Benton County Calendar

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Nov 7th 2009

Well Water Nitrate Screening Clinic: Willamette Valley well owners are invited to several free nitrate screening clinic to be held this fall. Screening will be available on October 14th at the Corvallis Wednesday Farmers Market from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, October 31st at the Albany Farmers Market from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and on November 7th at the Corvallis Saturday Farmers Market from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. A portion of the Southern Willamette Valley has been designated as a Groundwater Management Area by the Department of Environmental Quality due to elevated nitrate levels in well water. While it is especially important for households with pregnant women or newborns to test for nitrate because of a rare type of blue-baby syndrome, all homes with private wells should be aware of their nitrate level. For a free nitrate screening, bring ½ cup of untreated well water in a clean, water-tight container. You may either wait for your results (the test takes 5 to 10 minutes if the well water clinic is not busy), or leave your contact information for the results to be delivered after the clinic date. A water quality educator will be available during clinic times to answer questions about well water and septic tank issues. For additional information on well water and septic systems, free Rural Living Basics classes other nitrate screening events, visit the OSU Extension Service website http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton
Free Well Water Nitrate Screenings To Be Held: For a free nitrate screening, bring 1/2 cup of untreated well water in a clean, water-tight container. You may either wait for your results (the test takes 5 to 10 minutes if the well water clinic is not busy), or leave your contact information for th results to be delivered after the clinic date.

Thursday, Nov 12th 2009

4-H New Leader Training

Saturday, Nov 14th 2009

4-H Regional Horse Judging Contest

Monday, Nov 16th 2009

Master Gardener Awards and Graduation Celebration: Come to recognize all veteran Master Gardener volunteers and celebrate the 2009 class graduation on Monday, November 16th at Grace Lutheran Church (corner of Harrison St. and Kings Blvd.) in Corvallis. Please bring a potluck dish to share as well as your own plate and silverware. Drinks provided. Spouses, significant others and families are welcome to attend. Doors open at 5:30 pm, meal at 6:00 pm, and program at 6:45 pm.

Wednesday, Nov 18th 2009

Brown Bag Talk
What Can I Do With My Small Farm?: Goals for the farm Physical resources of the farm Family resources and skills Type of farm enterprise and crop produced
Fair Board Meeting
New 4-H Wildlife Stewards Orientation: This orientation is required for all new 4-H Wildlife Stewards.

Thursday, Nov 19th 2009

Workshop For Assessing Wildfire Hazards
Brown Bag Talk
Market to Pantry: From “Market to Pantry” is a summer/fall collection of workshops. These fun, hands-on classes provide opportunities for learning new cooking skills, food preservation and preparation techniques, and the importance of food and kitchen safety. We incorporate time-saving, money-saving ideas for you and your family. The November 19 workshop “Holiday Gifts in a Jar” shows you how to easily make homemade canned goods and mixes for holiday gift baskets, from fruit jams to muffin mixes to seasoned nuts.Create and sample the goodies in class.
Winter Care for Your Fruit Trees and Small Fruits: Learn how to care for your fruit trees and small fruits (berries and grapes) during the winter. Find out when and what to spray to promote healthy fruit production in your backyard.

Saturday, Dec 5th 2009

4-H Wildlife Stewards Training Opportunity: Take a watershed look at how invasive plants impact Oregon's forests, prairies and wetlands. Explore hands-on lessons from BLM's Alien Invasions: Plants on the Move Curriculum and Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Activity Guide. Learn how to engage students in learning about local invasive species and related issues.

Thursday, Dec 10th 2009

Basic Backyard Pruning for Fruit, Flower and Form: Learn basic pruning techniques: proper pruning cuts, choosing tools, maintaining tools, and safety. You will learn how pruning cuts affect growth in plants. Learn to prune to encourage fruits, flowers, and maintain the form of the plant.