Sustainability

Latest News

Art, science merge in Oregon State study of 19th-century landscape paintings’ ecological integrity

CORVALLIS, Ore. – An Oregon State University-led collaboration of ecologists and art historians has demonstrated that landscape paintings from more than 150 years ago can advance environmental science.

Steve Lundeberg | Sep 13, 2023 | 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

Master Melittologists garner national award for biodiversity conservation

Brothers Dan and Michael O'Loughlin of Yamhill County received the national Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award from the National Association of Conservation Districts and the Pollinator Partnership.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 18, 2021 | News story

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Podcasts

Northwest Nature Matters: Oregon Wildlife Society. This podcast is produced by the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society in partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. The goal of the podcast is to give you the opportunity to hear directly from the experts, through long-form conservation about natural history and conservation.
PolliNation Podcast: Oregon State University Extension's own Andony Melathopoulos, Pollinator Health Specialist hosts a podcast about bees. He invites scientists, growers, and managers onto his podcast to have a conversation about bees and pollinator health.
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.

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.

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

Videos

Healthy streams: a family’s journey toward fish habitat restoration

This class will cover how a small woodland family northeast of Estacada embarked on a ten-year effort (ongoing) to restore their creek to improve fish habitat and allow for fish passage. Topics covered include planning, ...

David Bugni, Glenn Ahrens, Dan Stark | Apr 2022 | Video

Using nature as a model for forest management

Most small woodland owners want to manage their forests for a wide range of benefits, including wildlife habitat, aesthetics, long-term income and carbon sequestration. This class will introduce you to basic principles of forest ...

Kirk Hanson, Glenn Ahrens | Mar 2022 | Video

Forest Sustainability and Certification

Wood is seen as an environmentally friendly building product and is a favorite of the design/build community, as long as the forests are sustainably managed. This webinar will introduce a new video "Sustainable Wood from ...

Jun 2021 | Video

Become a Master Naturalist!

The Oregon Master 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

Episode 41: Indigenous Partnerships

In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined once again 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

Episode 40: Indigenous Knowledge

In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Cristina Eisenberg to discuss the importance of indigenous knowledge and how it can be used to strengthen communities and the natural environment.

Lauren Grand, Cristina Eisenberg | Oct 2023 | Podcast episode

Episode 39: Dead Wood

In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Ken Bevis on the show to discuss how dead wood plays a critical role in the health of wildlife and forest ecosystems.

Lauren Grand, Ken Bevis | Sep 2023 | Podcast episode

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Environmental organizations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: This government agency's mission is to protect human health and the environment.
The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
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.

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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

Dec 9

Propagating Native Plants: A Gardener's Guide

10:00 am - 11:30 am Eugene, OR - Registration closed.

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.

Megan Deane McKenna

OSU Open Campus Education Coordinator

Contact me with questions about Juntos Afuera and Natural Resources in Tillamook County

Dr. Berit Dinsdale

Postdoctoral Researcher

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

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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