BENTON COUNTY, Ore. — Families and fungi fans gathered at Beazell Memorial Forest on Sunday, Nov. 9, for Mushroom Day 2025, a celebration of the fascinating world of fungi. The annual event, hosted by Corvallis Parks and Recreation, brought together partners from Benton County, Oregon State University, the Corvallis Environmental Center and The Mushroomery. Visitors explored mushroom identification, cooking demonstrations, forest walks, crafts and family-friendly activities at the Beazell Memorial Forest Education Center.
“Mushroom Day is a great way to celebrate the season and discover the hidden life of our forests,” said Jesse Ott, Benton County Natural Areas, Parks and Events Director. “Beazell Memorial Forest is a really special place. We learn together here, from looking at mushrooms under a microscope to going on hikes and getting people familiar with what to look for and how to enjoy fall mushrooming.”
Ott said the Beazell Education Center is a unique part of Benton County’s natural spaces. The timber used to build it was harvested and refurbished from the same site…