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Home My WebLink AboutWSU Extension Jefferson County Newsletter Issue 1 2025 - 030325 •'{ -a Issue #1 WSU Extension Jefferson County Newsletter January2025 THE CAMAS „ _ ,„„.,..0 EXTENDING KNOWLEDGE. CHANGING LIVES. • HELLO, 20251 SOLSTICE CELEBRATION! Iti("11 _ Many of us count down the days to Solstice,the longest night of the year,eager to climb slowly back toward longer days and more light. \ ° Fortunately,the Jefferson County Fairgrounds offers a wonderful community event to celebrate 1 11, this moment together! On December 21,2024 at I l \b\ •). the Jefferson County Fairgrounds,people gathered around a cheery bonfire,sipped soup in the . warmth of the Horticulture Building,and Chef Arran Stark and daughter serving it up at wandered amidst vendors and craft the 2024 Solstice gathering demonstrations. Chef Arran Stark prepared delicious squash soup and potato leek soup as well as some fresh crusty bread. People also sipped cider and hot cocoa,and enjoyed an array of cupcakes.The proceeds from the sale of cupcakes and soup donations will be used by the fairgrounds for repairs and a facelift for the horticulture building. Vendors offered last minute holiday shopping opportunities in a mini makers'market,and kids enjoyed face painting,tractor rides and fire performers. Patrick Forrestal from PT Glassworks and Stryker Gooch from Stryker Forge demonstrated their crafts,sponsored by Jefferson County 4-H.Emphasizing the"learn by doing"approach of 4-H,these dynamic demonstrations offered a first-hand look at the specialized craft of these artisans. Jefferson County 4-H provides a framework for science-based curriculum to be taught outside of school to interested students from all school districts and homeschool programs in the county.If you know someone who is interested in 4-H,or you would like to volunteer,visit https://extension.wsu.edu/j efferson/4-h. Thanks, Port Townsend,for coming out to this lovely Solstice event and for supporting the Fairgrounds! 1 1 WSU Extension Jefferson County shares research-based 2024 ROUND- UP ! knowledge and resources with our broader community. • We do this through several programs: Regional Small Farms,Master Gardeners,4-H Youth Programs,Water Resources, and Noxious Weed Control. These programs extend all over Jefferson County,helping landowners,farmers,and families.And that work is only possible through the help of scores of volunteers!Each year we offer distilled summaries of our program activities in Impact Reports(which you can find on our website).But we wanted to share some of those summaries here • • ' '• MASTER GARDENERS 1 {� IA 61 active volunteers gave 5700 hours of service to Jefferson County. The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides research-based •aso+Horticulture questions horticulture education on a wide range of topics to residents of Jefferson answered at our"Ask a County through trained volunteers.For example,clean water is vital to Master Gardener"clinic and our health,communities and economy.We need clean water upstream to online form. have healthy communities downstream. How we care for plants and manage soil in our home garden or landscape can have an impact water 265+Seed Library members. quality. •60 presentations,workshop Volunteers staffed outreach booths highlighting garden techniques to and activities delivered by reduce run-off;maintained municipal rain gardens;taught composting and Master Gardeners to best soil practices at local garden clubs;staffed"Ask a Master Gardener" community members. clinics in Port Townsend,Port Hadlock and Quilcene,and answered • questions from the community through our online portal.Volunteers 17 new volunteers took Master Gardener Training; provide consulting on horticultural questions from the public.They offer volunteers commit so hours advice and solutions by implementing Integrated Pest Management(IPM) towards supporting residents principles and best practices which prioritize non-chemical solutions.This of Jefferson County. empowers individuals to make informed decisions that minimize pesticide resi usage when effectively managing pests.By reducing reliance on harmful •880den reached at chemicals,Master Gardeners not only promote healthier gardens and pesticide reduction presentations hosted by landscapes but protect local watersheds,ecosystems,wildlife,and Master Gardeners throughout pollinators. Jefferson county. 