Welcome to the December 2018 issue of OSU Extension Marion e-News! You will find brief educational articles and timely event information for you, your family and your business.

Photo: Dave King, OSU EESC
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Trojan fir - A New Christmas Tree Species for Oregon?
By Chal Landgren, OSU Christmas Tree Specialist, NWREC Aurora

There may well be a new species of Christmas tree on the market. But, that is a prediction for the next decade, not this year.

The summer droughts of the last three years have hit noble fir plantings quite hard. Multi-year mortality rates have been as high as 80 percent. Douglas-fir have survived much better. The problem has been the long, dry, hot summers. Most Christmas tree plantings do not have access to irrigation. That has led a few growers into hauling water to distant field, constructing drip water lines in fields or repeated replanting .... Read the full story here .
Food Hero Recipes - Warm up with Split Pea Soup!
By Carly Kristofik, SNAP-Ed Coordinator

In December, the Food Hero featured food is split peas. Split peas can be either green or yellow. They are peas that are dried, peeled and split. Green or yellow split peas are a low-cost, healthy addition to many meals, as they are a good source of both dietary fiber and protein.

With the chilly temperatures of winter upon us, try Food Hero’s Split Pea Soup ! It’s a healthy, low-cost winter warmer. To find out more information about split peas, check out the December Food Hero Monthly at foodhero.org .

Extension Improves the Health of Individuals, Families and Communities
By Mary Stewart, OSU Extension Service

Individuals, families and communities here in Marion County present a wide variety of health challenges and opportunities. Extension Family & Community Health faculty, like Tonya Johnson, provide expertise and energy to drive collaborative initiatives and find solutions to some of our toughest issues. See the video on right ...
OSU Extension Forestry Develops Statewide Fire Management Program
By Glenn Ahrens, OSU Extension Forester

I n response to increasing concerns about wildfire, OSU Extension Forestry and Natural Resources is developing a Statewide Extension Fire Program . As part of this, Extension helped organize and facilitate the 2018 Fire Summit to provide elected officials and policymakers with recommended actions to address the increasing challenges facing our fire-prone forest landscapes. Results are summarized with thoughtful commentary in an article in the Western Forester Fire and Fuels Management in the Future: Roles and Challenges , by John Bailey, OSU Professor of Silviculture and Fire Management. http://www.nwoffice.forestry.org/sites/default/files/WFAprMayJune2018final.pdf .

Key recommendations include:
1. Expand strategic use of commercial thinning, prescribed fires, and managed wildfire as forest management tools.
2. Improve coordination across jurisdictions and ownership boundaries.
Read the full story here .
4-H STEP Combines Fun and Education through Community Outreach
By Audrey Comerford, OSU Extension Service

It was all giggles and smiles as a group of 4-H members attended a rock painting class as part of Short Term Education Programming (STEP) Days over Thanksgiving break.  

STEP is directed at the clover bud and intermediate age groups who show a positive and active interest in learning and focuses on providing additional resources and outreach to students and adult volunteers. These classes, open to all youth whether a 4-H member or not, mesh positive youth development and hands-on activities based... Read the full story here .
Farm Image & Public Relations Workshop Coming December 28!
By Mary Stewart, Extension Ag Business & Marketing

A quick, humorous and powerful training that will give producers a head start into the 2019 sales season. Designed for farms, nurseries/garden centers, food processors and wineries ... for any operations who sell consumer-direct. See details about the workshop here .

Instructed by Christina Lenkowski, Sparrow Travel Media - Boise, Idaho.

Friday December 28, 9 am - 12:30 pm
OSU Extension Service , Marion County

Pre-registration appreciated by email to: Audrey Comerford , or call 503-588-5301.
Treat Your Christmas Tree to Vodka? Only if You Want to Waste It!
By Kym Pokorny, OSU Extension Service EESC
Source: Chal Langren, [email protected]

From vodka in the water to I.V. tubes in the trunk, there are lots of urban myths about how to take care of your cut Christmas tree. Chal Landgren, a Christmas tree specialist with Oregon State University Extension Service, busts those myths with answers to some common questions.
 
