OSU Research Forests

OSU Research Forests The OSU Research Forests serve as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for our community.

Covering about 11,250 acres in the hilly country north and west of Corvallis, McDonald-Dunn is the OSU College of
Forestry’s largest research, teaching, and demonstration forest, and is one of the principal assets of the
College. There are usually 40 to 80 active research projects under way on the Forest at any given time. More
than 40 university classes receive part of their instruction on the Fo

rest each year. The Forest also receives at
least 175,000 visits from hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, public school students, and teachers each year. The
College accommodates these uses by devoting a portion of its College Forest budget to maintaining the
Forest’s recreational and educational features, including an extensive all weather road system. Timber
harvested from the Forest produces revenue to maintain and operate the Forest, including recreational use,
and to meet special College instructional and research needs.

05/26/2026

We are 4 Days away from Get Outdoors Day on May 30th 2026! The countdown is on, and we are getting excited to welcome everyone out to the forest for a day full of outdoor fun, learning, and community. Thank you to all of our volunteers, exhibitors, partners, and attendees helping make this event possible. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all!
OSU Research Forests, Benton County 4-H Oregon, Benton County Health Department

05/15/2026

⏳ Let the countdown begin! ⏳

🌲☀️Only 15 days until Get Outdoors Day 2026! ☀️🌲

Get ready for a day full of outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, community partners, and fun for all ages. We can’t wait to celebrate the outdoors with you!

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more event updates, activities, and sneak peeks coming soon! 🥾🎣🌿

Missed Sunday’s Hike With A Forester? There’s still time to join the next one on Thursday, May 14th from 5–7:30 p.m.!Joi...
05/11/2026

Missed Sunday’s Hike With A Forester? There’s still time to join the next one on Thursday, May 14th from 5–7:30 p.m.!
Join Dr. Mark E. Swanson, Interim Director for the OSU Research Forests, along with forestry interns Abby and Sawyer, for a guided hike exploring the ecology of the Oak Creek watershed — past, present, and future.
Learn about current forest management projects within the “Gentle Giant” harvest area, including:
🌲 Small patch harvest with retention
🌿 Thinning and snag creation
🌳 Oak and madrone release work
Come explore the forest, ask questions, and learn more about how these landscapes are managed for the future!
Sign up today before spots fill!
Visit https://beav.es/HWAF to join and get more info!

Join us! Hike With A Forester- Oak Creek: past, present, futureMay 10th 1-4pm or May 14th 5-7:30pmJoin Dr. Mark E. Swans...
05/06/2026

Join us! Hike With A Forester- Oak Creek: past, present, future
May 10th 1-4pm or May 14th 5-7:30pm

Join Dr. Mark E. Swanson, Interim Director for the OSU Research Forests, and forestry interns Abby and Sawyer on a hike focused on the ecology of the Oak Creek watershed, past and present, and to discuss current forest management projects. The “Gentle Giant” harvest includes a variety of management strategies within its 150-acre footprint: small patch harvest with retention, thinning, snag creation, and release of oaks and madrones.

Visit https://beav.es/HWAF to join and get more info!

Wear your love for McDonald Forest! 🌲Join us at Peavy Arboretum on April 29 for the Roots Run 5K and celebrate 100 years...
04/23/2026

Wear your love for McDonald Forest! 🌲Join us at Peavy Arboretum on April 29 for the Roots Run 5K and celebrate 100 years of the McDonald Forest.

Whether you’re chasing a PR or enjoying a leisurely stroll beneath the canopy, all participants receive a commemorative shirt, plus a post-race lunch at the Forestry Club Cabin.

All registration donations support the College of Forestry’s Dam Proud Day fundraising efforts, benefiting Rootstock, the college’s volunteer-run food pantry.

Sign up now: beav.es/rootsrun5k

🌲✨ Save the Date! ✨🌲Get Outdoors Day 2026📅 Date: Saturday, May 30th⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM🚫 No parking at Peavy Arbor...
03/17/2026

🌲✨ Save the Date! ✨🌲

Get Outdoors Day 2026
📅 Date: Saturday, May 30th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🚫 No parking at Peavy Arboretum
🚌 Catch the shuttle at Crescent Valley High School

Join us for a day of outdoor fun, exploration, and community adventure!

