Author Archives: Tayleur Baker

OSU Extension intern connects with communities through clean water

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Hi everyone!
My name is Jackie Ruff, and I am a 4th-year environmental science major with an option
in chemistry and a minor in education. This is my 2nd summer doing the Extension internship. I
am working with the Groundwater Education Protection Program this summer, and I have been
working with them for a year and 8 months now. I have done many projects with them and other
programs, including water testing, educational classes and even helping plan the annual Small
Farms Conference.

Jackie Ruff doing nitrate screenings at the Stayton Farmers Market last summer. Photo: Chrissy Lucas

Over the past couple of months, we have been running our well testing program. In this
program, I have gotten to go throughout Benton, Linn, and Clackamas counties, meeting
different well owners, testing their water and providing free educational materials on wells and
septic systems to them. With this program, we were able to provide free well testing to 200
households in Benton County, 150 households in Clackamas County, and 100 households in
Linn County! I have really enjoyed working in this program as it directly relates to my career
goals in science education. I am still figuring out what my exact career goals are, but working for
Extension Service has given me so much experience and many opportunities that I am so
grateful for.

I have also been working on scheduling many free nitrate screenings for us to do this
summer. Over the summer, we visit farmers’ markets and community events across 6 counties
(Linn, Lane, Benton, Marion, Polk, and Lincoln). At these events, we provide free nitrate
screenings to well water owners. We also have a ton of free educational materials at these
events. I have been busy scheduling, mailing and advertising for these events recently, and now
we have a bunch on our calendar! Last summer, we did around 20 events. This summer, we
already have 15 events scheduled, and we are not done scheduling them! I am hoping we can
get around 25-30 events on the calendar this summer. Doing these screenings was my favorite
part of last summer’s internship, so I am very excited to have even more to do this summer.

OSU Extension intern goes from member to mentor

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Hello! My name is Kyla Baxter, and I am so excited to introduce myself as the 4-H Summer Intern for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Douglas County. I was born and raised in the small town of Oakland, Oregon, and have always been involved in the agricultural community for as long as I can remember; I am so happy I can connect it with youth development activities this summer!  

Kyla Baxter, OSU Extension Intern in Douglas County. Photo: Christine Summers Photography

I started in the 4-H program when I was just nine years old, and I was involved for six years. I showed livestock at the county fair, participated in community service, photography, and livestock judging, and even served as my club president during my junior year of high school. During my freshman year, I transitioned to FFA to exhibit my animals. 

Kyla and swine project, George. Photo: Brooke W Photography

This fall, I’ll be taking a further step in my education at the University of Idaho. I am majoring in animal and veterinary science with a focus on production and animal nutrition. I hope to pursue a career in feedlot production or animal nutrition, which I find so important and crucial to the world of Agriculture!  

One of the most exciting things about this internship is getting a behind-the-scenes look at all that Extension offers. I’ve always associated Extension with 4-H, but now I’m learning that it’s so much more. From agriculture and natural resources to youth development, community engagement and nutrition education. Extension reaches every corner of our community, and I cannot wait to be a part of it this summer.  

Of course, one of the biggest events of the summer is the Douglas County Fair, and this year is going to be a huge challenge and an even bigger adventure for me. I’ll be helping with the 4-H program all week and exhibiting my market and breeding hogs as an FFA member. It is going to be a whirlwind, but I love a good challenge and I’m excited to rise to the occasion! 

During my interview for the internship, I was asked how I might help shape the culture of the fair this year. I immediately thought about how much I love a good t-shirt- not just for the style, but for how it can unite people and spark for pride. So, I came up with a t-shirt fundraiser! The shirts feature “Douglas County 4-H” on the front and the 2025 fair logo on the back and they celebrate our beloved fair mascot Dougy’s 60th Birthday! All proceeds will go toward supporting the Douglas County 4-H Ambassador Team. This project is more than just raising money- it is about bringing our community together to celebrate 4-H, agriculture and youth involvement.  

I know this summer will be full of learning, growth and lots of hard work, and I truly couldn’t be more excited. I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that I grew up in and learn from the passionate people who make Extension such a vital part of our community.  

Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone has a great summer!