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

Master Woodland Managers educate on the environment in eastern Oregon

Jacob Putney, an Oregon State University Extension Service forester and assistant professor of practice in the College of Forestry, stepped into the role of regional coordinator for the Master Woodland Manager (MWM) program in Baker and Grant counties.

Jacob Putney | Feb 2023 | Impact story

Eastern Oregon landowners equipped to better manage their forests through OSU Extension outreach

Oregon State University Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Extension Fire Program faculty members banded together to create a webinar series exploring the roadblocks landowners face when managing varied forest types in eastern Oregon.

John Punches | Feb 2023 | Impact story

All News

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.
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.

View publication

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 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

Episode 46: Storm Damage

In this episode, Lauren Grand is joined by Glenn Ahrens and Scott Altenhoff to discuss the impact of storms on Oregon's forests and preventative measures that can be taken to mitigate tree damage caused by storms.

Lauren Grand, Glenn Ahrens, Scott Altenhoff | Mar 2024 | Podcast episode

Episode 45: Carbon Markets

In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Jacob Putney on the show to breakdown what carbon markets are and how they can be utilized to mitigate CO2 emissions.

Lauren Grand, Jacob Putney | Feb 2024 | Podcast episode

The intriguing life of coho salmon and a conservation opportunity for landowners

What makes salmon unique? Oregon is home to many wonders, including one that swims upstream. Coho salmon are one of seven salmon species native to the Pacific Ocean, all of which share an incredibly unique lifecycle. Salmon ...

Sarah Cameron, David Bugni, Glenn Ahrens | Dec 2023 | Article

Browse All Resources

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.

Explore more resources

Local, regional and community food systems

Soil

Forest health and management

Rangeland conservation and management

Climate change

Water management and conservation

Upcoming Events

May 4

Friends of Buford Park (FBP) Native Plant Nursery Tour

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Eugene, OR - Registration closed.

May 18

Bigleaf Maple field Day: Processing, Products, and Possibilities

8:00 am - 2:30 pm Oregon City, OR

May 25

Early Seral Forest Management Tour

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

Jun 19

Willamette Community Lamb Farm Tour

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Albany, 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

Sea Grant Coastal Fisheries

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

See More Questions