Hello everyone! I have had a great summer so far interning in the Clatsop County Extension office and I want to share a little bit about what I have been doing so far. Since I don’t just focus on one program, there are always a variety of activities and projects that I get to be a part of on any given week. This may be my favorite part of my summer. Every week is different and there is always something new to experience or learn. That being said, the last few weeks of my internship will have a main focus: trees.
Makena taking photos of trees for a website and database of notable trees in Astoria. Photo: Aspen Bowling
One event surrounding this topic happens to fall on my last day, so I’m happy I get to participate before I leave; it will be a great way to cap off an already great internship. The event is an urban tree walk around downtown Astoria with an urban forestry specialist. We will stop and learn about some of the historically important and interesting trees in the area as we go along. As someone who studies wood science and has done projects on urban wood and trees in general, I am excited to learn from an urban forester, and maybe even share some of my knowledge with attendees as well. It should be a very fun event, and I am excited that I get to be a part of it.
In conjunction with the event, I have been working to put together a database, website and information handouts for a list of notable trees in Astoria. One of the Master Gardener volunteers has been compiling the list, and I am making it accessible to the public. There are some very interesting trees around Astoria, and it has been so fun to visit them, write about them, and take their pictures to add to the website. It is a big project, but it has been a fun project, and I am excited to see the end result. I hope it can become a great resource in the future that gives people the chance to explore the trees of Astoria and learn more about the forest in their backyard.
Hey everyone! If you don’t remember me from my last blog post, my name is Shylee Davis, and I am interning with OSU Extension in Harney County. Since my last blog post, a lot has happened! One of the biggest things was our day camp. This year, our day camp was called Dirt to Dinner, where kids ages 5 to 11 were taught where their food comes from and how it gets from the farm to their plate.
Shylee smiles with her steer that she will be showing at the 2026 Harney County Fair in September. Photo: Nikylee Davis
We kicked off the camp by bringing in local producers from the farmer’s market. They explained where and how the items sold at a farmer’s market are produced and what kinds of products you can find there. The kids then learned about chickens and goats from another local producer, including the different breeds that are raised for meat and may eventually end up on their dinner plate.
The next part of our Dirt to Dinner journey focused on the kids learning about growing plants. We had an agriculture teacher come in and teach them about germination and how to properly plant seeds. The kids were able to pot peas and marigolds to take home with them. After that, they learned about the ruminant stomach from our very own Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. They brought in a cannulated steer, which has an opening into its rumen that allows people to observe what cattle eat and how their food is digested. The kids were able to safely put their hands into the rumen and feel what the steer had been eating. It was definitely an experience they will remember!
The bee display from the Harney County Dirt to Dinner day camp. Photo: Shylee Davis
On the third day, we had a local honeybee producer come in and teach the kids about bees and microgreens. She brought a special display that allowed the kids to see the bees up close without being stung. The kids observed many interesting things, from spotting drone bees, which are male bees, to even watching a baby bee hatch. After learning about bees, the kids got to start their own microgreens and learned what microgreens are and how they are grown. Later that day, our Junior Leaders (members of a 4-H club focused on leadership) each gave an educational presentation to the kids on a topic of their choosing. It was great to see them take what they have learned through 4-H and share their knowledge with younger kids.
We finished our week with Autumn, our 4-H Coordinator, teaching the kids about different types of soil and showing them how to ribbon soil to determine its texture. Later, we had someone bring in a milking sheep, allowing the kids to try milking and learn more about where milk comes from. At the same time, Boer goats made an appearance to teach the campers about their purpose in agriculture. We ended the camp with frozen yogurt and a water fight, which was a pretty great way to finish four busy days of learning!
After day camp, I was busy with fair preparations, including creating social media posts and helping put together our new fair office. Unfortunately, the fires then affected my family and our cattle, which meant that things had to slow down for a little while. I am now back in the office and right back to working on preparations for our County Fair, which will be held September 8th–12th.
Looking back on my internship, I have learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes to make programs and events happen. From working with kids at day camp to helping prepare for the county fair, I have been able to experience many different sides of Extension and agriculture. I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have had and for everyone who has helped make this internship such a great experience. Thank you for following along with me through my internship! Until next time!
