Program resource guides

Land Stewards rural resource guidelines

This series below allows landowners to create a DIY stewardship plan. Owners can use the tools to assess their land, develop goals and figure out what they want to do next.

Start with From Vision to Reality and then use the resource topics that apply to your land. Each topic gives an introduction to best management practices and includes a simple resource assessment worksheet to help prioritize an action plan.

These guidelines also provide pointers on where to go for technical assistance and information.

Use these guidelines to improve your property

From Vision to Reality: Creating a Land Steward Property Management Plan

One of the most effective tools for caring for your property is a management plan. Using the Land Steward series and our template, you can create a plan that will help you achieve your stewardship goals. ...

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Forests and Woodlands: Protecting an Ecosystem

Learn to manage your forested property in ways that protect water quality, maintain soil health, reduce the threat of fire and improve wildlife habitat. This publication is one of a series of Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines.

Max Bennett, Don Goheen, Jack Duggan | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The Home Ignition Zone: Protecting your property from wildfire

Wildfire is inevitable — learn what you need to know to prepare your home and property. Handy worksheets help you assess each zone of your property to reduce the threat wildfires pose. This publication is one of a series of Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines.

Max Bennett, Clint Nichols | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Streams and riparian areas: Clean water, diverse habitat

Streams and streambanks are vital but vulnerable wildlife habitat. Learn the steps you can take to improve vegetation and water quality on your riparian property. These recommendations can help protect birds, fish ...

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Wildlife habitat: Nurturing a diverse mix of flora and fauna

Property owners can play key roles in wildlife habitat. Learn how to manage your land to promote a diverse native habitat and support ecological systems. One of a series of Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines.

Rachel Werling, Cat Kizer | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Soil: The dirty secrets of a living landscape

Learn how to care for the soil you steward with this set of worksheets and guide, part of the Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines series.

Gordon B. Jones, Scott Goode, Rhianna Simes | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Pastures: Stewarding a working landscape

Whether you’re growing hay for market or providing forage for livestock, a healthy pasture maintains soil health, produces high yields, excludes weeds and has a positive impact on the environment.

Clint Nichols, Gordon B. Jones | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Water Systems: Taking Care of a Precious Resource

These best practices for wells, ponds and other water systems can help you secure a safe, reliable water supply and help to ensure that we protect our streams, lakes and groundwater.

Rachel Werling, Stan Dean | May 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Economics and enterprise: Financial considerations of rural life

People own rural land for many reasons, from farming as a hobby to ranching or timber production as a business. Whatever the reason, economics are always part of the picture.

Rachel Werling, Max Bennett | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

See further resources

OSU Extension Service

Land Steward Program