Love gardening? Get expert training with WSU Extension Master Gardener Program The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program offers a year-long volunteer training combining online and in-person learning, with applications open July 1–August 30, 2025, and a workload equivalent to fou...

Local #WSU Master Gardener volunteers are ready to help you grow your horticulture & gardening knowledge with science- & research-backed info.
Contact your regional Extension office to get connected today! #GoCougs
www.nbcrightnow.com/news/love-ga...

Odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile Say) Commonly infesting homes, buildings, and household food items, the odorous house ant is a widely distributed, native species found throughout North America. Learn how to prevent or manage an outbreak ...

Something stinks around here.
But it *is* that time of the season again: often described as smelling of rotten coconut or blue cheese, the odorous house ant is very active in spring.
For best management practices, our latest: pubs.extension.wsu.edu/product/odor....

Voice of the Vine logo.

The latest Voice of the Vine newsletter from @wsucahnrs.bsky.social features a recent Extension publication for Washington grape growers/wine makers, along with the latest research & outreach from #WSU Extension specialists. Subscribe & check it out! #GoCougs
news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/newsletters/...

WSU Climate Stewards logo.

#WSU Skagit County Extension launched its 2nd Climate Stewards cohort, training community members in climate literacy & science.
Through classes, field tours, & hands-on projects, participants translate learning to application & practical action. #GoCougs
extension.wsu.edu/skagit/clima...

#CougsGive - April 15, 2026 What does Go Cougs mean to you?

For #CougsGive, be part of the extraordinary legacy of the @wsuextension.bsky.social Master Gardener program & help volunteers nurture plants, people, and communities by sharing knowledge, research, & innovative solutions.
25 gifts today unlocks a $10K challenge!
cougsgive.wsu.edu/cahnrs
#GoCougs

A Citizen Science Guide to Wild Bees and Floral Visitors in Western Washington (Home Garden Series) This easy-to-use field guide provides helpful tools to identify and monitor wild bees and pollinators in western Washington. Great for gardeners, farmers, conservationists, or anyone curious about flo...

That's a great setup you have! Just wanted to share this guide that you might be into. Great for those interested in bee-based community science projects. pubs.extension.wsu.edu/product/a-ci...

WSU bee scientist hosting international pollinator conference in Pullman The June conference will bring global experts together for the first North American meeting of a group focused on tackling honey bee colony collapse around the world.

By now you’ve probably heard about honey bee colony collapse, a global problem.
#WSU’s Priya Basu is bringing experts from around the world to Pullman this June to discuss colony losses and what can be done about this pressing issue.
news.wsu.edu/news/2026/04...

Construction begins for new WSU Plant Growth Facility Construction of the $18 million, 24,000-square-foot facility is expected to wrap up in a year, with an opening planned for summer 2027.

Exciting step forward for tree fruit Extension: this new facility will help better position us to serve tree fruit growers & stakeholders statewide, advancing outreach & moving discoveries more quickly from the lab to the orchard.
news.wsu.edu/news/2026/04...

Characteristic shepherds crook symptom of fire blight.

Fire blight bacteria grow quickly between 70 and 80 degrees, & the risk across WA for pear & apple growers is very high. More blooms open = more risk. Extension specialists recommend applying products prior to an infection event. For more recommendations:
treefruit.wsu.edu/article/watc...

Eggs in carton.

#WSU podcast host Susie Craig explains in 60 seconds how pasteurizing shell eggs improves food safety without sacrificing cooking quality.
Check out the latest Food Safety in a Minute. #GoCougs
news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/podcasts/fsm...

Become a WSU Beach Watcher WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers are offering two training courses for those who love the Puget Sound.

As a #WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers volunteer, you’ll learn from regional experts about Salish Sea habitats, species, & conservation, then educate the public at local beaches & events.
Training starts April 13. Learn more or register today:
news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/article/beco...

WSU Extension program maintains public lands, prepares teens for workforce Through the Forest Youth Success program, youth help clear trails and restore public lands, benefiting the community while building skills for employment.

In rural Skamania County, teens are getting paid, hands-on experience while helping maintain public lands. It's a win-win for the community & its residents. #GoCougs
news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/article/wsu-...

WSU 4-H workshop teaches animal care to Colville Reservation youth and families A hands-on 4-H livestock workshop in March equipped youth and families in the rural community of Keller on the Colville Reservation with knowledge that increases livestock and animal well-being.

#WSU Colville Reservation Extension 4-H & @wsuvetmed.bsky.social students & faculty provided a hands-on workshop for youth & families, teaching practical animal-care skills—especially helpful in rural areas, where a veterinarian may be an hour’s drive away.
news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/article/wsu-...

Cherry Growers meeting set for April 11 Attendees will also be able to network with experienced Flathead cherry growers to learn how others have developed successful orchard practices unique to this area.

#WSU experts will present the keynote during the Flathead Cherry Growers Meeting in Montana, translating research into tree fruit impacts and practical solutions in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. #GoCougs
hagadonenewsnetwork.com/news/2026/ap...