This summer, I have had the privilege of interning with the OSU Extension Service in Douglas County. Since my last blog post, we have been busy preparing for the fair and making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout the week!
Photo of preparation for static exhibit pick up day at the Douglas County fair. Photo: Makaela Carter
For the past several weeks, I have been working out of the fairgrounds to help get everything ready for fair week. From putting together materials for each species exhibited at the fair to setting up spaces for our 4-H Static Exhibit Day, I have been involved in many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that go into preparing for the fair.
Once fair arrived, I helped check 4-H members’ record books, staff the 4-H office at the fairgrounds, run supplies between barns and assist with anything else that was needed. Every day of this internship has brought a new adventure and a new opportunity to learn. Being able to see the direct impact that 4-H has on kids has been one of the most rewarding parts of this internship.
A few weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to judge the Cloverbud 4-H exhibitors and learn more about their static projects. Although Cloverbud projects are judged on participation rather than competition, I had a great time interacting directly with the kids and seeing the amazing projects they had worked so hard on. From LEGO structures to quilts to floral arrangements, I was so impressed by the creativity and effort that each Cloverbud member put into their project.
As my internship comes to a close, I have been reflecting on what a great summer it has been! I have had so many opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills and see the impact that 4-H has on our community. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to spend my summer giving back to my home county and being part of such a meaningful program. I can’t wait to take the skills and experiences I have gained this summer into my future career. Thank you to the Douglas County staff for making this such a memorable and rewarding summer!
My internship with the Groundwater Protection Program has been nothing but a positive experience so far. I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel throughout Oregon, visit areas I had never been to before, and learn more about the different communities and demographics across the state. Each trip has given me a better understanding of how different communities experience and approach water-related issues.
Abby helping out at the OSU Extension booth at the Polk County Fair. Photo: Colleen Lovdokken
One thing I am especially looking forward to is continuing our interviews with people who participated in a septic system replacement grant program that my internship site has been involved with over the past few years. I am interested in hearing directly from participants about their experiences with the program and learning more about how these types of resources impact people in their communities.
One challenge I have encountered during my internship is interacting with community members who are hesitant to share details while testing their water. Sometimes there is a lack of trust, and people may worry that we are collecting information to report them or their property. Learning how to approach these conversations respectfully and explain our purpose has been an important part of my experience. It has taught me that building trust and making people feel comfortable is just as important as the information we are providing.
One of my biggest takeaways from this internship has been learning how to communicate effectively with members of the general public. Water quality can be a very personal issue, especially when it involves someone’s home, family or health. I have learned that it is important to listen to people’s concerns, meet them where they are, and explain information in a way that is understandable and useful to them.
This is a piece of knowledge I hope to carry with me throughout my future career. Being able to communicate with people from different backgrounds, build trust and make complicated information easier to understand will be an important skill.
Just in case you didn’t already read my first blog post (linked here), I’ll go ahead and re-introduce myself. My name is Brooke Parker, and this summer I have had the opportunity to intern with Deschutes County 4-H at their OSU Extension office. I am headed into my final year of undergrad at OSU E-Campus, studying business administration, with double minors in writing as well as agricultural communications.
My main roles in this internship so far have been to support Deschutes County’s horse fair and general fair. I have also been working on creating a task sheet to document everything that happens every year to make the fairs successful.
Brooke’s first round of rabbit showmanship she judged. Brooke notes that the student on the left is answering a question that she asked her, and “the one on the right is doing an excellent job remaining attentive, while also managing her rabbit and ensuring it didn’t try to hop off. (The rabbit had grown impatient of sitting by this point in the long show day).” Photo: Stephanie Parker
During the fair, which happened two weeks ago, my role consisted of little supporting errands such as brining requested items to the superintendents, or helping set up our 4-H ice cream booth.
