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

'Healing Through Art' show provides outlet for Portland-area youth

In the summer of 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and marches for social justice taking place across the United States, youth in the Portland metro area were turning to art to express themselves. Around the ...

OSU research finds slugs go 'bonkers' for bread dough

Since the beginning of recorded history, slugs have ravaged crops and today are responsible for billions of dollars in damage – including between $60-$100 million to Oregon’s valuable grass seed industry alone, according to ...

OSU study finds that using cold water to make 'sprouted' foods lowers the risk of salmonella growth

Grains, nuts and seeds are significant ingredients in the healthy snack segment due to their high-quality protein and “healthy” fats, along with abundant antioxidant, fiber, and mineral content. New products including grains, nuts...

Viticulturist finds that southern Oregon vineyards could save costs on water

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s AgriMet network is a free weather station widely used by growers to determine how much water they need to irrigate their crops. Many wine grape growers in the Pacific Northwest use personal ...

Growing Healthy Kids returns in 2021 in hybrid form

Growing Healthy Kids, a garden-themed nutrition education curriculum developed at Oregon State University for students in the second and third grades, was on track for 2020. The evidence-based curriculum is offered through Oregon ...

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 ...