2 L i •, 1 '� I _r ; 4-H In partnership with Jefferson County Public Health,we provided Mental Health 119 First Aid courses for caring adults,as well as other community health based conversations.Our Leaders Council hosted training in Public Presentations and Youth enrolled. Informational Demonstrations.Our members participated in National 4-H Day of A 138%increase Service,Public Presentation Day,Know your Government"Pursue Justice:Be the from last year. Jury"conference at the State Capital,and many other leadership opportunities. They participated in many other community service and fundraising projects 30 across the County.Our 4-H'ers are entrepreneurial and generous! Members shared their projects at the Port Townsend and Chimacum Farmers 4-H volunteers worked Markets,and the"Dinotastic"Jefferson County Fair.They honed their hospitality alongside youth.An increase and deepened community agricultural knowledge by doing Herdsmanship,Public of iso%from last year. Speaking,and Knowledge-Based displays all weekend.Exhibitions in the County Fair increased substantially,and our 4-H'ers and families contributed over 250 hours to making this countywide event successful.Ten 4-H'ers qualified and 274 participated in State Fair in Cattle,Rabbit,Cat,Equine and Art Projects. Projects were completed,a The 4-H Afterschool Program provided arts and crafts,games,sports and other 7%increase from last year. STEM activities in the gymnasium of Brinnon School.We received funding from Expressive Arts, the Harry Burcalow Endowment for Innovative Grants,a grant for projects and Robotics&Exercise programs that help 4-H youth serve their communities while learning about had the most participation. leadership,decision making,responsibility,and healthy lifestyle choices. Our County Coordinator also served on the JCFA Board of Directors,helped facilitate a more sustainable organizational model,and a robust leadership team at the Fairgrounds. it 11 H ' i L tr - 1 f 3 -, e ty .. WATER RESOURCES r 4,- . , '` � . v ,-.. East Jefferson County includes 950 stream and river miles,317 lakes,45 recreational shellfish beaches,and over 200 miles of shoreline that border the Strait of Juan de Fuca,Admiralty Inlet and Hood Canal.This region has vast forest lands that provide water storage and filtration.Although many waterbodies are relatively undisturbed,impacts from human activities and development are a growing concern. Pollution in stormwater runoff is the leading cause of water quality issues.Freshwater harmful algal blooms are an ongoing problem.Climate change poses additional water quality concerns. We provide environmental education training programs,public events,and resources for those interested in stewardship of our streams,rivers,lakes,wetlands,estuaries and marine waters. Volunteers who trained through WSU Jefferson County Extension reported hundreds of service hours to improve local ecosystems through education,stewardship,and community science.In 2024, 48 volunteers worked to make a difference through: • Stewardship:spread clean shell at Discovery Bay to support Olympia oyster habitat enhancement efforts,installed and maintained rain gardens with the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee,monitored compliance in eelgrass No-Anchor Zones. • Community science:surveyed forage fish populations at 2 sites,measured the perimeter and density of local kelp beds,monitored water quality with DOH using mussel cages. • Public education:facilitated discussion with local landowners on soft armoring of beaches, provided information packets on safe crabbing practices. Through partnerships with local organizations and governments we connect community volunteers with environmental stewardship opportunities across the North Olympic Peninsula.We also provide administrative and technical support for the Jefferson County Marine Resources committee https://www.jeffersonmrc.orgt 1 , 034 People attended the Wooden Boat Festival Marine Science and Stewardship Stage speaker series. 4 , � '', `, ., , 1 _ REGIONAL SMALL FARMS k 4 3L'?+Ft /. ) 1 11.%,..4 S 4� Lt In 2024,the program directly engaged iilAst381 Farmers through both in-person The WSU Regional Small Farms program serves and virtual workshops,classes and Clallam,Jefferson,and Kitsap Counties in farm walk opportunities,totaling 42.5 Washington state and is dedicated to fostering a educational hours. thriving food and farming sector in the region.More small farms in the region means a growing need for 71 education,technical assistance,experiential opportunities,and resources for area farmers. Responded to 71 technical assistance requests serving 59 farmers.The top In 2024,the WSU Regional Small Farms program saw two topics of need included Integrated Pest Management and an increase in farmer educational requests and Crop Production,solidifying the need technical assistance to include identification and for this expertise in our counties. management of on-farm pests,animal agriculture, crop production,soil health,farmland preservation, agritourism,and farm business assistance. 