Sustainability

Latest News

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

Portlander finds purpose in OSU Extension’s Oregon Naturalist Program

A certified interpretive guide, Natalie DaSilva volunteers with outdoor organizations around the Willamette Valley, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

Chris Branam | Jul 10, 2024 | News story

Online course extends reach of OSU Extension Land Steward Program

In 2021, the Land Steward Program expanded to 18 counties led by five regional OSU Extension instructors.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 4, 2022 | News story

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Fostering Stewardship: A How-to Guide for Trainers

By Rachel Werling and Max Bennett

This curriculum package helps natural-resource professionals train landowners on best practices in resource management. Topics include forests, fire, streams, wildlife, soil, pastures, water systems and economics — all issues facing landowners in many parts of the West.

View publication

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

Podcasts

In the Woods: Each month we will bring you research and science-based information on a new topic related to forests that aims to offer some insight into what we know and are still learning about forest science and management.

Become an 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.

Learn more

Latest Resources

In the Woods - Episode 60: Redwoods and Giant Sequoia

" I think one of the first times I experienced the redwoods, we went backpacking in Redwood Creek... and I just was in awe of the size and height of these trees. It was incredible. And you're sitting around the creek ...

Lauren Grand, Norma Kline, Dan Stark, Stephen Fitzgerald | Apr 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Grevillea for western Oregon gardens

The top 5 performing plants of Grevillea for western Oregon landscapes.

Heather Stoven, Neil Bell | Apr 2025 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Episode 57: Recreating - Balancing Fun with Ecology

Learn about ecotourism resources just in time for outdoor weather in Oregon!

Lauren Grand, Dr. Ashley D'Antonio | Mar 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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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

May 17

Mt. Hood Wildfire Ready Workshop

9:00 am - 1:00 pm Sandy, OR

May 17

FREE Nitrate Screening @ Estacada Farmers Market

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Estacada, OR

May 22

Victory Gardens by Vets - Veteran Farmer Network Farm Tour

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Gaston, OR

May 22

A Small Farms Workshop: Soil Moisture Sensors and Readers

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Corvallis, OR

Meet Our Experts

Diane Choplin

Small Farms Education Program Assistant 2

Signe Danler

Home Horticulture Online Program Instructor

Contact for questions about Home Horticulture online. Submit other questions to Ask Extension, link below.

Dr. Berit Dinsdale

Postdoctoral Researcher

Contact me to discuss desired programming and educational needs related to irrigation and water quality in Oregon agriculture.

Amanda Gladics

Coastal Fisheries Specialist

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

Walnut leaves: Safe for composting?

Q: We have a large walnut tree and would like to compost the leaves for our vegetable garden. I have read conflicting reports about the ability of composting to break down the toxin juglone. Is it safe to compost these leaves?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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