4-H Learning Day Brings Smiles, Opportunities
Participants in the 4-H Learning Day tried leather crafting for the first time. 
"If you provide it, the youth will come."  That's what Pat Willis has noticed.

Willis and Darsy Schaal both work in 4-H youth development for the OSU Extension Service in the metro region. They welcomed 85 youth and a multitude of adult and youth volunteers who hosted a Washington County 4-H Learning Day in April. Doors were open to both children curious about starting 4-H and those experienced members looking to expand their activities -- and everyone in between.

The day offered presentations on everything from showing goats and cows to gardening, leather craft and fashion classes. "It exposes kids to what 4-H has to offer in case they want to give it a try," Willis said. "Kids can be involved in any number of projects. They can raise a pig and do photography."

Adult volunteers and more experienced 4-H members led the event, which is important, Willis said, because younger children really look up to the older youth.

It was a chilly, rainy day, so some of the newly sheared goats were shivering, Willis said, but everyone seemed to have a great time.

Braylin Soon, 11, tried leather crafting for the first time at the learning day. She shows dairy cows and goats as part of the Contented Munchers 4-H group and wanted to try something new.
Diana Lewis made crab ravioli with a hazelnut pesto from scratch. 

Tommy Kittle, 12, thought leather crafting would be a natural fit. A hunter, Kittle wants to make use of his pelts instead of throwing them away. He  enjoyed making something from the leather but breaks were important to shake out his hand from pushing so firmly on the leather tools. 

Diana Lewis and Piper Stewart, a high school junior and freshman respectively, teamed up and created a gourmet Pacific Northwest menu. From the menu they prepared two items for the judge. Lewis made crab-filled ravioli with a hazelnut pesto while Stewart concocted a lemon-raspberry tart both from scratch. The team, Cook Line & Sinker, received a blue ribbon from judge Kathleen Huston for their efforts.

While the ribbons are ideal, being the perfect chef or raising the perfect sheep isn't the entire goal. These activities "are vehicles to learn and grow and thrive as adults in a safe environment with positive role models," Willis said. "Kids gain a sense of mastery and when they're learning skills and accomplishing things they feel good about it and gives them the grit to keep going and try something else."
OSU Extension in the Portland Metro region is embarking on an
"Urban Communities Reimaged" project intended to empower communities to tackle complicated community problems, something that is essential to citizen-centered democracy. 

As part of the project, OSU seeks your input and engagement in an urban survey.

Using literature reviews, surveys, focus groups and cultural engagement tools, we will frame urban stories in urban voices, contributing to the national conversation of what community means to urban. Responses collected from the survey we are asking you to complete will lead to the development of an "urban issue guide" in partnership with the organizations and people who use it, including under-served and under-represented populations. 

The project involves not only Portland  metro but metropolitan communities in Alaska, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio Washington and Wisconsin. 

We appreciate hearing from you and taking the time it to complete this  survey. 
Learn Tips for Winter Storm Clean-Up
Cleaning up from winter storms? We can help. Forest and tree experts will be on hand at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the Skyline Grange, 11275 N.W. Skyline Blvd. in Portland. Speakers include Forest Conservationist Michael Ahr, OSU Extension's Amy Grotta and Terry Flanagan of Teragan & Associates. 
Try Eight Unusual Veggies this year
OSU Master Gardener featured on Oregonlive.com is encouraging all gardeners to plant some unusual gems in their gardens this year. David Coon recommends  planting Shishito peppers, kohlrabi, broccoli rabe or rapini, mache, spigarello, sorrel, scarlet runner beans and cardoons.  
May 13 Naturescaping Workshop 
Looking for a low-maintenance landscape option? Learn to naturescape! Sign up for a workshop Saturday, May 13, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Leedy Grange, 835 Saltzman Road in Portland. Learn to use native plants to create a thriving landscape that attracts birds and butterflies, basic planning site principals and preventing pollution by cutting down on chemical and pesticide use. 
Have Questions, Comments or Suggestions?
We would love to hear what you want to see in the next issue.  Please send your thoughts to us at    [email protected].

Saturday, May 20 is OSU Day of Service! Join Extension friends, alumni, partners, friends and volunteers at the Oregon Food Bank! To register and for details click on the location you prefer. Beaverton and Portland shifts are from 9 - 11:30 am. Each person  must register . Hope to see your  family and friends there for fun and service. Questions, call Vicki at 503-821-1127. 
Spring is the time to enjoy fresh peas from the garden. Use the fresh green vegetable to make this hearty but simple soup with a just a few ingredients. 
Check out this month's Tall Timber Topics newsletter, full of tips for small woodland owners. Learn about native woodland plants in bloom right now (like Oregon Grape picture above) and growing a diverse forest. 
Join the OSU team at the 30th annual Oregon Humane Society Doggie Dash Saturday, May 13, at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. 
OSU alumni in the Portland area are invited to a career happy hour Thursday, May 25, at McMenamins Kennedy School. Learn about updating your resume and landing your next career opportunity.
Is your lawn infested with crane flies? Look for brown and bare spots on lawns. While there's no need to spray for the insect because will die off soon naturally, it might be best to remove the pest before they start to stink. 
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Washington County is the healthiest county in Oregon. Multnomah County is ranked the 10th healthiest county. Good health is influenced by factors beyond medical care, including housing, education, jobs and access to healthy foods.
Foundation officials said the rankings were based on factors such as diet and exercise, tobacco use, alcohol use, access to quality health care, employment, income levels, family and social support, education, community safety, transit and air and water quality. The foundation also looked at the number of premature deaths (people younger than 75) and drug overdoses across the state.
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