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06/20/2025

Bats may not be the first pollinators that come to mind, but they play a vital role in ecosystems!

During National Pollinator Week, we’re shining a light on these nighttime helpers. While Oregon’s 15 bat species mainly feast on insects, some bats around the world are important pollinators and seed spreaders. Their work helps plants grow and ecosystems thrive.

Learn more about Oregon’s bats and why they matter, https://beav.es/NCB.

06/19/2025

Want to support native bees in your garden?

OSU researchers studied more than 100 garden plants to find out which ones attract the most native bees. One of the top performers is Camas, a beautiful Oregon native that supports local pollinators. Others in the top 25 include globe gilia and Douglas aster, which provide important food and shelter.

See the full list and get tips for creating a bee-friendly garden, https://beav.es/NCB.

06/17/2025

Celebrate National Pollinator Week by learning how to support all bees in Oregon!

While honey bees get most of the buzz, urban areas are also home to many native bee species. Too many managed hives in one area can lead to competition for food and nesting space.

Want to help both honey bees and native bees thrive? Learn more, https://beav.es/NCo.

06/16/2025

Celebrate National Pollinator Week this week by giving some love to Oregon’s lesser-known wasps!

They might be small, but these fascinating insects help pollinate plants and keep pests in check, all without the buzz or fame bees get. With over 1,100 species in Oregon alone, there's more to wasps than meets the eye.

Learn about the vegetarian, predator and parasitoid wasps quietly supporting our ecosystems, https://beav.es/N9L.

06/14/2025

How much water does it take to grow a burger? 🍔

Thanks to a new interactive Food Calculator built by OSU students and Extension faculty, kids can explore the environmental impact of everyday meals. Designed for classrooms and community education, the tool highlights how much water, energy, land and greenhouse gas emissions are tied to our food choices.

Explore how this free tool is making sustainability fun and engaging for young learners. Read more, https://beav.es/N9W.

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06/13/2025

Cherry season has arrived in Oregon! 🍒

Sweet or tart, these summer fruits are packed with antioxidants and flavor. Look for cherries that are shiny, plump and firm with green stems. Store them in the fridge and wash just before eating to keep them fresh.

Cherries don’t ripen after picking, so choose carefully.

Get more tips for storing, prepping and enjoying cherries, https://beav.es/Njr.

06/12/2025

With smoke from the Rowena Fire affecting air quality in the Gorge, now is the time to be smoke ready.

Visit SmokeReadyGorge.org, a local resource with real-time air quality maps, forecasts, wildfire smoke alerts and guidance on keeping your home, animals and crops safe.

Stay informed and protect your community during this wildfire season, https://smokereadygorge.org/.

06/10/2025

Preserve the flavor of your garden herbs with easy drying methods. Air drying, dehydrating or using your microwave oven (for small amounts) all work well for herbs like basil, mint or rosemary. For best results, harvest herbs before they flower and dry them in a warm, dry well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

Learn more about drying herbs at home, https://beav.es/NVg.

06/09/2025

OSU research is making a lasting impact on Oregon’s wine industry helping winemakers understand flavor, fight vine diseases and adapt to climate change. With over 1,000 unique aroma compounds identified, Oregon wines are becoming even more distinct. 🍷

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

06/07/2025

The Biorational Field Day for Specialty Crops at The North Willamette Research and Extension Center, hosted by the Walton Lab and the Oregon State IPM Center, brought growers together to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional insecticides.

Attendees learned about innovative tools like mating disruption, beneficial insects, and plant growth regulators—all aimed at reducing chemical use and protecting crop health. The event also highlighted cutting-edge application methods, including drone-based systems that lower input costs while improving precision.

Organizer and PhD student Alexander Butcher shared, “The event was a great success—we’ve already heard from several growers who are adopting these practices this season!”

Big thanks to everyone who joined us in moving integrated pest management forward!

North Willamette Research and Extension Center

06/05/2025

In 2024, OSU Extension Metro Area Master Gardener volunteers dedicated approximately 30,000 hours of direct engagement with more than 59,000 individuals in the Portland metro area. They answered more than 28,000 gardening questions — a 133% increase from the prior year.

06/03/2025

Refrigeration slows—but doesn’t stop—bacterial growth!

To keep food safe, cool leftovers quickly, avoid overcrowding your fridge and store foods in airtight containers. Use refrigerated items promptly and watch for spoilage signs like off-odors or mold growth.

More tips, https://beav.es/NKF.

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