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

Extension facilitates donation of vegetable starts from middle school greenhouse to food pantries

Each year La Grande Middle School students grow a wide variety of flowers, herbs and vegetable starts in their school greenhouse. After their annual plant sale fundraiser there are usually several flats of plants that did not ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Living on the Land supports small-acreage landowners in the south Willamette Valley

Living on the Land Stewardship for Small Acreages is a class series that teaches small-acreage landowners and land managers how to improve their management practices with natural resources in mind. The Oregon State University ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Extension educator serves as La Grande School District health coordinator as part of CDC Healthy Schools grant

Through its Child Nutrition Programs, the Oregon Department of Education selected the La Grande School District as the only school district in Oregon to be funded as part of a five-year cooperative agreement with the Centers ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

VIT TECH provides continuing education resources for northeast Oregon viticulturists

Continuing education provides an opportunity for agricultural producers to learn about advances in research and improved practices and earn pesticide recertification credits. VIT TECH was established by Oregon State University Extension ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Inaugural Extension 4-H Questing Clovers Retreat promotes youth inclusivity

In an effort to serve youths from underserved populations with identities that intersect with “geek culture,” Oregon State University Extension Service 4-H in Marion County created the Questing Clovers Retreat, an inclusive ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Extension collaboration helps develop first-of-its-kind stream assessment tool

Riparian areas – which are associated with streams, rivers, creeks and wetlands – support 80% of wildlife in arid rangelands but comprise only about 2% of sagebrush landscapes. In recent years natural resource professionals who...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Sea Grant Extension makes fishermen aware of gear that keeps seabirds from getting hooked on fishing lines

To catch black cod, halibut and other fish, some fishing boats set a long line of baited hooks on the seafloor. But seabirds, including the endangered short-tailed albatross, can get caught if they try to steal the bait ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Extension research leads to change in the management of clover seed weevil

Clover seed weevil is a serious insect pest that impacts Willamette Valley's white clover seed production. Historically, clover seed growers have relied heavily on broad-spectrum pyrethroid insecticides, including bifenthrin, as a ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Stinging nettle publication uplifts importance of Indigenous ‘superfood’

Stinging nettle is a plant that can sting and cause welts, but when the sting is removed a traditional “superfood” emerges. Native Indigenous peoples have gathered stinging nettles since time immemorial. They can be used ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

Innovative activity engages Josephine County students in pollinator education

In Josephine County and beyond, there is a growing concern about the declining population of pollinators, particularly bees, which play a crucial role in our ecosystem. The decline impacts our food supply and biodiversity. Many ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story