🌲Last chance to enjoy Poetry Among the Trees!🌲LBCC Poetry Club’s poems are on the Firefighter Memorial Trail and Forest ...
03/09/2026

🌲Last chance to enjoy Poetry Among the Trees!🌲
LBCC Poetry Club’s poems are on the Firefighter Memorial Trail and Forest Discovery Trail until March 10th. Only a couple of days left. Don’t miss your chance to take a peaceful walk and enjoy these beautiful poems outdoors!

🌿✨ Poetry in the Forest – February 28th! ✨🌿Join us at 10 AM at the Firefighter Memorial Shelter in Peavy Arboretum for a...
02/27/2026

🌿✨ Poetry in the Forest – February 28th! ✨🌿

Join us at 10 AM at the Firefighter Memorial Shelter in Peavy Arboretum for a peaceful forest stroll, featuring a special poetry reading by the LBCC Poetry Club 🌲📖

Enjoy a relaxed walk among the trees while listening to original poems written by LBCC students. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, connect with nature, and celebrate local student voices.

Can’t make it on the 28th? No worries! The poems will also be displayed along the Firefighter Memorial Trail and the Forest Discovery Trail from February 24 – March 10. Take a serene walk at your own pace and enjoy the poetry outdoors.

Tip: Bring comfy shoes, a warm layer, and a friend for the full experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

🌙 Moonlight Meander – Volunteers Needed!Help make this magical evening possible! We’re looking for volunteers to:• Guide...
02/26/2026

🌙 Moonlight Meander – Volunteers Needed!
Help make this magical evening possible! We’re looking for volunteers to:
• Guide participants on the dusk-to-night hike
• Share fun facts about nocturnal animals, glowing fungi, and more
• Assist with safety and ensure everyone has a great experience
Date: March 20th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM (guides needed 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM)
Location: Peavy Arboretum 8392 NW Peavy Arboretum Rd, Corvallis, OR 97330 - – Firefighter Memorial Shelter
Sign Up:
Scan the QR code or visit the link below to volunteer. Your help makes this event happen!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545ADAB23AAFDC70-62564344-moonlight #/

Come join us on February 28th at 10 AM at the Firefighter Memorial Shelter at Peavy Arboretum for a leisurely stroll thr...
02/18/2026

Come join us on February 28th at 10 AM at the Firefighter Memorial Shelter at Peavy Arboretum for a leisurely stroll through the forest with special poetry reading by the Linn-Benton Community College Poetry Club 🌲📖

We’ll gather among the trees, take a relaxed walk, and enjoy original poems written by LBCC Poetry Club students shared in a beautiful outdoor setting. It’s the perfect way to slow down, connect with nature, and support local student writers.

Can’t make it to the event? The poetry will be posted along the Firefighter Memorial Trail and the Forest Discovery Trail from February 24 through March 10, so you can still take a peaceful walk through the forest while reading these wonderful poems at your own pace.

Bring comfortable shoes, a warm layer, and a friend. We hope to see you there!

Back by popular demand!Join us Saturday, Feb. 21 at 12:30 PM for another Hike with a Forester on the McDonald Research F...
02/16/2026

Back by popular demand!
Join us Saturday, Feb. 21 at 12:30 PM for another Hike with a Forester on the McDonald Research Forest with OSU interns Abby and Sawyer.
We’ll explore two unique forestry projects: one creating complex conifer stand structure, and another restoring madrone and Oregon white oak on a dry hillside. You’ll also see some of the forest’s largest Pacific madrone and stop by habitat designed for purple martins and other open‑space birds.
Meet: OSU Research Forest Office
Distance: ~1.5 miles, ±400 ft elevation
Bring: Closed-toe shoes & weather-ready clothing
RSVP: [email protected] (first 20 spots)
Come learn, explore, and enjoy the forest with us!

Address

8692 NW Peavy Arboretum Road
Corvallis, OR
97330

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 9pm
Tuesday 5am - 9pm
Wednesday 5am - 9pm
Thursday 5am - 9pm
Friday 5am - 9pm
Saturday 5am - 9pm
Sunday 5am - 9pm

Telephone

+15417374452

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when OSU Research Forests posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to OSU Research Forests:

Share