Sustainability

OSU Extension provides practical, science-based information to help Oregonians make sustainable choices at home, on the land and in their communities. We offer tools and education on natural resource management and conservation to support a healthier future for people and the environment.

Featured resources

Landscape sustainability checkup

Want to make your yard more environmentally sustainable, but don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled a list of sustainability tips to provide you with some inspiration. Some of these suggestions will take more effort than ...

Shannon Rauter | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Fostering Stewardship: A How-to Guide for Trainers

This curriculum package helps natural-resource professionals train landowners in resource management. Topics include forests, fire, streams, wildlife, soil, pastures, water systems and economics.

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

Episode 41: Indigenous Partnerships

In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Cristina Eisenberg to discuss how creating relationships with indigenous tribes can help strengthen Western science methodologies to create natural ecosystem resiliency.

Lauren Grand, Cristina Eisenberg | Nov 2023 | Podcast episode

A Guide to Hedgerows: Plantings That Enhance Biodiversity, Sustainability and Functionality

Hedgerows are living fences with the ability to grow food, shelter wildlife, save water, manage weeds and look beautiful all year round. Study the many benefits of hedgerows, and learn what you need to know to plant your own living fence.

Pami Monnette, Jude Hobbs | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Oregon Naturalist

The Oregon Naturalist Program is for people interested in Oregon’s natural history and natural resources management who want to dedicate their time as volunteers. Take courses online and on-location in Oregon’s beautiful outdoors.

Topics covered include the natural history of plants, animals, habitats, and geology in Oregon, the history and processes of landscape change, as well as present-day sustainable natural resource management.

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Photo Credit: Adventures On Wheels - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest resources

Value-Added Food Product Development

The OSU Department of Food Science & Technology contributes to the Oregon food industry through its Value-Added Processing Extension Program for new food products marketed to customer needs and perceptions.

Yanyun Zhao | Project

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)

Can you clarify recycling rules in Oregon?

Q: Recycling rules seem to be changing, and I want to be sure I’m doing the right thing. Do you have up-to-date information on which plastics can be recycled, and how to recycle plastic bags and Styrofoam in Oregon?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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Latest news

OSU scales up effort to reduce onion irrigation plastic waste

New pyrolysis tests could turn used drip tape into diesel, removing millions of pounds from the landscape.

Chris Branam | Feb 26, 2026 | News story

OSU rangeland researchers help mitigate spread of invasive grasses

Communities in Eastern Oregon are better equipped to protect their rangelands from invasive grasses, reduce wildfire risk and restore the productivity and resilience of these vital ecosystems.

Vanessa Schroeder, Dustin Johnson | May 2025 | Impact story

Student teams support watershed monitoring in Jackson County

By combining real-world relevance with experiential learning, SWAT strengthens local restoration efforts while building the next generation of environmental professionals.

Kara Baylog | Apr 2025 | Impact story

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Local, regional and community food systems

Soil

Forest health and management

Rangeland conservation and management

Climate change

Water management and conservation

Upcoming Events

Apr 17

Fire resilient forests - Forest fuels reduction workshop

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Oregon City, OR

Apr 22

Plant Problems Caused by Weather and What People Do

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT Online

Apr 23

Riding Mower Maintenance Workshop (Under 25 HP) gasoline only - at Bee Charmed Farm

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Albany, OR

Apr 29

DIY Composting*

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT Online

Meet Our Experts

Annette Patton

Forest Watershed Extension Specialist

Contact me if you want to talk about watershed processes, from hillslopes to rivers!

Srijana Shrestha

Metro Master Gardener Assistant Professor of Practice

Miles Phillips

Coastal Tourism & Business Development

Sustainable Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Training, Applied Research and Support for Business and Communities

Yasmeen Hossain

Associate Director of the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)

Contact for environmental education opportunities, questions, and ideas throughout Oregon.

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question

Can you clarify recycling rules in Oregon?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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