25 The 22nd annual Jefferson County Farm Tour was Delivered 25 educational events(10 held in mid-September and helps to promote small online,11 in-person farm walks and 4 additional in-person classes)to 381 farms in our region,connecting consumers to their farmer attendees.Over half(62%)of food sources. Over 1,700 visitors explored 29 local attendees have been farming for to farms to learn about growing fruits,vegetables, years or less. poultry,livestock and fiber production.Visitors could learn about the many value-added approaches farmers are creatively using to enhance their farm businesses. The program also completed the second year of a three-year grant received through Western Sustainable ' +i. t Agriculture Research and Education to conduct sweet , potato trials on farms in all three counties. `+"'' Additionally,a series of classes for new and beginning farmers was completed through a Food for Climate11111 �' Solutions grant from the Russell Family Foundation. 5 _- - err NOXIOUS WEEDS xh s ' Noxious weeds can reduce crop yields,destroy native plant and animal habitat,damage recreational opportunities,clog waterways,lower land values,create erosion problems and fire hazards,as well as poison humans and livestock.The Jefferson County Weed Control Board (JCNWCB)has a stated mission,"to serve as responsible stewards of Jefferson County by protecting the land and resources from the degrading impact of noxious weeds."In Jefferson County,noxious weeds pose a threat to our vibrant farmlands,unique watersheds,and our many thriving recreational areas that are well-visited. While plants like poison hemlock,tansy ragwort,and knotweed remain important to control, there were a few new priority species this year.Wild chervil(Anthriscus sylvestris)and wild basil savory(Clinopodium vulgare)are spreading through our county at a rapid pace.JCNWCB must work with land owners and property managers to navigate environmental challeneges and begin controlling weeds on a large scale. •The Jefferson County Weed Board provided technical support to over 1,000 Jefferson County residents during the 2024 calendar year.The program advised on the identification and control of specific noxious weeds as well as recommended revegetation strategies. •The program surveyed over 250 road miles in the County,leading to the discovery of new weeds and infestations,helping to jumpstart Early Detection and Rapid Response. •Public Outreach events included tabling at the Farmers Market,providing education and materials to garden clubs,giving presentations at schools,and working with Habitat for Humanity to ensure education for new homeowners.By providing knowledge to local residents, not only do they feel empowered to navigate their own weeds,but they become citizen scientists and can report infestations they see. Your paragraph text % y 11 ,125 295 1 ,040 Pounds of Scotch broom Acres treated Jefferson County Residents removed from the PUD in total assisted in gaining new corridor knowledge in identification or control 6 FARM TO FOODBANK . • In 2024 with assistance from WSU « ' Lb A. �'' •,Ja Extension Farm to Food Bank Coordinator Sallie Constant,food access sites in Clallam and Jefferson County 4 ; sourced over $lso,000 in local farm fresh produce and locally raised proteins for distribution at is different food banks and food access sites. Jude Rubin of Shooting Star Farm with Butter Lettuce bound for the Port Townsend Food Bank Purchases utilized funding from multiple partner organizations and WSU Extension programs. Because of strong collaboration between food access partners and an increasing commitment to sourcing local,our region greatly expanded access to fresh foods while significantly supporting local agriculture.Key partners in Jefferson County included Olympic Peninsula Community Action Program and Jefferson County Farmers Market Association. This year marked WSU Extension's loth year participating in the Farm to Food Pantry program,a partnership with the WSDA and the nonprofit Harvest Against Hunger funding farm to food bank purchases.This funding was augmented with community donations to the WSU Extension Olympic Peninsula Farm to Food Bank Fund.Together these programs reached 10 distribution sites,purchasing over 3,750 pounds of fresh local food from 14 peninsula farms.THANK YOU Farm to Food Bank Fund community donors for helping make this happen! WSU Extension also collaborated with Jefferson County Farmers Market Association,Jefferson County Food Bank Association and Olympic Community Action Program to expand the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program(SFMNP).The SFMNP provides low-income seniors with benefits to shop at the farmers market for fresh fruits and vegetable.This collaboration increased usership of the program by 120%and launched a new local produce box model with distribution at Brinnon,Quilcene,Tri Area and Port Townsend Food Banks,reaching seniors not able to access the farmers markets. 