OSU Extension Office-Wasco County

05/01/2026

We're hiring an Office Specialist 2, the person who will be the front door for our community programs here in Wasco County.

You’d welcome folks who walk in, help coordinate events across 4-H, Master Gardeners, agriculture, nutrition, and youth programs, and create clear flyers, emails, and posts. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

$19.36 to $28.75/hr + full benefits

Full consideration by May 20. Posting closes May 22.

If you know someone who'd be a good fit, please pass it along.

04/28/2026

Rangelands Workshop for Virtual Fencing, Annual Grasses, and Fire Resiliency, May 6th in Antelope

Come learn about the latest in virtual fencing, control of invasive annual grasses, and fire resiliency while celebrating the rebirth of the Antelope School as the Antelope Community Center! This free event will take place from 10 am to 3 pm at the Antelope Community Center. RSVP by May 4 to Abbie Forrest at [email protected], 541-705-3547

04/24/2026

Joanne Rude has been volunteering with OSU Extension’s StrongPeople program in The Dalles since 2024.

“The reason I volunteer for Strong People is I really like the workout program. It is not too difficult, and it is structured to give everyone choices as to how strenuous of a workout they want. I volunteered because there was a need and I felt this was something I could do.”

StrongPeople is an evidence-based community exercise program designed for midlife and older adults, focused on strength, balance, and connection.

Joanne leads a class at The Dalles Seventh Day Adventist Church, helping create access and opportunity for others.

Joanne's willingness to step in is what keeps community programs going.

We’re grateful for all of the volunteers who make this work possible across Wasco County.

Please join us in thanking Joanne.

Part of our Volunteer Appreciation Week spotlight series.

04/23/2026

Kim McCullough has been volunteering with OSU Extension’s StrongPeople program in The Dalles since 2012 and previously served for over 30 years as the OSU Extension Office-Wasco County Administrative Office Manager.

“I volunteer for the StrongPeople program because of the people and my belief in the program itself. I have participants who have been with the program since shortly after it began in Oregon. This dedicated group of older women is an inspiration to me as I age, and I attribute their physical strength to their dedication to their health and this program.”

StrongPeople is an evidence-based community exercise program designed for midlife and older adults, focused on strength, balance and connection.

Kim leads classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday over Zoom alongside co-leader Darlene Marick, helping participants stay active and connected year-round.

Her long history with OSU Extension and continued leadership are part of what make this program so strong.

Please join us in thanking Kim, and reach out if you'd like more information about our StrongPeople classes!

Part of our Volunteer Appreciation Week spotlight series.

04/22/2026

Come join our Wasco County Master Gardeners tonight, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Columbia Gorge Community College - The Dalles campus.

We hope to see you this evening! Free seeds, free houseplant starts, crafts for the kids, expert advice 🪴

Columbia Gorge Community College
Building 2
Floor 2
5-7pm

Signs will guide you in and up!

04/22/2026

We love our Master Gardener volunteers.

40 volunteers. 1,500 hours. One incredible impact across Wasco County.

From farmers markets to school programs, from the Imagination Garden to the Sorosis Veterans Memorial Rose Garden, they share research-based knowledge and show up for our community with generosity, knowledge, and care.

Their work shows up in healthier gardens, stronger connections, and more confident growers across the Gorge.

Please join us in thanking our Wasco County Master Gardeners volunteers.

Part of our Volunteer Appreciation Week spotlight series.

04/21/2026

Darlene Marick has been volunteering with OSU Extension’s StrongPeople program in The Dalles since 2016 and has served on the Wasco County Extension Advisory Council since 2022.

“I feel I’m supporting others in our community. I want to encourage people to maintain their strength, balance, mobility, and social connections as long as possible.”

Darlene leads classes three days a week alongside co-leader Kim McCullough, helping participants stay active and connected year-round. She is also a thoughtful advocate for those living with dementia and their families, bringing care and awareness into the spaces she serves.

Her consistency and care have made a lasting impact in our community.

Please join us in thanking Darlene!

Part of our Volunteer Appreciation Week spotlight series.

04/20/2026

Wasco County and partners, including Wasco Electric Cooperative, Inc., Mid Columbia Fire Rescue, Oregon Department of Forestry, and OSU Extension Office-Wasco County will host a wildfire preparedness workshop in Maupin on April 30.

This workshop will focus on home hardening, defensible space, and changes in home insurance related to wildfire risk. Representatives from Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and other partners will be on site to answer questions and share resources.

South Wasco High School Cafeteria
699 4th Street, Maupin
April 30, 6 to 8 pm

04/20/2026

Cindy Johnson has been volunteering with OSU Extension’s StrongPeople program in The Dalles since 2024.

“I enjoy helping people be the best that they can be. Staying fit as we age is not easy, but StrongPeople gives us strength, balance, and the social connection we all need.”

Cindy leads the “Spooky and Spirited” class at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, where fun and fitness go hand in hand.

We’re grateful for leaders like Cindy who create welcoming spaces for people to stay strong together.

Please join us in thanking Cindy in the comments.

Part of our Volunteer Appreciation Week spotlight series.

04/16/2026

01/14/2026

Friendly reminder our office will be closed on Monday.