Hood River

OSU Extension supports installation of regional air quality monitoring network

Wildfire smoke has been an issue in the Columbia River Gorge for several years. Oregon’s Labor Day week fires in September 2020 led to the Gorge experiencing record-shattering hazardous air quality index (AQI) levels. The Eagle...

Mar 2023 | Impact Story

OSU Extension Fire Program shares benefits of prescribed burning

For thousands of years, fire supported environmental health in many parts of Oregon through both natural occurrences and cultural practices of Indigenous peoples. But after more than a century of fires being suppressed, Oregon’s ...

May 2022 | Impact Story

OSU Extension Master Gardener Program increases diversity, equity and inclusivity

With 2,796 volunteers across the state, the 46-year-old Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener program made contact with 78,700 Oregonians in 2022 – a significant increase from 2021's COVID-influenced 38,000. ...

Feb 2023 | Impact Story

Despite pandemic, county fairs and livestock shows go on for 4-H exhibitors

County fairs and livestock shows are one opportunity for 4-H youth to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery in their project areas. The COVID-19 pandemic led to in-person cancellations and others that had to be postponed or ...

May 2021 | Impact Story

Virtual Walk With Ease class increases accessibility to disabled adults

Walk With Ease is an evidence-based exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that can help adults build confidence in being physically active while reducing pain and improving their overall health. The Oregon State ...

Apr 2021 | Impact Story

Extension educates Oregonians to prepare for massive earthquake, tsunami

Scientists predict there is about a 37% chance that an earthquake of at least 8.0 magnitude will strike off the Pacific Northwest coast in the next 50 years. When it occurs, the historic temblor and resulting tsunami will ...

Apr 2021 | Impact Story

Livestock producers embrace progressive tactics for dealing with wolves

Wolves pose a threat to livestock in the Pacific Northwest through depredation, and some studies have shown that their presence causes stress in cattle that leads to decreased reproductive rates and weight gain. Under the Oregon...

Apr 2021 | Impact Story

Migrant and seasonal farm workers in the Columbia River Gorge supported during pandemic

Each year about 6,000-15,000 migrant and seasonal farm workers arrive in the Columbia River Gorge from late May through early June to work in orchards, packing houses and on farms to harvest, pack, and process the region's ...

Mar 2021 | Impact Story

Tree School Online helps woodland owners during COVID-19

More than 79,000 family forest owners in Oregon manage 3.6 million acres of private forestland, providing substantial economic, social and ecological value. Surveys show that landowner goals are diverse, as are the challenges they ...

Mar 2021 | Impact Story

Extension adapts babysitter training to virtual format during pandemic

Quality child care remains in short supply in Oregon. A 2019 report from Oregon State University found that child care “deserts” existed in all 36 of the state’s counties. During the COVID-19 pandemic many youths have ...

Feb 2022 | Impact Story