Oregon State University Extension Service
METRO CONNECTION
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July & August 2021
News, events, resources and educational articles for our partners,
community leaders, volunteers, friends and family
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The Washington County Extension office is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. As we transition to a new hybrid work model over the summer months office staffing will vary. There are no Master Gardeners on site at this time.
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Washington County Extension in Beaverton 503-821-1150
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
No Master Gardener Hours at this time.
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Angela Sandino, North Willamette Regional Director
Maureen Hosty, 4-H Faculty OSU Portland Center
555 SW Morrison, Ste 2000.
SNAP-Ed and Nutrition Education Programs:
503-657-7385
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A message from Angela Sandino
North Willamette Regional Director
The summer season in the Willamette Valley can be almost magical. I trust you all are enjoying summer much more now that the heat dome has passed and COVID-19 restriction have been lifted across the state. We can all look forward to enjoying the small pleasures this time of year brings, such as a family picnic in the park, shopping at your local farmers’ market, or spending a day at the Washington County fair checking out the 4-H animals while enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone (fair dates are July 23-August 1).
Much like taking a trip, returning to worksites requires planning and flexibility.
Extension offices have been looking forward to the arrival of full reopening of our offices and in-person programming after a long journey back to “normalcy.” Our office in Beaverton is fully open, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As you know, our talented team of faculty and staff have dedicated time and attention adhering to the ever-changing public health and safety guidance while learning to manage the most effective tools in their new arsenal of virtual programming. The good news is we have now re-entered a new hybrid world where we will take the best parts of what we learned and weave those new virtual practices into our face-to-face world.
As we experiment with our returning to in-person programming, things might feel a little strange for a while, but that’s ok. As we re-orient ourselves to face-to-face meetings please remember to lead with kindness. Be kind to yourself and be kind to each other.
Please feel free to reach out and share any big-picture ideas, reactions or suggestions you might have as we re-open our Extension offices this summer. We are here to engage with and support you. It will be great to see you and your smiles again.
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Washington County Master Gardeners honored
The statewide Oregon Master Gardener Association recently awarded two Washington County Master Gardeners the organization’s highest award recognition. Susan Albright was awarded the State Master Gardener of the Year award, and her fellow Washington County Master Gardener, Sue Ryburn, was recognized as the State Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year. Read the full story here.
A hearty congratulations and sincere thanks to both Susan and Sue for their remarkable contributions serving the community as garden educators.
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Juntos expands to Forest Grove and Hillsboro school districts
“Juntos” means Together in Spanish. The Juntos program is offered through OSU Extension Service and is designed to provide support to LatinX students—and their families—to thrive in school and discover how many opportunities exist for their future.
Ezequiel Reyez Lopez, the Juntos program coordinator in Washington County has seen how the LatinX community stayed focused and thrived despite a very challenging 2020. Read his story here.
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Staff change in Washington County 4-H
Pat Willis, pictured left, will retire from OSU Extension 4-H in Washington County after almost 13 years with the program. He reflects, “It has been my honor and privilege to work with OSU Extension Service and 4-H Youth Development in Washington County. I have had amazing opportunities to work with the most dedicated, professional, and passionate people I know. This voyage has allowed me to work with fantastic volunteers and program partners, all with a focus to positively impact the minds, hearts and spirits of youth. Thank you all for the great work, friendships, and memories.”
Pat’s last day with 4-H will be August 31. OSU will post the position announcement on its website soon.
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4-H Wagon Train - Keep the Wheels Rolling
The Washington County 4-H Wagon Train program held its first in-person event since the pandemic began. The trek, “Keep the Wheels Rolling”, was held at the Oregon 4-H Center July 10 and 11. Over 50 youth and families, Wagon Train volunteers, mules, horses, and of course, wagons, were on site! The weekend included Wagon Train Treks (hikes) on the trails, camping out under the stars, stories, music, and lots of great food! If you're interested in joining a weekend Wagon Train adventure, the next one is slated for Oct. 2 - 3 at the 4-H Center. Find more information on the 4-H Wagon Train website or on their Facebook page.
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FAMILY and COMMUNITY HEALTH |
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New Launch: The People's Market at Rockwood
Play, Grow, Learn and the Rockwood Food Systems Collaborative, of which OSU is a member, have launched the The People’s Market at Rockwood. Located at the Sunrise Center, the incubator market centers around Black and Indigenous Farmers and Makers. Learn more on their website or Facebook page. The market takes place at 18909 E. Burnside on Thursdays, 4-7 p.m.
Walk with Ease and Camine Con Gusto
The thrill of walking is alive and well in Washington and Multnomah counties. Walk With Ease and Camine Con Gusto, the Spanish version, are group experiences which take families outdoors for free walking sessions offered in English and Spanish. Formerly designed primarily to give arthritis relief, the Walk With Ease groups are now supporting folks of all ages to get outside, walk and enjoy. The newest group is now underway in Cornelius with parents of young children. Find an in-person or virtual class or register for the self-guided course.
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FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES |
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Wildfires: Be Ready, Be Set, Go!
Wildfire evacuations are becoming a reality that individuals and communities throughout Oregon are faced with each fire season. OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension along with state and local agencies and community partners launched Wildfire Wednesday webinars last spring. Webinar recordings are archived on the Fire Aware, Fire Prepared YouTube channel.
The June 16 webinar, After the Fire, is especially informative for those immediately affected by fire.
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Small Farm news
The OSU Extension Small Farms program is active and growing. Find out what's new and learn about upcoming Small Farms events in the Summer 2021 Edition of Oregon Small Farm News.
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Addressing summer gardening concerns
Northwest gardeners are distraught about damage suffered by their plants during the recent heat wave. OSU Extension Service has answered numerous calls, and experts weigh in on what to do now. Read an article on how to care for heat damaged plants.
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Ask an OSU Master GardenerTM
Got gardening questions? We’ve got you covered! Whether you need tips for growing a bounty of blueberries or managing a plant pest or disease, OSU Master GardenersTM provide reliable gardening advice, rooted in science. Find advice here.
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Help for Hydrangeas!
Our metro Master Gardener Helpline has heard from many a concerned gardener regarding the damage their hydrangeas suffered due to last month’s extreme heat wave. A new article gives valuable guidance on what to do during and after a heatwave to help your hydrangeas.
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Level Up Gardening Series
Take your gardening knowledge to a new level with the OSU Master Gardener Level Up Series. Free online webinars focus on timely gardening topics. OSU Horticulture experts present each month through November. Watch live or catch a recording from the archive.
Last month's topic, ‘Firewise Landscaping’, covers what gardeners need to know when planning a garden with fire safety in mind.
The August 10 session, ’Season Extension Techniques’, will cover a variety of season extending techniques available for gardeners and compare how they may be used differently to match regional needs.
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Make sure your family and home are ready in case severe weather strikes. Knowing safety tips and having severe weather plans in place are the best way to prepare. Download the Severe Weather poster here.
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FOOD HERO FEATURED RECIPE |
What's more refreshing than eating juicy watermelon in August?
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Ask an Expert 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. Please choose your county and enter as much relevant detail about your question as possible. We will do our best to respond to your question within two business days.
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Have questions, comments, or suggestions?
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OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. |
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