Q. How do I know a tree is fresh when I purchase it?
A. Choose a tree that looks green and healthy with needles that snap like a fresh carrot. Shake it a few times to get rid of old needles. Once you’re home, place the tree in water if you do not plan to put it up immediately. Choose a large, water-filled stand to display the tree indoors. Check the water level daily; trees will be very thirsty the first few days inside a heated home. Read the full story here.
Upcoming Events in Field Crops Production

By Betsy Vanderhoeven
Extension Field Crops

December 10 and 11–Oregon Seed League Annual Meeting, 8 am Salem Conv. Center

December 12–CORE pesticide training
Marion County Extension Office

January 8 - Winter Seed & Cereal Crop Mtgs
8:30-12 pm Linn Co. Fair and Expo
January 9 pm Forest Grove Elks Lodge

January 16 - Oregon Ryegrass Growers Association Annual Meeting
8 am Linn Co. Fair and Expo
Still Need Credits for Renewing your Pesticide Applicator License? 
By Jenifer Cruickshank

Earn four credits before year’s end! Marion County Extension is a site host for a statewide video-conference course offering up to four CORE ODA credits Dec. 12.

The statewide Pesticide Safety Education Program is providing the training, and OSU is providing the venue (Marion County Extension office, 1320 Capitol Street NE, Salem). For more information and to register, go to... https://emt.oregonstate.edu/psep/2018-recertification-courses/statewide-core-video-conference-course .
Back by Popular Demand! The Magic of French Macarons
Back by Popular Demand! After the holidays comes Valentine’s Day. What a terrific time to learn the Magic of making French Macarons. Join OSU Extension Service Master Food Preservers for the third annual “Magic of French Macarons” class, scheduled for Mon., Jan. 28 at 6pm .

During the class, participants will learn tips for making beautiful macarons. Expert macaron maker and MFP volunteer, Joeine, will demonstrate special techniques and strategies to guarantee success. While the macarons are baking, she will use the egg yolks to make a delicious lemon curd. Participants will enjoy a taste, and receive some treats to take home as well.
 
The class will be held at the Gehlar Wellness Kitchen, 1 st floor building D, Salem Hospital (939 Oak St SE, Salem). The fee for the class is $15 per person, which covers the cost of supplies and ingredients.  Pre-registration is required by calling the Extension Service at 503-588-5301 or emailing [email protected]
Winter Pruning Workshops Teach Techniques for Trees and Shrubs
By Lee McKenzie, OSU Extension Master Gardener

OSU Extension Master Gardeners and Extension Horticulturist Neil Bell offer many options to learn about pruning trees and shrubs in the home garden. See complete list and details about classes here or contact [email protected]

Pruning Dwarf Fruit Trees
Feb. 2, 2019 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Michael Johnson's Garden (Salem)

Fruit Tree Pruning Basics
Feb. 6, 2019 3 - 5 p.m.
Pringle Creek Community-Painters Hall, 3911 Village Center Dr SE (Salem), or Feb. 16, 2019 1 - 3 p.m. Marion Garden

Pruning Blueberries
Feb 23, 2019 1 - 3:00 p.m., Marion Garden (Salem), or
March 2, 2019 1 - 3:00 p.m., Frey's Nursery, 12054 Brick Rd SE (Turner)
OSU Extension Service: Our Attitude
We believe that the best way to make a difference is to get straight to the heart of the matter. We start with an accessible and relatable approach and build on it with passion. We listen to our clients, respect their need, and amplify their voices to create solutions together that empower real, sustainable change. It’s what we’ve done for more than 100 years, and we’re committed to doing it for the next 100 years as well.
Thank You for Reading our E-News!
Do You have Questions, Comments? Suggestions?
We would love to hear what you would like to see in our next issue of OSU Extension Marion E-News!

Please send your comments to: [email protected] .

Thank You! --Mary Stewart, Editor
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Oregon State University Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

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El Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University prohíbe la discriminación en todos sus programas, servicios, actividades y materiales en base a la raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, identidad de género (incluyendo la expresión de género), orientación sexual, discapacidad, edad, estado civil, estatus de la familia/padres, ingresos derivados de un programa de asistencia pública, creencias políticas, información genética, estado de veterano, represalia o represalia por actividad previa de los derechos civiles. (No todos los términos prohibidos se aplican a todos los programas.)