The Callahan Food Forest is something Oregon State University students may or may not have heard of.
Tucked away on the south side of Callahan Hall, this garden does far more for the OSU community than most people realize.
Originally started as an educational project through Oregon State’s Horticulture Department, the Food Forest fell into disrepair during the COVID-19 pandemic when it could no longer be properly maintained.
For years, it sat neglected until one student decided to bring it back to life.
That student is Milo Tisdale, a junior majoring in botany at Oregon State. When Tisdale arrived on campus in 2023, he noticed the once vibrant garden had become overgrown and empty.
“It felt like a waste of potential,” Tisdale said, recalling the state of the Food Forest when he first saw it.
Determined to revive the space, Tisdale reached out to the head of University Housing and Dining Services landscaping and was soon hired to help maintain the area.
By May 2024, Tisdale was officially appointed as the Food Forest’s caretaker and curator, its first and only dedicated manager.
Since then, Tisdale has worked tirelessly to restore and expand the garden. Under his care, the Callahan Food Forest now provides fresh produce to OSU students, the McNary Dining Hall, and the Basic Needs Center.
This growing season alone, it has supplied more than 800 pounds of produce to the Basic Needs Center, and another 800 pounds have been harvested directly by students for personal use.
This support could not come at a more critical time. The Basic Needs Center plays a key role in supporting students with essentials like food, textbooks, and school supplies.
Beyond its practical benefits, the Callahan Food Forest is also a peaceful, open space for all students to enjoy, whether they want to pick some fresh herbs, take a study break, or spend time in nature between classes.
“Our biggest pest problem is actually people,” Tisdale said.
While damage is rarely intentional, a lack of understanding about when and how to pick produce often harms the plants.
“Many crops take months to mature, and when they are harvested too early, all that time and effort goes to waste,” Tisdale said.
Looking ahead, Tisdale hopes to expand the Food Forest model to other residence halls across campus, creating a network of student run gardens.
To make that happen, Tisdale is searching for students passionate about gardening and botany to get involved and eventually take over his role once he graduates.
The Callahan Food Forest stands as a testament to what one student’s vision and dedication can do for the OSU community.
It is a living reminder that growth, both in the soil and on campus, starts with care, commitment, and a willingness to nurture something together.
