Climate change

OSU Extension coordinates its efforts on understanding the impacts of climate change on agricultural, forest and marine ecosystems and communities in Oregon. Our science-based resources cover a range of topics, including mitigation strategies, adaptation measures and ways individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Latest Resources

Groundcover shrubs for Western Oregon gardens

The top 5 performing plants of groundcovers for Western Oregon landscapes.

Heather Stoven, Neil Bell | Feb 2026 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Forests in a changing climate: How much will the climate change in Oregon, and how fast?

More frequent droughts, heavier rains, less snow — these are a few ways climate is expected to change in Oregon over the next 50–75 years. Prepare for water stress and a potential rise in disease.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Erica Fleishman | Sep 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Episode 66: How Messaging Might Affect Forest Management

Dani shares the results of her study at Tillamook and MacDonald Research Forest!

Aug 2025 | Podcast episode

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Water, Economics, and Climate Change in the Willamette Basin, Oregon

By William K. Jaeger Andrew J. Plantinga Christian Langpap Dan Bigelow and Kathleen Moore

Climate change, population growth, and income growth have the potential to significantly affect the availability and use of water in the Willamette River Basin (WRB). The Willamette Water 2100 project (WW2100) was motivated in response to the need for individuals, communities, and governments across the WRB to better understand how the supply and demand for water will evolve and vary across space and time in coming decades. This report describes results from the WW2100 model with a focus on its economic dimensions, that is, the impacts on people who live in the WRB.

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Photo Credit: Victoria - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

From shade trees to ‘smarter’ containers, OSU targets nursery heat

Heat-proofing nursery crops with specialty pots and irrigation tools.

Chris Branam | Feb 24, 2026 | News story

Growing Farms online course helps producers plan for climate resilience

Self-paced lessons guide farm risk checks and next steps for tough seasons.

Chris Branam | Feb 10, 2026 | News story

Warm-season crops give Western Oregon farmers food and forage options

Research highlights versatile plants that thrive in region's hotter, drier summers.

Chris Branam | Sep 9, 2025 | News story

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Environmental organizations

Oregon Conservation Partnership: The Oregon Conservation Partnership is committed to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s natural beauty and conservation values by promoting, supporting, and advocating for voluntary conservation throughout Oregon.
Oregon Environment Council: We bring Oregonians together to protect our water, air and land with healthy solutions that work for today and for future generations. Founded in 1968 by concerned Oregonians from across the state, we are a membership-based, nonpartisan nonprofit.

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Community disaster preparedness

Community science

Local, regional and community food systems

Fire

Sustainability

Water management and conservation

Upcoming Events

Mar 23

Weathering the Storm: Cultivating Resilience on the Farm

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Central Point, OR

Mar 28

Lincoln County Master Gardener™ Association: Spring Conference

9:00 am - 1:30 pm Newport, OR

Meet Our Experts

Christopher Adlam

Regional Fire Specialist, Southwest Region

Angee Doerr

Marine Fisheries Educator

Brooke Edmunds

Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program or gardening questions from Polk or Marion counties

Miranda Gray

Coastal Water Resources Extension Educator

Topics Miranda works on include: Watershed conservation and restoration, Drinking water, Water wise landscaping, Citizen science, Water data and technology

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