{"id":13426,"date":"2026-04-21T11:05:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/?p=13426"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:02:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T18:02:38","slug":"wsu-extension-blue-mountain-region-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wsu-extension-blue-mountain-region-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"WSU Extension Blue Mountain Region Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">April 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holds up blossom of Brown's Peony\" class=\"wp-image-13427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/wildflower-id-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Brown&#8217;s Peony. Photo submitted by Walla Walla County Plant Clinic Client.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--xsmall wsu-spacing-padding-right--xsmall\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"#Agriculture-News\">Agriculture<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;Tell Us Your Story&#8221;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Women farmers are invited to share their stories for research study<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WSDA invites Producers, Farmworkers, and Community members to provide input for the state&#8217;s comprehensive assessment of agricultural viability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"#Master-Gardeners\">Master Gardeners<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Master Gardener Plant Diagnosis Clinics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Where to go in your county for garden advice and plant problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;Tales from the Clinic&#8221;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"#4-H-Happenings\">4-H<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"#Food-Safety\">Home Food Safety and Preservation<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" id=\"AgricultureNews\">\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\" id=\"Agriculture-News\" style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agriculture News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tell us your Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You are invited to participate in a research study examining women farmers&#8217; knowledge of, experiences with, and engagement in U.S. agricultural policy programs. It&#8217;s open to women who own, manage, or are employed on a farm in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho (any type of agricultural production and any size) . Questions in this survey relate to general agricultural policy programs, as well as policy programs focused on conservation. This research is part of a doctoral dissertation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ttucasnr.az1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_3f3ySmtWoaXktq6\"><strong>Take the Survey!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/IMG_9939-1-792x594.jpeg\" alt=\"Wheat field with people in the distance\" class=\"wp-image-13447\" width=\"455\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/IMG_9939-1-792x594.jpeg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/IMG_9939-1-396x297.jpeg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/IMG_9939-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/IMG_9939-1-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/IMG_9939-1-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Rachel Wieme<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inform the WSDA&#8217;s Comprehensive Ag Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your responses will directly inform the WSDA report, which will serve as the state\u2019s comprehensive assessment of agricultural viability. This final report will not only reflect on-the-ground conditions, but will also&nbsp;identify&nbsp;practical, actionable solutions. These findings will be shared with policymakers, industry partners, and stakeholders to help guide decisions that&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the future of agriculture in our state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flists.cahnrs.wsu.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fdada%2Fmail.cgi%2Fr%2Fmanual_ext_all%2F374828006938%2Frachel.wieme%2Fwsu.edu%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachel.wieme%40wsu.edu%7C6f904619a9664a0d028108de9cc20b33%7Cb52be471f7f147b4a8790c799bb53db5%7C0%7C0%7C639120554431896756%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=MAUlQgKjTQAKEimd8GRWywfanpXg5bx7mhLld5G2MGg%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Agricultural Producer Survey<\/a>:&nbsp;<em>Take this&nbsp;survey&nbsp;if you are an owner or manager of a farm or ranch.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flists.cahnrs.wsu.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fdada%2Fmail.cgi%2Fr%2Fmanual_ext_all%2F419907929730%2Frachel.wieme%2Fwsu.edu%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachel.wieme%40wsu.edu%7C6f904619a9664a0d028108de9cc20b33%7Cb52be471f7f147b4a8790c799bb53db5%7C0%7C0%7C639120554431915869%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=sBtmzir2MohsxiEX%2BX1LLfjPrrrsVgygiMB9hQrGDPY%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Farmworker and Farmworker Representative Survey<\/a>:&nbsp;<em>Take this&nbsp;survey&nbsp;if you are a farmworker or farmworker representative.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flists.cahnrs.wsu.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fdada%2Fmail.cgi%2Fr%2Fmanual_ext_all%2F068089413444%2Frachel.wieme%2Fwsu.edu%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachel.wieme%40wsu.edu%7C6f904619a9664a0d028108de9cc20b33%7Cb52be471f7f147b4a8790c799bb53db5%7C0%7C0%7C639120554431934491%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Rmy2OVzo3UrKIm1lDXjfvFSTEy8t13zqH4R42htaobs%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Community Survey<\/a>:&nbsp;<em>Take this survey if you are a food processor, agricultural advocate, business that supports agricultural production, hunger relief organizations, or interested&nbsp;consumer.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are also available in multiple languages, click&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flists.cahnrs.wsu.