Brooke asking questions to one of the rabbit showmen. Photo: Stephanie Parker
Apart from that, my major daily responsibility during the fair was to judge herdsmanship in the swine and beef barns. Herdsmanship is a competition where 4-H members are graded on the appearance and quality within three categories: members’ presence, the animals, and their area as well as common areas near their club. It was fun to walk through the barns every day and catch glimpses of 4-H’ers getting ready for shows and taking care of their animals.
My main project was raising and breeding rabbits when I used to do 4-H. Knowing this, my supervisor, Morgan, offered me the opportunity to judge the rabbit master showmanship. At first, I was concerned that I might not remember enough about rabbits to judge well. I borrowed a rabbit 4-H handbook and all the information came right back to me. I feel like that goes to show how much the 4-H program can leave a lasting impression, that I remembered almost everything, even after years away from the environment.
I had fun interacting with all the Champion and Reserve Champion small animal showmen. It was likely many of the students first time showing a rabbit (for those who typically showed other species). I was pleased to shake their hands after each round and congratulate them on the hard work that had gotten them there.
In these final two weeks of my internship, I plan to wrap up the task sheet. My goal is to create a useful resource for 4-H staff in future years, that will help operations to be more efficient and reduce the mental load of organizing the fair each year.
Once again, a big thank you to Morgan Henson, my supervisor for this internship, and to the rest of the 4-H staff, as well as all of our wonderful superintendents and volunteers. And a big congratulations to all of the 2026 Deschutes County Fair exhibitors for finishing out another year!
Hi again! I’m Olivia, and things have really begun to ramp up here at the OSU Extension office in Klamath County since my last post! I mentioned the “Activity Kit Day” I will be hosting; well, it is only in a few days! Along with this date closing in, I am adding the finishing touches to the activity kits I have been creating throughout my internship. I cannot wait to see my hard work come to fruition! I have had a wonderful time working with OSU Extension this summer and I am honestly sad to have to say goodbye. I have got to learn and do so many amazing things. Just a few examples being: catching and examining bugs, assisting during classes, helping at our local arboretum, working with Master Gardeners at our farmers’ market and tabling at a local farm for our annual small farm tour. My favorite thing to do was examine bugs under the microscope. I even made an awesome discovery! The larvae I examined was that of the European Elm Flea Weevil and as I was observing, I found a parasitic wasp using the weevils as a host. Nicole and I had not seen this before, so it was amazing to see it firsthand!
Olivia’s Native Plant ID Activity Kit she created. Photo: Olivia WildeOlivia examines a parasitic wasp under the microscope. Photo: Olivia Wilde
Although I have been having a great time working for OSU Extension, that doesn’t mean I haven’t struggled during some points. This was the first job I have worked where I am almost completely independent. At times it has been somewhat difficult knowing where my priorities lie, especially with the creation of the new kits. However, Nicole did a great job checking in and creating a welcoming atmosphere for me to ask questions and get help when needed. I have learned that even when working independently, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to ask questions or look for guidance, in fact you should do those things. Independence doesn’t mean you’re alone! I am sure the skills I have learned during this internship will follow me in my future professions and I could not be more grateful for this wonderful opportunity!
Hi again! It’s Evelyn, the OSU Extension intern from Wasco County, Oregon. This has been an amazing summer, and I have learned a lot. Now that all of our 4-H summer camps have finished, I can recap everything I learned. To make the camps run smoothly, we have to ensure we have enough supplies for every student, from building materials to working computers, to snacks and water bottles. I also learned that even if you spend days updating computers in June, Windows will still require major updates in July that unfortunately must be installed for the computers to run. While working with Susan McCourt on our Invention Convention (IC) teacher training, I have learned what IC will look like in Oregon in the future. Additionally, I facilitated my first Zoom meeting, which took a lot of troubleshooting to set up, but it was a huge success! I have learned a lot about Zoom, and I feel quite prepared if I am needed to run another meeting again.
