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APPEAL TRIBUNE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017
Life in the
Valley y
sanews@salem.gannett.com
MCDONALD STATE FOREST
Gear up for relaxation,
recreation, research
McDonald State Forest is a wonderful gem that serves relaxation, recreation and research alike. PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MUCH/STATESMAN JOURNAL
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unlight, water and air. • It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
• A crisp autumn bout of exercise joined with a refresher
science course at Peavy Arboretum in the McDonald State
Forest. • The brief Woodland Trail placard imparts: “Plants use
carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil and energy from
the sun to produce food. During this process, the plant’s leaves
release oxygen into the air making it available to you and the
forest animals.” • Uprooted trees, fall debris, fungi, insects and
earthworms all make their way into the hiking lesson, as do
skunks, deer and other myriad forest denizen dwellers. • All
tucked into one of the Willamette Valley’s gems.
Don’t worry hikers, even though there’s a little moss, this bench is still a great place to sit
and catch your breath during your journey.
A furry friend checks out one of the trails in the forest.
While exploring the forest, visitors may find themselves greeted by a flowing waterfall, left, or a moss-covered tree, right.