Floodwaters threaten iconic Pike Place Market flower farmers YouTube video by KING 5 Seattle

#WSU Extension agricultural educator Kate Smith spoke with @king5.com.web.brid.gy about how this year’s historic Skagit Valley flooding impacted local flower farms, which help supply the blooms for sale at the iconic Pike Place Market. @pikeplacemarket.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTWd...

Photo of Master Gardener demonstration garden Animal Acres.

Find spring gardening inspiration at a King County Master Gardener volunteer demonstration garden: From Indigenous medicinal plants to pollinator habitats, these gardens showcase what’s possible in the PNW climate. #GoCougs
extension.wsu.edu/king/mg-home...

A very interesting explanation from #WSU Professor Kate Evans at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center on apple DNA & pollination. Great for the curious kids you know (and adults too)!

Small, clear globe with lady beetle crawling across the top. WSU Extension logo in bottom right corner of image.

Great lineup of Earth Month events from the #WSU Extension Lewis County Master Recycler Composter volunteers. Community members will benefit from workshops & activities like food preservation, auto & bike maintenance, composting education, & wood chipping.
thenewstribune.com/news/state/w...

WSU launches bilingual video series to help beekeepers improve colony health The series gives novice beekeepers a strong introduction to best practices and the science of apiculture, in both Spanish and English.

Our college supports agriculture in a wide variety of ways. Like this new bilingual video series that gives novice beekeepers a strong introduction to best practices & the science of apiculture. Check them out! #AgDay26 #NationalAgDay #GoCougs news.wsu.edu/news/2026/03...

Grazing School | Thurston County | Washington State University Are you interested in attending the 2026 Grazing School? April 16th-19th, 2026 Registration is open now.  Visit the Registration Link for more information! Please email Stephen Bramwell with any quest...

Registration is now open for the 2026 SW Washington Grazing School!
Join #WSU Extension & partners for a four-day workshop covering rotational grazing, pasture management, & building biodiverse grazing systems.
Held in Tenino, WA, April 16–19.
extension.wsu.edu/thurston/gra...

WSU AgWeatherNet image of state with county lines, displaying temperatures and color-coded temperature gradients.

Track spring weather with real-time, location-specific data from #WSU AgWeatherNet. Explore wind gusts, humidity, temperature, & more to support seasonal planning & food production decisions. #FirstDayOfSpring #GoCougs
weather.wsu.edu

The Art of Range podcast logo.

Range & Livestock Specialist Tip Hudson, host of Art of Range podcast, discusses “in-herding” with longtime Idaho rancher Glenn Elzinga.
This grazing method helps Glenn better manage livestock & boost ecosystem health.
Check out the latest episode!
artofrange.com/episodes/aor...

Assorted tree fruit, including apples, pears, cherries, and peaches.

Tree fruit growers, packers, managers, researchers, Extension specialists & the public are invited to the Postharvest Discussion Forum, in-person + online, April 7, 10 a.m.
Come share challenges & explore practical solutions for WA’s tree fruit industry.
treefruit.wsu.edu/event/postha...

Extension Publication: Protect Washington tree fruit from pests, weeds with revised guide New from WSU Extension, a revised 2026 guide to safely protecting Washington tree fruit crops from pests, weeds, and pathogens.

Our newly revised guide helps tree fruit growers protect the state’s tree fruit crops from pests & pathogens. #GoCougs
It provides a lot of recommended practices for a variety of topics related to apple, pear, cherry, & stone fruit production. Check it out!
news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/article/exte...

Yellow crocus flowers emerging.

National Plant a Flower Day is today, and it's a great time to start planning your spring garden. We have lots of resources to help!
extension.wsu.edu/yard-garden/

Three people hold up signs that say "Stewardship Forest."

Forest landowners in the Stanwood/Camano area: #WSU Extension Forestry’s Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course runs April 28–June 23 and includes expert instruction + a field trip.
Learn more & register by April 21 to claim your spot! #GoCougs
forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/c...

Cattle in pasture.

#WSU Extension host Tip Hudson, range & livestock specialist, discusses the strengths & limits of virtual/remote fencing for open landscape management with guest Dr. Flavie Audoin, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
Tune in today!
artofrange.com/episodes/aor...

Winter grain mites are creating havoc in Washington fields Absolutely tiny things called winter grain mites are creating a huge problem in northern Washington state wheat fields.

Winter grain mites, which thrive on nutrients from fresh wheat leaves, love a mild winter. Since that's what we've had this year, #WSU experts like Aaron Esser have been busy fielding calls from farmers asking for help & advice. Details: www.nwpb.org/local/2026-0...
@wsuextension.bsky.social

Severe stripe rust on wheat leaves.

A severe wheat stripe rust epidemic is forecast for the eastern PNW in the 2026 growing season, with susceptible varieties facing 40–60% yield losses, according to plant pathologist Xianming Chen, a USDA-ARS scientist & WSU adjunct faculty member.
striperust.wsu.edu/2026/01/07/2...

Growing Sweet Potatoes in the Pacific Northwest As the climate shifts, sweet potatoes are emerging as a viable, in-demand crop in Northwest Washington.

#WSU researcher Carol Miles at the Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center writes about successes w/ expanding sweet potato production in Washington through new sweet potato cultivar development & the challenges of wireworm management. #GoCougs
growingproduce.com/vegetables/m...