On August 3, 2026, the OSU Research Forest team welcomed Emily Steel, ecologist with the City of Eugene's Public Works Department, for a tour of Oregon white oak restoration sites in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest. Research Forest Director Rebecca Rollins and outgoing Interim Director Mark Swanson led discussions on restoration strategies including selective conifer removal, prescribed fire, and native plant seeding.
Drawing on her extensive experience with oak woodland and savanna restoration, Emily shared insights that sparked ideas for future projects and collaborations. Comparing outcomes from restoration efforts in Eugene and the McDonald-Dunn revealed several common themes, including the return of acorn woodpeckers to restored oak habitats, the value of retaining large conifers as granary structures, and the ongoing challenge of invasive plants.
The group also reflected on growing public interest in identifying and restoring oak woodlands as ecologically diverse, fire-adapted, and climate-resilient habitats. One takeaway was clear: the more opportunities resource managers and restoration practitioners have to learn from one another, the better!