OSU Extension

08/24/2026

Gardening is giving Oregon youths a place to learn, experiment and belong.
Through 4-H Junior Master Gardener programs in Douglas and Marion counties, youths are getting hands-on experience with plants, science and nutrition. From tending a community garden to growing plants in classrooms, they’re building practical skills, confidence and curiosity along the way.

Read more, https://beav.es/YN5.

08/20/2026

A well-designed garden should welcome everyone.

Whether you're gardening from a wheelchair, dealing with limited mobility or simply looking for ways to make gardening easier as you age, thoughtful design can make outdoor spaces more comfortable, accessible and enjoyable.

Oregon State University Extension Service shares practical ideas for creating gardens that work for people of all ages and abilities.

Read more, https://beav.es/Ypf.

08/19/2026

Want to make your yard more welcoming to Oregon’s native bees? Start with what you plant.

Oregon is home to hundreds of native bee species, and flowering shrubs and trees can provide important food, shelter and nesting resources.

OSU Extension’s guide features 29 plants native to Oregon, including willows, currants, Oregon grape, snowberry and native roses, with information to help you choose what works for your landscape.

Explore the guide, https://beav.es/YpG.

08/19/2026

Japanese beetles can feed on more than 300 plant species, damaging everything from roses and grapes to fruit trees, vegetables and turfgrass.

Oregon continues to work to keep this invasive pest from becoming widely established, and early detection matters. Learn how to identify Japanese beetles, recognize signs of damage and report a suspected sighting.

Explore OSU Extension’s newly revised guide, https://beav.es/YcA.

08/17/2026

Battling Himalayan blackberry? You're not alone.
Left unchecked, it can crowd out native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat and take over fields, forests and backyards.

Oregon State University Extension Service shares practical, research-based strategies to control Himalayan blackberry using a combination of cutting, digging, grazing and targeted herbicide treatments. Success takes persistence — but it can be done.

Read more, https://beav.es/Ycc.

OSU Extension horticulturist shares strategies for long-term control.

08/16/2026

Every drop counts, especially during Oregon’s dry summer months.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire yard to conserve water. Simple changes, such as watering wisely, improving soil, choosing the right plants and adjusting routine landscape maintenance, can help reduce water use while keeping your garden and landscape healthy.

OSU Extension has gathered research-based resources to help you take practical steps toward conserving water at home.

Explore the collection, https://beav.es/YqW.

08/13/2026

A new approach to Master Gardener volunteer training is taking root in Klamath County.

By rethinking how and when training is offered, OSU Extension is making it easier for more people to participate, learn research-based gardening practices and put that knowledge to work serving local gardeners.

Read more,
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/klamath-county-re-envisions-master-gardener-volunteer-training.

08/11/2026

Celebrate Oregon Pollinator Conservation Day with a morning of learning and discovery. From native bees and nighttime pollinators to native plants and pollinator-friendly gardening, this event brings together experts from across Oregon to share practical tips for creating healthy habitats and supporting pollinators.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, you'll leave with new ideas to help pollinators thrive.

- Saturday, Aug. 15
- 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- 569 Hanley Rd
Central Point, OR 97502

Registration is $15 per person, with a sliding-scale option available.

Learn more and register, https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/jackson/events/oregon-pollinator-conservation-day.

08/10/2026

For just a few days, the Oregon coast reveals a world that's usually hidden beneath the waves.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tide predictions, many Oregon Coast beaches are expected to experience especially low daytime tides around Aug. 10–13, making it one of the best opportunities of the year to explore Oregon's rocky shoreline. Because tide times and heights vary by location, check local tide predictions before you go.

Beneath the waves lives one of Oregon's most remarkable marine animals: the sunflower sea star. With up to 24 arms, a span of 3 feet and the title of the world's fastest sea star, it helps keep kelp forests healthy by feeding on purple sea urchins.

While sunflower sea stars typically live in deeper water, exploring tide pools offers a glimpse into the rich coastal ecosystems they help support.

As you explore, leave marine life where you find it, step carefully on bare rock and keep an eye on the incoming tide.

Learn more about Oregon's Incredible Creatures, https://beav.es/xjn.

08/07/2026

For the first time, Washington County 4-H dedicated a full day and building at the county fair to Cloverbuds, giving kids ages 5 to 8 a chance to experience animal showmanship in a fun, age-appropriate way.

While traditional 4-H animal showmanship begins at age 9, Cloverbud Day invited younger members to practice with smaller animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. 🐰🐔🐹 

During “show-and-tell,” high school 4-H ambassadors stepped in as judges, offering encouragement and feedback as Cloverbuds practiced their animal-handling skills.

Then, animals raced to munch mealworms, parsley and carrots in eating contests, while the costume contest gave kids another chance to show off their creativity. 🥕

Cloverbud Day is a great example of how 4-H meets kids where they are, helping young members build confidence, learn new skills and giving kids of every age a chance to shine. 🍀

Video by Grace Xue