College of Forestry at Oregon State University

06/16/2026

Welcome to the alumni family, COF Class of 2026! 🧡🦫

06/13/2026

A round of applause for the OSU College of Forestry Class of 2026! 👏🎓🧡

06/10/2026

The Lookout Fire transformed much of the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest Long-Term Ecological Research Site, but it didn’t change its mission or OSU’s commitment to long‑term ecological research. Professor Matt Betts is among the researchers working to rebuild monitoring systems, re‑establish study plots and document how wildlife and forest structure respond after a major burn.

Nearly three years since the Lookout Fire tore through the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River Reservoir in eastern Lane County, scientists are finding surprising opportunities in the ashes.

06/04/2026

It’s almost time to walk across the stage, so meet a few more grads who are already walking into big opportunities! 🎓

🐴 Lexi Melvin is graduating with a degree in natural resources and hopes to work with wild horses at the Bureau of Land Management.

"My favorite memory from my time here is taking FES 486 Public Lands Policy and Management with Dr. Emily Rabung, where I got to study the wild horse crisis through the lens of a land manager."

🏕️ Zeke Bluhm, an upcoming forestry grad, will join Trout Mountain Forestry after commencement. One of his favorite memories from his time in the College of Forestry is competing in logging sports.

🌼 Emily Hayes is finishing her forestry degree through Ecampus and will continue serving as a city forester for Huntington, Indiana.

"Professor Ries has assisted me a lot in my growth as an urban forester, from teaching me the administration side of management to aiding me in prepping for the interview that got me my job. He's been a great resource, and I'll still look to him for advice in the future."

05/27/2026

Graduation season is here, and we're celebrating! 🎓🥳

🍃 Julia Wine is earning her master’s degree in sustainable forest management and will join The Ember Alliance as an assistant module leader, leading a field crew on LiDAR scans and vegetation surveys.

"My favorite part of my time at OSU was playing ultimate frisbee with the women's club ultimate team. I loved spending time with my friends at practice and tournaments and staying active by playing my favorite sport. Go Dinos!"

🍁 Christoph Anderson is finishing his natural resources degree and will head to the Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest before moving to Adelaide as the first student in the Forestry Centre of Excellence’s bio‑economics and forestry master’s program.

"I loved being able to share my love of international forestry by working with IFSA. The friends I made and the bonds I strengthened during my time as treasurer mean the world to me, and I will always cherish my team. Jill and Ankit, thank you for everything you've done and I will miss you both!"

🌲 Kade Metzger is graduating in natural resources and will move on to work as a full‑time temporary seasonal OHV ranger in the Willamette National Forest.

"One of my favorite memories of my time at OSU was seeing an osprey at Marys River for my mammal identification class."

Would you like to be featured as an upcoming grad on our channels? Send us a DM!

05/26/2026

Our alumni show us every day just how far an OSU forestry education can take you. At this year’s Dean’s Dinner, we’re recognizing three graduates whose careers reflect the heart of our mission.

Jennifer Powers (’95, M.S., Forest Science) is an internationally recognized ecologist studying how climate and land use shape seasonally dry tropical forests. Her research, global mentorship and editorial leadership have expanded understanding of these threatened ecosystems.

Kyle Cassidy (’11, B.S., Wood Science and Technology) is a leader in wood preservation and quality systems who has spent more than 15 years advancing technical standards, mentoring teams and supporting industrywide innovation.

Julie Woodward (99, B.S., Forest Management; ’08, MNR Education) has spent more than two decades helping Oregonians understand and engage with the forests that define our state through education, outreach and partnership building.

We’re proud to celebrate their contributions — and the students who will follow in their footsteps.

Read more: https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/news/2026-outstanding-alumni

05/22/2026

Out on mountain biking trails like the ones in Tillamook State Forest, our tourism, recreation and adventure leadership (TRAL) students learn how recreation and forest stewardship meet on the ground. Through rider surveys and trail counter data, they study how people move through the forest and how recreation shapes the landscape.

It’s hands‑on work that helps land managers support safe, sustainable mountain biking while protecting the places we all love to explore.

05/15/2026

Volunteer at Get Outdoors Day and immerse yourself in the joy of the outdoors while making a difference!

This free, family‑friendly event offers hands‑on, bilingual activities hosted by OSU Research Forests, Benton County Health Department and OSU Extension.

Every year, it’s our volunteers who make it all possible. We’re looking for community‑minded folks to help welcome visitors, support activity stations and keep the day running smoothly. No experience needed — we’ll provide orientation, lunch and a t‑shirt.

Volunteer: https://beav.es/fQo

05/12/2026

"Invasive species get painted as villains. But they didn't choose to come here." That perspective drives Allison Monroe's research on the Mediterranean oak borer, a small wood-boring beetle quietly working its way into Oregon white oak in the Willamette Valley.

Monroe, who recently completed her master's degree at the College of Forestry, believes that understanding these organisms is the first step to managing them. Her early detection work earned her a 2024-2025 Student Award from the Oregon Invasive Species Council. Now she's continuing her educational journey as a Ph.D. student.

Read her story: https://beav.es/fY7

05/08/2026

The College of Forestry and 國立臺灣大學 National Taiwan University are charting a new course in climate-smart forestry. Earlier this year, Director of International Programs Office Rachael Fahrenbach traveled to Taiwan to meet with faculty and explore Xitou Research Forest, one of Asia's leading sites for carbon research, biodiversity science and sustainable timber use. The trip helped lay the groundwork for student exchanges, field courses and faculty collaboration that are already underway.

Read more: https://beav.es/fxC