3 FOCUS - SPRING 2026 Dear College of Forestry community, This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 100 years of the McDonald Forest. What began in 1926 with the leadership of George Peavy and T.J. Starker and supported by a generous gift from Mary McDonald, has grown into an 11,500-acre living laboratory that serves as a cornerstone of hands-on learning, research and outreach. For generations, this forest has connected students and scientists to real-world land management challenges, informed sustainable practices across the Pacific Northwest, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors who hike, bike, ride and simply find solace among the trees. The forest is the heartbeat of our college. It’s also a defining landscape for our local community. Can you imagine Corvallis without the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest? Instead of a sustainably managed forest brimming with biodiversity, supporting respite and recreation, education, summer camps, research, native grasslands, oak woodlands, meadows, and habitat for multiple species — common and endangered — it’s highly likely this land would have been carved into private lots and developed. The foresight and vision of Peavy remain a gift not only to the entire region, but to the incredibly diverse field of modern forestry. As we reflect on a century of stewardship and discovery, we’re also looking ahead with energy and purpose. A newly finalized forest management plan, collaboratively developed over three years with guidance from Tribes, OSU scientists, research forest staff, an external stakeholder committee and input from the public, is guiding this remarkable forest into its second century. All while balancing biodiversity, climate resilience, education and sustainable timber production. Throughout 2026, we’re honoring the forest’s legacy with lectures, events and updated interpretive signage at Peavy Arboretum. More information can be found throughout this edition of the Focus and online at: beav.es/McDonald100 Although much has changed in 100 years, our dedication to sustainably stewarding the planet’s precious resources is now stronger than ever. We invite you to join us as we honor the past and embrace the next century of discovery. Tom DeLuca Cheryl Ramberg-Ford and Allyn C. Ford Dean Oregon State University College of Forestry
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