Rural landowners in the Willamette Valley often face steep learning curves when it comes to managing soil, water, livestock and vegetation. Many are new to land stewardship and need guidance on protecting natural resources while making productive use of their land. Unlike urban residents, they are responsible for their own wells, septic systems and runoff — and poor management can lead to soil erosion and water contamination.
Since 2006, the Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms program in the south Willamette Valley has co-organized the Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages class series. Offered in communities across Lane, Benton and Linn counties, the series includes four to five classes and often a farm tour. Extension works closely with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and watershed councils to tailor the curriculum to local conditions and conservation concerns.
The classes help small-acreage landowners and managers:
- Develop land stewardship plans
- Manage pastures and rotate grazing to reduce overgrazing
- Control runoff from fields, manure piles and livestock areas
- Identify and remove invasive species
- Compost livestock manure and spread it responsibly
- Reduce soil erosion by planting cover crops and streamside vegetation
- Understand and maintain wells and septic systems
- Use soil testing to guide fertilizer use
To understand long-term impact, Extension surveyed participants from in-person classes offered between 2010 and 2022 and a virtual series in 2021. Of 138 valid email contacts, 39 people responded. Respondents collectively manage over 1,000 acres, with property sizes ranging from 1 to 254 acres.
Participants reported strong adoption of stewardship practices:
- 60% assessed and repaired their well or septic system
- 52% took steps to reduce soil erosion or compaction
- 50% composted manure or created livestock “sacrifice areas” during wet seasons
- 46% avoided grazing pastures on wet soils
- 44% planted cover crops to improve soil health
- 46% tested their soil for nutrients, and 30% adjusted fertilizer based on results
- 39% removed invasive weeds
- 38% planted native vegetation along streams
- 34% received technical assistance from partnering conservation organizations
- 22% received grants or cost-share funds to implement best practices
The survey also revealed strong continued engagement:
- 81% of respondents contacted OSU Extension after the classes for additional help or joined the program’s email list
- 86% shared what they learned with friends or neighbors
By connecting landowners to practical tools and local resources, OSU Extension empowers rural Oregonians to care for their land, protect water quality and build more resilient landscapes.