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fdada%2Fmail.cgi%2Fr%2Fmanual_ext_all%2F983831078209%2Frachel.wieme%2Fwsu.edu%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachel.wieme%40wsu.edu%7C6f904619a9664a0d028108de9cc20b33%7Cb52be471f7f147b4a8790c799bb53db5%7C0%7C0%7C639120554431877816%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=13qbkL9r%2FHvtxXBbFd01KTZapsemcrL%2Fd4P35TMLPrg%3D&amp;reserved=0\">here to access<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington\u2019s agricultural industry is vital to our economy, our communities, and our way of life. Ensuring its long-term viability requires strong partnership, clear understanding, and informed action. WSDA&nbsp;remains&nbsp;committed to advocating for and supporting our farmers, ranchers, producers, processors, agribusinesses, farmworkers, and tribal partners. Your participation in this effort is a critical part of that work. For more information about this work, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flists.cahnrs.wsu.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fdada%2Fmail.cgi%2Fr%2Fmanual_ext_all%2F418735902423%2Frachel.wieme%2Fwsu.edu%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachel.wieme%40wsu.edu%7C6f904619a9664a0d028108de9cc20b33%7Cb52be471f7f147b4a8790c799bb53db5%7C0%7C0%7C639120554431955868%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=oAcrtImjKtI%2BXo%2BF%2FCvVvaLYq85OxChXtnPg2PZLTBA%3D&amp;reserved=0\">agr.wa.gov<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Morgan Menaker Joins the Blue Mountain Region Agronomy Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" id=\"Master-Gardeners\">\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Master Gardeners<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Clinics Now Open!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walla Walla County<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring your garden questions and plant problems to a WSU trained Extension Master Gardener. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Walla Walla, plant clinics are held at the WSU Extension Office at 328 W. Poplar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM &#8211; 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM &#8211; 4:00 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/gardening\/mg\/\">Find out more or submit questions online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garfield County<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In Garfield County <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/garfield\/mg\/\">submit your garden questions online here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asotin County<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Asotin County Master Gardener Plant Diagnosis Clinics start in May in the basement of the Asotin County Courthouse, 135 2nd St, Asotin. For more information see the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/asotin\/mg-home\/diagnosis-clinics\/\">Asotin County Extension Website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wednesdays, 10 AM &#8211; 1 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/CAHNRS-news-article-climate-change-1024x670-1-792x518.png\" alt=\"Master Gardener holds insect specimen while another Master Gardener examines with a hand lens.\" class=\"wp-image-13446\" width=\"551\" height=\"361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/CAHNRS-news-article-climate-change-1024x670-1-792x518.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/CAHNRS-news-article-climate-change-1024x670-1-396x259.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/CAHNRS-news-article-climate-change-1024x670-1-768x503.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/CAHNRS-news-article-climate-change-1024x670-1.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Whitman County<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Call or email your plant questions to the Whitman County Extension Office. <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/whitman\/master-gardener\/\">Find more information on their website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Columbia County<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Columbia County doesn&#8217;t have a Master Gardener Program, but you are welcome to stop by the office at 139 E. Main. Or contact the office by calling 509-382-4741 or emailing <a href=\"mailto:Columbia.ext@wsu.edu\">Columbia.ext@wsu.edu<\/a>. For more information, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/columbia\/gardening\/\">Columbia County Extension Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tales from the Clinic: Pearleaf Blister Mite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\" id=\"4-H-Happenings\" style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4-H Happenings<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4-H in\u00a0Action:\u00a0Youth Livestock Judging<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Youth throughout the Blue Mountain Region recently put their skills to the test at the Asotin County Fair during the livestock judging contest. This event provided\u00a0youth\u00a0with an opportunity to apply their livestock evaluation skills in a real-world setting,\u00a0evaluating\u00a0animals and making thoughtful comparisons based on industry standards.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walla Walla youth came prepared thanks to their participation in a Livestock Judging Series that ran from November through March. Throughout the series, members focused on evaluating\u00a0a different\u00a0livestock species each month while also developing their presentation and communication skills through oral reasons. This preparation helped youth gain confidence in both their knowledge and their ability to clearly explain their decisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Livestock judging is one way 4\u2011H youth live out the 4\u2011H pledge&nbsp;using \u201cmy head to clearer thinking.\u201d Through judging, youth build valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision making, communication, planning and organizing, character, and confidence. Walla Walla County 4\u2011H livestock members look forward to continuing to grow and test their skills at future judging events.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"657\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-792x657.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-792x657.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-396x329.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-768x638.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image.png 936w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Walla Walla County Youth Livestock Judging Team. Photo Credit: Sandra Farley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"414\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-1.png 414w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-1-396x526.png 396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Waitsburg Corral Wranglers decorating Christmas Cookies. Photo Credit: Sandra Farley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"594\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-2-792x594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-2-792x594.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-2-396x297.