WSU Extension Stevens County Newsletter
September 2025
Latest news, projects, workshops, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!
In This Issue
Agriculture
- Processing of Acidified Foods Workshop – Sept 15th, 9am-4pm
- Whole Farm Planning – Mondays, Sept 22 – Nov 3rd
Master Gardeners
- Congratulations – 7 Newly Certified Master Gardeners!
- Master Gardener applications due September 15th. Training starts in October. Join us!
4-H
- Congratulations to 4-H Youth heading to State Fair
- New 4-H Year about to start October 1st
September Calendar and Resources
- Hands-On Forest Management Shortcourse – October 13-16
Agriculture
Processing of Acidified Foods – Jams, Jellies, Pickles, BBQ and Hot Sauces
Monday, September 15th 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ WSU Pend Oreille County Extension in Newport
This workshop is geared towards small and very small-scale producers of preserves, sauces, dressings, BBQ and hot sauces, and vinegars.
This workshop will provide the region’s small and very small-scale food processors with up-to-date information and technical knowledge of the acid/acidified food product development process for the specialty food industry and how to bring such products to market, targeted to start-up entrepreneurs and food product developers.
Agenda
- What is an Acid/Acidified Foods?
- Microbiological hazards associated with acidified canned foods
- Importance of pH and water activity
- pH of common fruits and vegetables
- Principles of processing of acidified foods
- Applicable food safety regulations
- Basic aspects of labeling
- How to complete FDA process filings?
Fee is $30. We will provide refreshments, snacks, materials, and lunch.
The training is subsidized through WSDA-SCBG #12 (2022-2025) titled “Educational Tools for the Small and Very Small Value-Added Specialty Crop Growers and Food Processors”.
Trainer: Dr. Girish Ganjyal, WSU Extension Food Processing Specialist
Please contact Cathy Blood, blood@wsu.edu, if you have any questions about registration.
Whole Farm Planning
Mondays, September 22nd through Nov 3rd 6-8 p.m. on Zoom (with regional in-person opportunities)
This fall course will cover a broad range of topics including production and markets for today’s small farm! Whether you are just exploring the opportunities available or already have an existing operation, you’ll learn what it takes to create sustain, and grow a viable small farm.
Location: Virtual, statewide with Spanish interpretation
Cost: $200 per farm (up to 3 participants). Scholarships available to anyone for whom the course fee is a barrier.
For information about our Agriculture program, visit our website: Agriculture | Stevens County or contact Kathryn Hoogheem, 509-684-2588
Master Gardener News
7 new Master Gardeners in 2025!
Congratulations on achieving your certification
These hard-working volunteers have planted their roots in the community and blossomed into Stevens County certified Master Gardeners this year!
They put their new skills and knowledge to work, digging in by helping with:
- Home and Garden shows
- Answer/Plant Clinic
- “From the Ground Up” workshop
- Library classes
- Spring Plant Exchange
- Farmers Market and Fair booths
Their dedication has really grown throughout the season, and we couldn’t be more proud of how they’ve cultivated their expertise while branching out to serve our gardening community.
These new Master Gardeners are truly the seeds of positive change in Stevens County!
NEW Master Gardener class starting in October!
Applications due September 15th – only 2 spots left!
Extension Master Gardeners teach communities to grow fresh food using research-based techniques.
If you’re passionate about gardening and want to make a positive impact, participating in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program can be a fulfilling and educational experience. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and give back by sharing your expertise with others.
Class starts October 5, 2025. Volunteer as an Extension Master Gardener and serve your community!
Find us at the Chewelah Farmers Market
- September 12th, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Pressure Canner Gauge testing available!
Find us at the Colville Farmers Market
- September 13th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Pressure Canner Gauge testing available!
For more information about Master Gardener programs offered by WSU Extension in Stevens County, visit our website: Gardening | Stevens County, email: Linda Teller or call 509-684-2588
4-H Happenings
Congratulations to 4-H Youth heading to the State Fair!
September 30 brings the end of another 4-H year. Local fairs are over and 4-H members showcased their projects in Valley, Hunters, Colville, and Clayton. Several 4-H members are headed to Puyallup to participate in the State 4-H Fair. Congratulations to Megan and Annalee Wood, Keely Wilson, Liam Starkey, Thorin Sargent, Chloe Watkins, and Sharene Ashby who are all going with their dogs. Competing in the livestock judging contest are Hank and Halle Johnson.
New 4-H Year starts October 1st
The new 4-H year starts October 1 and now is a great time to join 4-H. 4-H membership is open to youth ages 5- 18. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults all while learning valuable life skills. Call Shannon at 509-684-2588 to learn about clubs in your area or starting a 4-H club in your community.
For information about our 4-H program, visit our website: 4-H Youth | Stevens County or contact Shannon Rowley, 509-684-2588
Events Calendar
September (also see Events page)
- Sep 1st – OFFICE CLOSED for Labor Day
- Sep 8th, 9-11a – MG Answer/Plant Clinic Office Hours
- Sep 11th, 1-3p – MG Answer/Plant Clinic Office Hours
- Sep 10th, 4-5p – Houseplant Care at Colville Library
- Sep 12th, 11a-3:30p – MGs at Chewelah Farmers Market
- Sep 13th, 9a-1p – MGs at Colville Farmers Market
- Sep 15th, 9-11a – MG Answer/Plant Clinic Office Hours
- Sep 15th – Master Gardener applications DUE!
- Sep 15th, 9-11a – Processing of Acid/Acidified Foods Workshop at Pend Oreille Extension office – Newport, WA
- Sep 22nd, 9-11a – MG Answer/Plant Clinic Office Hours
- Sep 22nd, 6-8p – Whole Farm Planning Workshop begins
- Sep 25th, 1-3p – MG Answer/Plant Clinic Office Hours
- Oct 1st – New 4-H year begins
Other Events
Visit the WSU Extension Forestry page for several April forestry events in Eastern Washington:
Hands-On Forest Management Shortcourse
October 13-16, 2025 in Chewelah, WA.
9am – 3:30pm. $100 per family.
Learn how to grow a healthy, productive, and safe forest. Topics include tree and shrub identification, forest ecology and health, fish & wildlife habitat, forest thinning and harvesting treatments, cultural resources, aesthetics, and management planning.
Class will be classroom-based (morning) and field-based (afternoon).
Registration and schedule online at forestry.wsu.edu (coming soon!)