One big struggle I faced this year was at one of our later summer camps. We were running our camp at one of our local elementary schools, and a lot of our computers were unable to connect to the internet. After sorting through the twenty-one computers I had, I was able to connect twelve to the internet. We had a 16-student camp starting in 30 minutes and were prepared to pair up students to ensure everyone could learn. We then had many students go to the wrong location due to a mislabeled email months back, but by the time the camp started, we had twelve students show up. Luckily, we had enough computers, and the rest of the day went smoothly. I learned a great deal about organization and adapting when encountering challenges to achieve success amidst struggles.
Students at the 3D Printing Camp testing their boat designs in a tub of water. Photo: Cameron Deitz-Fuller
This past week I have been helping Leah Ashley plan the Wasco County Fair. This involved doing odd jobs around the office. I made judging cards for livestock and small animals, and then dove into sorting the champion banners into their respective categories. This part of the fair is actually quite exciting because I get to see what the 4-H office team does before the fair starts. During the fair, I will be helping run the STEM activities: robotics, duct-tape projects and popsicle-stick catapults [due to the Grasshopper Fire, the Wasco County Fair has been canceled, placing all fair activities on hold].
Now that my internship is almost over (August 14th is my last day), I can share what I have generally learned this summer. Besides learning how to run the 4-H camps and the fair, I have learned how to solve problems with limited instructions, which is a very useful skill. Also, all the knowledge I gained about STEM and the Wasco County Fair will help me as I pursue a career in engineering.
I would like to thank the entire Wasco County OSU Extension office for making my internship a very enjoyable experience. I would also like to thank Susan McCourt, whom I worked alongside during my internship. It has been a pleasure to hear about all of the other interns’ stories, and I hope everyone has an amazing year!
As my internship with Hood River County Extension comes to an end, it is hard to believe how much I have learned in such a short amount of time. Looking back on this summer, one of the biggest highlights was helping with the Hood River County Fair. I knew fair week would be busy, but I did not realize just how much work goes on behind the scenes to make everything come together. Seeing months of planning become a successful event for our 4-H members and community was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Karyna Marquez poses with the Grand Champion Sheep Showmen of the Hood River County Fair.
Throughout fair week, I helped wherever I was needed. Every day looked a little
different, whether I was assisting with livestock activities, answering questions, helping with events, or supporting Extension staff behind the scenes. One of my favorite parts of the internship was getting to experience so many different aspects of Extension work. Being willing to jump in wherever help was needed taught me how important flexibility and teamwork are. There were plenty of moments when plans changed or unexpected situations came up, but everyone worked together to make sure the fair was successful.
Karyna (right) smiles after working hard photographing and assisting with buyer paperwork at the Hood River County Youth Livestock Auction.
One of the biggest things I will take away from this internship is the confidence I have gained. Since I grew up in Hood River County 4-H, many of the volunteers, parents, and community members have known me for years as an exhibitor. This summer, I stepped into a different role. Instead of being the kid showing livestock, I was working alongside those same adults as an Extension intern, helping answer questions, support events, and assist wherever I could. At first, it felt a little strange navigating that change, but over time I became more confident in myself and my abilities. Learning to contribute as a coworker instead of just a participant showed me how much I have grown, both personally and professionally.
Working under my supervisor, Grace Wesson, gave me a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into Extension programming and the county fair. I learned that successful events require organization, communication, teamwork, and the ability to adapt when things do not go exactly as planned. Those are skills I know I will carry with me throughout college and into my future career in agricultural communications.
As I finish this internship, I am grateful for everything I have learned and everyone who invested in me along the way. If I could give one piece of advice to future interns, it would be to say yes to every opportunity. Some of the most valuable experiences came from stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on tasks I had never done before. You never know what you will learn or who you will meet. This internship has strengthened my confidence, expanded my perspective, and reinforced my passion for serving the agricultural community, and I am excited to carry these experiences with me into the future.
Hi! I’m Natasha Lane, the Summer Intern for OSU Extension in Union County! As an incoming sophomore studying plant science-crop science and sustainable food & bioenergy-crop production with a minor in precision agriculture & land management systems, I aim to become the owner/operator of the diversified crop farm that I grew up on here in Union County. Following my past experience as a 4-Her, especially as a 4-H Ambassador, I had been exposed to Extension and decided to pursue this internship with the intent of being able to give back to 4-H and learn about the behind-the-scenes of Extension as well as its different branches.
