OakFest: An opportunity for education and celebration

On an early October day, the typically quiet Martha Springer Botanical Garden was transformed into a place of education and merriment, as Growing Oaks hosted their annual OakFest. OakFest is a celebration of the Oregon white oak, a deciduous tree native to the Willamette valley. The event serves as both a celebration of the Oregon white oak and a call to action; oak habitats are an essential part of the pacific northwest ecosystem, but only 10% of Oregon’s historic oak habitat remains. The festival spanned four days and included a First Foods meal, a bird walk, a commemorative tree planting, live music and more. All photos were taken on October 2, 2026 by Sofie Szigeti.

Good vibes and sunshine at OakFest 2026. Photo by Sofie Sziegeti.

The Native Indigenous Student Union (NISU) tables at OakFest to talk to visitors about the club. Photo by Sofie Szigeti.

Blitz poses next to an endagered species infographic QR code. Photo by Sofie Szigeti.

Eli Fukuji ('27) shares his mosquito research with Professor David P. Craig. Eli Fukuji is the visual editor of The Collegian. Photo by Sofie Szigeti.

Director of OakFest 2026, Rose Grimson ('27), Environmental Science major, is also the president of Growing Oaks. Photo by Sofie Szigeti.