Extension Service

The Oregon State University Extension Service provides practical, research-based information and engages learners, partners, and volunteers in communities across Oregon to meet local challenges and help every Oregonian thrive.

Our programs, partnerships and volunteer opportunities are focused on:

  • Healthy communities and economies
  • Resilient and productive forestry and natural ecosystems
  • Sustainable agriculture, food systems, and gardening
  • Thriving youth, individuals and families

Gardens address pandemic food insecurity in Warm Springs community

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that it wouldn’t be possible for the Oregon State University Extension Service to conduct in-person learning garden classes at the Warm Springs K-8 Academy and OSU ...

Kenton Kids Cooking Club adapts to pandemic with take-home kits

Each week during the summer of 2019, about 45 kids visited the Kenton Kids Cooking Club at the Kenton Farmers Market in north Portland, where they prepared Food Hero recipes such as Farmers Market Salsa using produce from ...

College Talk Tuesdays provide mentoring experience to Oregon students

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, almost all Oregon schools were closed and learning went remote. At least 45,000 graduating students had no or little access to information about college and postsecondary ...

Hazelnut stewardship initiative highlights Oregon’s sustainable practices

As Oregon continues to flex its muscles in the hazelnut industry, the need for promoting sustainable practices has accelerated. To strengthen an already-strong market share – Oregon leads production in the U.S. and is third in...

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 ...

New Kentucky bluegrass workgroup boosts Oregon seed research

Much of the funding for research to support Oregon’s $517 million grass seed industry comes from competitive grants offered by several commissions formed through efforts by Oregon State University Extension Service and partners. As...

Bilingual 4-H e-magazine continues to be a resource for families during pandemic

It debuted online on April 5, 2020, three weeks after Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered Oregon’s schools closed and four days before Brown announced that schools wouldn’t reopen for the 2019-20 school year. It was called ...

Youth Environmental Educators overcome pandemic year

Many youths in underserved communities must work to support their families. Yet, most internship opportunities for middle- and high-school age youth are unpaid, which is a disadvantage to those youth who must choose a paying job....

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 ...

Extension educates Oregonians to prepare for Cascadia Earthquake

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 will cause widespread ...