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-2-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/image-2.png 936w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Waitsburg Corral Wranglers Food Drive. Photo Credit: Sandra Farley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4<\/strong>\u2011<strong>H in Action: A Heart for Service in Waitsburg<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Waitsburg Corral Wranglers, a Walla Walla County 4\u2011H club, are a shining example of 4\u2011H in action,&nbsp;putting their hands to larger service and their hearts&nbsp;to greater loyalty for&nbsp;the community that supports them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the&nbsp;Waitsburg Hometown Christmas, club members partnered with the local&nbsp;Waitsburg FFA chapter&nbsp;by decorating Christmas cookies and a festive Christmas tree for the&nbsp;annual&nbsp;celebration.&nbsp;&nbsp;This project was a wonderful example of youth organizations working together for the good of the community. When 4\u2011H and FFA come alongside one another, youth&nbsp;see firsthand the power of collaboration, shared leadership, and service beyond their own clubs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Service\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0stop with the holidays. In\u00a0March, the Waitsburg Corral Wranglers organized and carried out a\u00a0food drive for the Waitsburg Resource Center, helping support local families and neighbors. Through this project, youth saw firsthand how their time, effort, and compassion can make a real difference close to home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-max-width--ultrawide wsu-spacing-margin-left--none wsu-spacing-margin-right--none wsu-spacing-top--none wsu-spacing-bottom--none wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none\">By&nbsp;responding to community needs, the Waitsburg Corral Wranglers are learning that leadership means showing up, serving others, and honoring the communities that support them throughout their 4\u2011H journeys. These youth are not only building skills for the&nbsp;future,&nbsp;they are&nbsp;becoming caring, engaged citizens today&nbsp;and beyond ready for the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\" id=\"#Food-Safety\" style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food Safety &amp; Preservation<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/Food-Preservation-Lunch-and-Learn-2-768x960-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lunch and learn series. Preserve the Harvest. June 8-11, 12 pm - 1 pm. Join our 4- part online Lunch and Learn series to master safe, easy food preservation techniques - from canning and fermenting to freezing and root cellaring. Taught by WSU Food Preservation Instructor Jennifer Goforth, participants can attend this flexible course live or through recorded classes and access ample materials for safe preserving.\nQR Code to register. WSU Food Systems logo.\" class=\"wp-image-13450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/Food-Preservation-Lunch-and-Learn-2-768x960-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/Food-Preservation-Lunch-and-Learn-2-768x960-1-396x495.jpg 396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WSU Food Systems Lunch &amp; Learn Series: Preserve the Harvest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hosted by WSU Food Systems-learn how to preserve the harvest through canning, pickling, fermentation, freezing, dehydrating, and more!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p>Learn how to preserve food! This 4 part series will help you increase your food access using safe, tested protocols that are easy to learn and follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch and learn series allows you to accelerate! Instead of requiring a month long committment for a weekly class, this series allows you to complete the course in under 1 work week, over your lunch hour Monday-Thursday. All classes are recorded, so you may attend some or all of the series through recordings rather than live classes. Attending live classes is not a requirement, feel free to attend in the way that works best for your schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No equipment is necessary. WSU Food Safety\/Preservation instructor will teach techniques and explain the items needed to preserve foods in your home. This series covers all the information needed to take advantage of our amazing local produce and reduce waste in your kitchen. This class will be taught online using Zoom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>f you are a SNAP recipient or feel that the class fee presents a financial barrier, you may also be eligible for a partial or full scholarship, please contact j.bryan-goforth@wsu.edu for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/lunch-and-learn-preserve-the-harvest-with-washington-state-university-tickets-1984569945129\">For more information or to register, see the event page.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Tips for Picnic Site Preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Picnic season is upon us! Are you preparing to keep safe? Food safety begins with proper hand cleaning \u2014 including in outdoor settings. Before you begin setting out your picnic feast, make sure hands and surfaces are clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Outdoor Hand Cleaning: If you don\u2019t have access to running water, use a water jug, some soap, and paper towels. Or, consider using moist disposable towelettes for cleaning your hands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utensils and Serving Dishes: Take care to keep all utensils and platters clean when preparing food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/buy-store-serve-safe-food\/handling-food-safely-while-eating-outdoors\">For more food safety tips and recipes, see the USDA webpage, Handling Food Safely While Eating Outdoors.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/73\/2026\/04\/Group-of-friends-at-an-outdoor-party-with-food.png\" alt=\"Group of friends \" class=\"wp-image-13451\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: USDA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":391,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wsuwp_accessibility_report":null,"_external_link":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13426"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/391"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13426"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13426\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13461,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13426\/revisions\/13461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/wallawalla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}