratory
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
COF IN THE NEWS
Oregon prescribed burn associations say ‘fight fire with fire’
Rogue Valley Times
Jan. 11, 2026
Not just the holidays: Christmas tree growers work all year long
KOIN
Jan. 7, 2026
Dust collection in a shared shop: A wood scientist’s perspective
Woodworking Network
Dec. 28, 2025
Northwest Christmas tree growers are trying out new species in face of climate change
Oregon Live
Dec. 25, 2025
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
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