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

New Klamath Cloverbud camp creates environment for positive youth interactions

The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on childhood education across grade levels. The Klamath County School District, which partners with Oregon State University Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development Program, was concerned with the ...

May 2023 | Impact Story

Marion County youths experience nature through 4-H Outdoor Explorers

Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities. Some researchers have theorized that this is due to socioeconomic status, cultural differences, racial discrimination and...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Crook County Middle School students discover college and technical education

About one in five residents of rural Crook County in central Oregon hold a bachelor’s degree, which is below regional and state averages. Exposing students to a college and career experience before high school is important to...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Partnership with Sherman County Senior Center expands Extension nutrition education program

The Sherman County Senior Center receives grant funding from the Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO). The non-profit organization encourages educational programming at its sites receiving grants, such as congregate ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Pruning social media campaign reaches thousands of Oregon gardeners

Ask a gardener about their biggest challenges and pruning would be at the top of the list. It can be an overwhelming job that intimidates many people. In the winter of 2021, a request was posted to the the Oregon State...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Healthy food and beverage choices on the menu in OSU Extension workshops

In fall of 2021, regional leadership at the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) contacted the Oregon State University Extension Service’s Supplemental Nutrition Education Program (SNAP-Ed) unit in Marion, Polk and Yamhill ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Mental health first-aid trainings enhance understanding of risk factors and warning signs

The Coast to Forest Project, a partnership of Oregon State University Extension Service and the OSU Center for Health Innovation, works on mental health promotion and substance use prevention. It builds on existing state and ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

OSU Extension becomes a leader in bilingual nutrition education in Jackson County

In Jackson County, 13.2% of the residents identify as Hispanic, Latino or Latinx. Oregon State University Extension Service’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) prioritizes finding culturally competent ways to ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

OSU Extension newsletter helps mint growers save money on pest control

Oregon ranks second in the United States in mint production, with a value estimated worth $28.7 million in 2022. Losses from pests like mint root borer and variegated cutworm can eat into farmers’ profits. These two most ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Cloverbud Explorers grow 4-H program in Linn County

Oregon State University Extension Service’s 4-H Cloverbud Program is an informal education program designed for youths ages 5-8. The program supports a child’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and high energy levels by ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story