County Programs

• 4-H Youth Development
• Waste Wise
• Island County Shore Stewards
• Master Gardeners
• Food Systems
• SNAP-Ed
• Community Beach Litter Pickup Volunteer Opportunities

In the News

Local Farmers Markets

What educational opportunities does WSU offer?

Accredited Programs through WSU

Pursue an undergraduate of advanced degree at Washington State University.  WSU offers 95 majors, 86 minors, and more than 100 in-major specializations — so your degree will reflect your interests and strengths.

Classes and Seminars

Find classes and seminars on a number of subjects.  Most are free.

Continuing Education

Find relevant continuing education (CE) for your profession.  More opportunities coming soon.

Where can I get help with my Septic System

Island County government can help you with your septic system-

Septic Support

Island County Onsite Sewage (Septic) Program provides educational, advisory and permitting services for owners of septic systems, septic professionals and other parties.

Septic Training

Island County Septic 101 provides homeowners with a basic understanding of their onsite septic systems and best practices for operation and maintenance.

How your septic system works

excerpted from WSU Shore Stewards newsletters  

All septic systems are composed of a septic tank and drainfield. Wastewater from your household flows into the septic tank, where heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank and form a layer of sludge. Grease, toilet paper, and other light solids float to the top and form a scum layer. In between the sludge and the scum is a semi-clear layer of wastewater called effluent that does not include solids. As more wastewater enters the septic tank, the clear effluent layer of the tank flows through an outlet in the tank to the drainfield in your yard. The “good” bacteria living in the soil clean the wastewater by consuming harmful bacteria and viruses before this wastewater seeps into groundwater.

The “good” bacteria in the septic system do not completely decompose the sludge or scum layers, so the layers continue to grow, slowly filling up the tank over time. These layers will eventually need to be pumped out by a professional septic pumper. No special additives are necessary or recommended.

There are several types of septic systems, and it is important to understand what kind you have and the requirements for its specific maintenance and inspection. The most common type is the gravity system, which does not require a pump to operate. Others include the pressure distribution system, sand filter system, mound system, and aerobic treatment units such as the Glendon BioFilter system.

 

Can WSU Extension test my soil?

Soil Testing

To insure it does not compete with for-profit businesses, WSU does not provide soil analysis services.  There are many reputable commercial soil test companies available to test pH, nutrient and micro-nutrient levels.

For a list of area soil testing labs and detailed information about  soil properties and the testing process, visit this WSU site.

Note: WSU Extension, Island County can lend you the tools to take a proper soil test.  Contact us at stinger.anderson@wsu.edu or call (360) 639-6060

Taking a soil sample

Care must be taken to ensure that the soil sample truly represents the area being analyzed.  Soil tests are done on a sample that is only a tiny fraction of a field or garden plot. Soil treatment recommendations assume that data from the analysis of that tiny fraction represent the entire area to be treated.
If differences can be seen in the soil from various parts of the overall area to be sampled, each distinct subarea should be sampled separately. Differences in soil color or texture are obvious reasons for taking separate samples. Other reasons include differences in land slope, soil drainage, crop management history (different soil amendments or fertilizers), variations currently observed
in crop growth, or variations in the natural vegetation.  Each soil sample analyzed should be a combination of 5 to 10 sub-samples taken from the soil area of interest. The sub-samples should each be about the same amount of soil, and they should be mixed together thoroughly as they are collected. The final sample taken from this mixture is called a composite sample.  How large an area to sample? For home gardens, one sample that is representative of the garden plot is usually sufficient. For orchards or farms, even if no distinctly different soil types are noticeable, large areas should be subdivided into sample areas of 2–5 acres and sampled separately.

Is this a noxious weed?

Noxious Weeds

Undesirable non-native plants that have economic, ecological, or aesthetic implications as determined by the Island County Noxious Weed Control Board.

WSU Extension, Island County can help you identify plants on your property, even noxious weeds.  If you believe you or your neighbors have weeds determined noxious by the Island County Noxious Weed Control Board and need help controlling them, contact the Island County Noxious Weed Coordinator,

Seth Luginbill

Island County Noxious Weed Control website

Washington State Noxious Weed Control website

Epilobium hirsutum

Hairy willowherb

Class B Regulated Noxious Weed: Control Required

 

Should I be concerned about this insect?

Insect Identification

Azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides)

Insects play an important role in balancing our ecosystem.  But when they enter the home or munch on garden plants they can raise concerns.  WSU Extension, Island County can help you identify insects and provide help in selecting and applying the appropriate control if necessary.  insects can often be identified

Hortsense

Puyallup Lab

 

 

360) 639-6060

stinger.anderson@wsu.edu

What is wrong with my plant?

Whether you are looking for help with your favorite garden plant or with several acres of crops, WSU Extension, Island County has several ways to find answers to your plant questions and problems.

MG Hotline

Puyallup Lab

(360) 639-6060

Stinger.anderson@wsu.edu