Peavy Arboretum

OSU College Forests

Come visit the Peavy Arboretum

at OSU College Forests where a

variety of native species are

represented, along with several

noteworthy and unique species.

Enjoy our extended trail network

showcasing hundreds of labeled

trees and interpretive signs. Pack

a picnic, explore the arboretum

and take advantage of the gateway

to the McDonald-Dunn Forest!

For More Information call (541) 737-4452 or

check our web page at http://www.cof.orst.edu/cf/

Gateway to McDonald Research Forest...

A network of trails and forest roads lead you

from the Arboretum to trickling streams, sce-

nic viewpoints and historic remnants. Learn

about forest ecology and forest management on

the three interpretive trails which begin in the

Arboretum. The roads are open to horse, bicy-

cle and foot travel.

Stop by the Badewitz Kiosk to obtain informa-

tion on McDonald Forest and the Arboretum.

If you have further questions, visit the Re-

search Forests Field Office northwest of the

Arboretum.

Group Activities…

The Arboretum and the surrounding forest of-

fer a variety of outdoor recreational and educa-

tional opportunities for youth, adult and family

groups. The Firefighter Memorial Shelter is

available for educational use on rainy days.

For more information about self-guided group

use of the Forest, please contact our office in

advance at 541-737-6702.

Visitor Guide and Map

Things to Know…

*Fires and camping are not allowed in the Ar-

boretum. Campfires can escape, threatening the

forest and adjacent homes.

*Please do not remove plants or artifacts.

These are important for the enjoyment of other

visitors and for research purposes.

*Please drive carefully. The speed limit is 15

m.p.h

College Forests | Peavy Arboretum

8692 Peavy Arboretum Road,

Corvallis, OR 97330

Trees and Trails...

Redcedar Run Trail

Along this trail you will see larches, hem-

locks and a Persian ironwood. The trail

also features an interpretive sign that pre-

sents an opportunity to learn more about

cherries.

Maritime Meander Trail

This trail features a variety of interna-

tional pines, a Chinese arborvitae and a

true cedar. Interpretive signs about chest-

nuts and walnuts can also be found on this

trail.

Fir Hollow Trail

Greek fir, Pacific madrone and cascara

buckthorn line this trail along with hazel-

nut, Alaska-cedar and an array of native

species.

Sequoia Trail

Follow this trail to experience the Califor-

nia-like setting of giant sequoias and red-

woods. An interpretive sign featuring his-

torical information can be found on this

trail as well.

Firefighter Memorial Trail

This trail features Oregon ash, Oregon

white oak and identification information

about poisonoak.

*Unique and noteworthy tree species are

highlighted on the map inside.

Through the Years...

Peavy Arboretum…

Peavy Arboretum was dedicated in 1926. The Arbo-

retum was named after George W. Peavy, the first

Dean of the College of Forestry (1910-1940) and

President of OSU (1934-1940). Peavy Arboretum is

a part of McDonald Research Forest, managed by

Oregon State University’s College of Forestry since

1964.

The Oregon Forest Nursery and the CCC…

Peavy Arboretum was originally a six acre tree culti-

vation site in the 1920’s called the Oregon Forest

Nursery. The Nursery greatly benefited from the ar-

rival of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in

the 1930’s, which was the Government’s solution to

the economic woes of the Great Depression. This

small site was converted into a major seedling sup-

plier by the laborers of Camp Arboretum in 1935.

The sign shop, which produced hundreds of rustic-

styled signs for the State Forestry Department, and

the concrete foundations that remain throughout the

Arboretum are relics of the CCC era.

Changes and Improvements…

Peavy Lodge was built in 1948 and served as crew

barracks for the State Forestry Department’s Fire-

fighters. Today Peavy Lodge is managed by the

OSU College of Liberal Arts.

Along the Firefighters Memorial trail, there is a 45'

wide open air shelter available to educational groups

for rainy day use. The shelter, along with the nine

surrounding ponderosa pines, is dedicated to nine

firefighters who perished protecting our natural for-

est resources.

Streams around the Arboretum run into the fish

pond near the Lodge. These waterways power the

fish ladder, which facilitates the movement of fish.

The Arboretum Today…

In 2010, a complete inventory of the trees in

the Arboretum was conducted. Hundreds of

GPS waypoints were compiled in a GIS data-

base, paving the way for the creation of an up-

dated list of tree species and an Arboretum

map.

A series of interpretive signs have been in-

stalled throughout the Arboretum to provide

additional information to visitors. These signs

feature tips on identification, as well as provide

history and fun facts about trees found in the

Peavy Arboretum.

New, up-to-date tree labels have been installed

along the trail system to highlight the array of

species and make the Arboretum more accessi-

ble to everyone. It is our hope that these im-

provements will increase the Arboretum’s

value as an educational center for the whole

community.

We continue to work towards this goal and fu-

ture plans include the addition of more trees,

trails and tools to help the public learn more

about our diverse surroundings.