7 - 1 , ,_, a„„,%4-. ' . , ..... . vsa" "a' "i P '0�• + COMING UP . �, x�. • %0''' � ,i • ��lit� , ,•. ,. 1 .I. , Yard and Garden .. - ;,<< , .P� ;y�,, • a G7 Lecture Series! ,, ' ^:.r' L . , ., ' ,, ` Jpy�, Master Gardeners are offering a wonderful speaker series this spring.Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation's 26th Anniversary Yard & Garden Lecture Series.The lectures are offered in person at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Port Townsend, and will run on six Saturday mornings: January 11, 18, and 25, and February 1, 8, and 15. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website (https://extension.wsu.edu/jefferson/). Please consult our online calendar for more upcoming events. First Tuesday of each Month: "Ask a Master Gardener" clinics 12:00-2:00 at Jefferson County Library January 11, 18, and 25, and February 1, 8, and 15: Yard & Garden Lecture Series January 15: Farm Stand Design and Operation, 6pm - 8pm Location: Via Zoom - You must register to receive the Zoom link. January 18: Marine Resources Council Rain Garden Work Party; Quilcene January 21 - March 11: Cultivating Success (online) Class Series: Explore your Farm Dreams; Whole Farm Planning; Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Tuesdays 6pm - 8pm January 23: Soil Testing and Soil Health: 1:00-3:00, Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Rd NE, Kingston, WA 98346 February 14: MRC Rain Garden Work Party; Franklin & Adams, Port Townsend 8 \ 1 I.% x. h UMW, i i ' � DID YOU KNOW? Ai _ ... , Et, a.. Did you ever wonder how the Master Gardener program started?It began right here in Washington State! In 1972,Dr.David Gibby from WSU Cooperative Extension piloted a gardening clinic at the Tacoma Mall in to support urban gardeners.That model was replicated and the Master Gardener Program was born.There are now over 84,000 certified Master Gardeners in the US(Canada adpted a similar program).Master Gardener volunteers are trained in soil science,botany,entomology and more so they can share research-based information with the public.Master Gardeners offer clinics,workshops and lectures;provide starts through plant sales;respond to online and in-person inquiries,and maintain community and historic gardens as well as rain gardens.The overall outcome of their volunteer work is healthier people and environments,greater food security,and community empowerment and connection. HOW CAN WE HELP? This is the WSU Extension mission for Jefferson County: "WSU JEFFERSON COUNTY EXTENSION programs connect the people and communities of Jefferson County with the knowledge base of Washington State University to promote quality of life and advance economic well-being through fostering inquiry,learning,and the application of research." Do you have any questions for our team?We are here to help!If you have questions about your farm,garden,yard,soils,weeds,or pests,reach out to us! You can fill out an inquiry form online, call,or drop by(contact info below). If we do not know the answer,we will help connect you to someone who can.We can also share more information about our Water Resources,Master Gardener,4-H,Regional Small Farms,or Noxious Weeds programs. And if you have feedback about this newsletter,ideas for stories you would like to share,or want to join our mailing list,please contact us at jefferson.county@wsu.edu. 9 i OUR TEAM : ! Director Jefferson County Director: Amit Sharma, amit.sharmal@wsu.edu Program Coordinators 4-H &Youth Empowerment Coordinator:Anji Scalf, anji.scalf@wsu.edu Master Gardener Coordinator: Bridget Gregg,bridget.gregg@wsu.edu Noxious Weeds: Sophie DeGroot, sdegroot@co.jefferson.wa.us; Regional Small Farms Coordinator: Kellie Henwood,kellie.henwood@wsu.edu Water Programs Coordinator: Katie Kowal,kkowal@co.jefferson.wa.us Administrative Staff Financial and Business Operations Coordinator: Owen Rowe, owen.rowe@wsu.edu Administrative Clerk, Communications and Outreach: Kay Gaul, karen.gaul@wsu.edu Our work is only made possible by the time and energy of many wonderful volunteers! Huge thanks to all WSU Extension volunteers-- you are central to our success! WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY 4111r EXTENSION https://extension.wsu.edu/jefferson/ io