Columbia

Heat dome canopy damage mapped to inform Northwest forest decisions

The 2021 “heat dome” brought record heat to the Pacific Northwest, stressing forests at a scale few managers had seen before. Extreme heat can scorch foliage in the forest canopy, reducing photosynthesis and leaving trees ...

Feb 2026 | Impact Story

Master Gardener volunteers grow food, knowledge and community across Oregon

In 2024, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener volunteers met Oregonians where they were. Across the state, people were looking for affordable, healthy food, practical and culturally meaningful gardening education, ...

Nov 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension enhances mental health support for rural Oregonians

Farmers and ranchers face intense stress from crop failures, market changes, unpredictable weather, injuries and more. These pressures contribute to rising rates of depression — and, too often, suicide. According to the Centers for...

Jul 2025 | Impact Story

Oregon Sea Grant-Travel Oregon collaboration promotes outdoor recreation guide certification

Tourism is one of Oregon’s largest economic sectors, with guided tours playing a crucial role in the tourism and outdoor recreation industry. Guides, such as fishing guides, along with visitors and residents, significantly impact ...

Jun 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

Sea Grant Extension helps boaters agree on best practices for watching whales

Each year, about 20,000 gray whales migrate along the Oregon Coast. Roughly 200 remain during the summer to feed. These whales share coastal waters with whale-watching charters, recreational boaters and commercial fishers. Until ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU program enhances fishermen’s safety and preparedness

Commercial fishing in Oregon is a hazardous occupation. Fishermen often work with heavy machinery and equipment. The wet and slippery conditions on fishing vessels increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. Long hours and ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU research keeps Oregon Christmas tree industry No. 1 in the nation

Oregon is the nation’s top Christmas tree producer, supplying more than 33% of the U.S. market. In 2023, Oregon growers produced about 3.4 million trees, generating an estimated $117.6 million in sales. The industry provides ...

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

OSU Farm to School enhances student health and boosts local economies

Oregon State University's Farm to School program, housed in the Center for Resilient Agriculture & Food Systems, works across OSU Extension programs to maximize the benefits for kids, food producers and processors, and ...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story