Oregon State University Extension - Lane County

Ready to grow your gardening knowledge and give back to your community?

Applications are now open for the 2027 OSU Extension Lane County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

Master Gardener volunteers are neighbors, friends, and community members who provide garden advice that is grounded in science and locally relevant.

Lane County 2027 Training Details

Applications close: November 15, 2026
Classes: January 28–April 22, 2027
When: Thursdays, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Where: Eugene, Oregon
Cost: $350 total. Registration: $175–$225, Deposit: $150

Apply online: beav.es/Yh8

Questions? Contact Baylie Latter at [email protected]

We hope you’ll join us for the 2027 Master Gardener training and help bring research-based gardening information to the Lane County community.

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Bring a soil sample to our Soil pH Testing event and learn whether your garden soil is too acidic, too alkaline, or just right. We'll test your soil and contact you with the results and some tips for adjusting soil pH if needed.

When: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: OSU Extension Service - Lane County (996 Jefferson St., Eugene, OR 97402)
Cost: $2 per sample

For more information, including instructions for how to collect a soil sample, visit: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/events/soil-ph-testing-27

Photo: EESC slide collection, OSU Extension Communications

Join us for a free Compost Workshop at Mathews Community Garden!

When: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Mathews Community Garden, corner of W. 15th Ave and Hayes St., Eugene, OR 97402

For beginning to experienced composters, these hands-on workshops will cover the basics of how composting works, which materials to use, and the different methods and types of compost bins available. Workshops are led by knowledgeable backyard composting information specialists.

For more information: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/events/free-compost-workshop-75

Photo: Hope Stephens, OSU Extension Communications

Join us for a free workshop on Mason Bees. Learn the unique life cycle and the timing and care needed to establish a successful, sustainable population in your fruit orchard or native garden. Topics will include bee life cycle, bee houses, cleaning, and proper cocoon storage.

When: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: OSU Extension Service Lane County (996 Jefferson St., Eugene, OR)

For more information: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/events/spring-bees

Photo: Shirley Betournay, Master Gardener volunteer

Curious about the plants popping up around your garden? Join us for a W**d Identification Walk at GrassRoots Garden.

When: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: GrassRoots Garden, 1465 Coburg Rd., Eugene, OR 97401
Cost: FREE

The W**d Identification Walks have been taking place at GrassRoots Garden for over fifteen years. These hands-on walks cover anywhere from 10-20 common w**ds, characteristics for identification, seasonal changes (life cycles), growth habit, wildlife habitat, nutrients (soil/edibility) and toxic and edible w**ds.

The walk is a partnership between GrassRoots Garden, an important source of fresh fruit and vegetables for Food for Lane County, and the Oregon State University Extension, Lane County Master Gardener Program which provides science-based educational programs and information to the public. Participants are welcome to eat a free vegan lunch in the garden after the w**d walk.

For more information: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/events/w**d-id-walk-12

Photo: E. Chernoh, OSU Extension Service - Lane County

Discover the joy of Growing Herbs & Edible Flowers at GrassRoots Garden!

When: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 10:00 am - 11:15 am
Where: GrassRoots Garden, 1465 Coburg Rd., Eugene, OR 97401
Cost: FREE

For more information: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/events/growing-herbs-edible-flowers-your-garden-4

The talk is a partnership between GrassRoots Garden, an important source of fresh fruit and vegetables for Food for Lane County, and the Oregon State University Extension - Lane County Master Gardener Program which provides science based educational programs and information to the public. Participants are welcome to stay after the herb talk to ask questions or to join the W**d Walk at 11:30 AM to learn how to identify common w**ds.

Photo: E. Chernoh, OSU Extension Service - Lane County

Hi Everyone! We'd like to let you know that our office will be closed on Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30 so we can attend our Annual Extension Conference at the Mothership! (aka, the OSU Main Campus) 😃 🤓 ✏️ 📖

Do you manage a small acreage property in the Fern Ridge/Veneta area? Join us for Living on the Land this October!

This 4-week series meets every Wednesday evening at Elmira Grange, and covers a range of topics such as soils, water, pasture management, woodlands, and pest and w**d management. The fee is $20 per person (or $30 for two people from the same property), and covers all of the materials plus a soil test and well water screening! Scholarships are available by request.

Learn more and register online at: beav.es/YUY
Give us a call for assistance signing up: 541-237-6808

Do you manage a small acreage property in the Fern Ridge/Veneta area? Join us for Living on the Land this October!

This 4-week series meets every Wednesday evening at Elmira Grange, and covers a range of topics such as soils, water, pasture management, woodlands, and pest and w**d management. The fee is $20 per person (or $30 for two people from the same property), and covers all of the materials plus a soil test and well water screening! Scholarships are available by request.

Learn more and register online at: beav.es/YUY
Give us a call for assistance signing up: 541-237-6808

Living on the Land is a collaboration between OSU Extension and the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District .

Good food is worth preserving. Join Master Food Preservers of Lane County, OR for a hands on workshop in beautiful Oakridge.
Saturday, October 17th from 10am - 2pm.
United Methodist Church
48137 East 1st Street
Oakridge, OR
$16 (Scholarships are available) Registration ends October 9
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/events/oakridge-2026-food-preservation-workshop-pressure-canning-proteins

Greetings, Lane County! Our office will close at 11am tomorrow, September 18 so everyone can attend our Western Region retreat!
Normal hours resume on Monday the 21st.
Have a great weekend!