OSU Extension intern, Natasha Lane, driving the Alfalfa Omega SP-SW 125 during the forage trails. Photo: Darrin Walenta
In June, I was able to assist with the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, which encompasses multiple counties and allowed me to work and connect with the other 4-H program coordinators across Oregon. Some of my responsibilities during the Stock Show included managing the 4-H office window, assisting the photographer during market shows, preparing for the shows and awards ceremony, running errands, and staffing the OSU Extension office.
I also helped our Agronomist and Assistant Professor of Practice with forage trials— collecting dry and wet samples of the forage as well as being able to drive the Alfalfa Omega SP-SW 125. I also helped with the annual Union County Crop Tour, during which I managed bus attendance. On the tour, the public and I were driven around the county and stopped at three diverse locations where we learned about different agricultural operations near us. I enjoyed being a part of the Crop Tour and seeing how it helped bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
Natasha judging the Pee Wee swine showmanship contest during the Union County Fair. Photo: Carrie Lane
The last few events that I was able to be a part of, Tri-County 4-H Camp and Union County Fair, were some of my favorites. At camp I assisted with check-ins, chaperoned a trip to the water park, and helped co-teach a workshop on ice cream making. I love working with kids and seeing the campers have a great time was truly a rewarding experience. Similarly, I was able to get involved with helping 4-H youth at the fair from clerking the dog show to clerking the livestock shows. It really became a full-circle moment for me as I was also able to act as a judge for the All-Around Showman and Pee Wee Show for swine, something I competed in when I was a 4-Her!
As my summer ends, I have been able to reflect on all the valuable lessons and skills being an intern has taught me that goes beyond just Extension. Volunteers are truly the backbone of so many of our youth programs and it truly is a thankless job. I worked my hardest to be an asset to them because they deserve all thanks and praise for making 4-H such a successful program. Additionally, I have been exposed to research projects that I didn’t know existed and I can’t wait to return to school with a revamped passion for learning and discovery. Lastly, all the men and women I have worked with this summer are such impressive people and being allowed to be a part of their team has truly been something special, so I would like to thank Karie Kelley, Honour Bowen, Shelby Benson, Darrin Walenta and Grace Dudek for letting me be a part of their whirlwind of a summer!
Extension has been a part of my family since before I was born. My family has been preserving food for decades. My mom learned from her mom and mother-in-law, and I learned from her. As my mom looked for safe canning recipes in the early 90’s, she turned to the Extension Service for help. From Extension, she found a recipe for salsa that would become a part of my family’s summers for decades. In April of 1990, according to the date on the bottom of the paper, my mom picked up a recipe for salsa. The salsa recipe, in a packet with a couple of other recipes printed on pink paper, became a family staple. We have made that salsa, using that same paper, for 34 years now.
Emily Braibish assisting at an informational Extension booth. Photo: Otillia Schreuder
Now, as a college student exploring my options, I have also turned to Extension, though for slightly different reasons. As I look for possible career paths and avenues of study, the OSU Extension service is where I have landed. A career in Extension connects research with the public. It helps farmers, families and the surrounding community use new ideas to solve real problems. My goal is to work as an Extension agent who shares useful knowledge, supports local growth and builds strong community ties.
Emily Braibish, OSU Extension intern in Benton and Linn Counties. Photo: Otillia Schreuder
Extension work plays such an important role in the community by acting as a bridge between the academic work of universities and everyday people. Extension programs serve as a critical link between academic research and the practical needs of local communities. By translating complex scientific data into accessible, actionable tools, Extension agents empower individuals and businesses to implement proven best practices.
My own desire to work within Extension programming stems from a deep commitment to meaningful community service and public impact. I want to build a career where my daily efforts directly improve the lives of the people around me; Extension provides the perfect framework to turn that goal into reality. By working at the crossroads of education and community, I look forward to giving back to the community, helping my neighbors with their questions, and equipping families with the tools they need to thrive.
-Emily Braibish, OSU Extension intern in Benton and Linn Counties
