Baker

OSU rangeland researchers help mitigate spread of invasive grasses

Invasive annual grasses are a growing threat to the Great Basin desert ecosystem which includes much of Eastern Oregon. These grasses — such as medusahead, cheatgrass and ventenata — displace native plants, reduce habitat ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

OSU builds partnerships to conserve the sagebrush ecosystem

Oregon’s sagebrush ecosystem has declined by about 50% over the past 150 years due to invasive annual grasses, increased wildfire activity and encroaching conifers. This large-scale habitat loss has contributed to declines in ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

Kentucky bluegrass seed growers support research and Extension efforts

Oregon’s grass seed industry, valued at $639.1 million in 2022, ranks fifth among the state's top agricultural commodities. While commissions have long supported research for ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, orchardgrass and ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

Northern Blues Restoration Partnership field tour enhances understanding of prescribed fire

Fire is broadly considered an important functional process in forests, rangelands and most other ecosystems. The reduction of periodic fire due to extensive fire suppression practices has been one of the major drivers of ecosystem...

Apr 2025 | Impact Story

Walk With Ease expands awareness through partnerships, marketing

Walk With Ease is an evidence-based physical activity program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that is proven to reduce the pain associated with arthritis, increase physical activity, decrease pain and fatigue and increase ...

Apr 2025 | Impact Story

Outdoor School nurtures curiosity, connection and environmental understanding

For more than 60 years, Outdoor School has provided Oregon students with a unique opportunity to learn about science and the natural world through direct experience. What began in 1957 in Southern Oregon quickly expanded, with ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

BQA program strengthens beef quality and disease preparedness in Oregon

Cattle production is one of Oregon’s leading agricultural commodities. To maintain market access and consumer confidence, beef producers must meet evolving standards for animal health, handling and traceability. The Beef Quality ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension aids wildfire recovery for Eastern Oregon communities

In 2024, wildfires burned 1.8 million acres in Eastern Oregon. The fires created immediate needs for communities, such as finding evacuation information, sourcing alternative feed for livestock and contacting agencies for help. ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

Workshops boosts weed control efforts in Eastern Oregon

Invasive and noxious weeds are a major cause of land degradation in Eastern Oregon, affecting more than 500,000 acres of rangeland and pasture, along with miles of waterways. In Baker County, land managers often struggle to ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Woodland Stick simplifies tree measurements for landowners

Professional tree measurement tools can be costly, but the OSU Woodland Stick offers an affordable, simple and user-friendly alternative. Created by the Oregon State University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, this ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story