The “Raised Bed Project” is supported by a number of partners, including the South Wasco Gardeners, AmeriCorps/RARE Service Members, the Wasco County Extension (Master Gardener Program), and the OSHU Community Research Hub.

In March 2020, we hosted a FEAST event (Food Education Agriculture Solutions Together) with Columbia Gorge Food Bank. This event was the kick-off for a new slough of programs !

Any gardener or farmer knows that no season is truly sleepy. As soon as the last squash are plucked from the vine, we start to dream about fresh tomatoes, peppers, and watermelon. We’re pruning, prepping beds, and tackling those projects that the summer heat didn’t allow. And of course, we’re planning our crops and purchasing seeds! It can be hard finding high quality seeds in South Wasco, so we’ve put together a guide to help you find the right seeds for your garden.

Within the fertile Willamette River Valley near the town of St. Paul, Oregon, in Marion County, a family farm legacy continues to be written. In 2018, the Oregon Century Farm & Ranch program awarded Mullen Farms with a sesquicentennial award, honoring their continued farming efforts over the last 150 plus years. Over these years, five generations have seen firsthand how the introduction of new technologies in agriculture can change farming practices.

Local crafters and bakers have been hard at work creating in preparation for the Country Bazaar that kicked off this past Friday at the Maupin Legion Hall. It has been a long wait for many wondering if they would be allowed to have the public event which was originally scheduled just after Thanksgiving but postponed due to COVID-19.

“The efforts that have gone into this documentary not only show the talents of community members but also their cooperative nature that has resulted in successfully completing this project during these trying times.”

“I have a pretty sufficient garden at home and I lease a hoop house at Seed to Table Farm on the Larsell’s ranch. I work closely with my dad and local gardeners whenever I can. My standards are pretty strict, 100% organic and sustainably produced is a must. It is not only important for the earth, but some of my customer’s health depends on knowing exactly what is in their food, and exactly where it came from. It is of the upmost importance I consistently provide that.”

With wildfires, COVID and many other challenges, the summer of 2020 was eventful for many people in South Wasco. But that didn’t stop Trishelle Koerschgen, age 12, and Gabe Ford, age 10, from trying something new. As part of a pilot project with the South Wasco Specialty Farmers (SWSF), Trishelle and Gabe participated in all aspects of producing, packaging, retailing, and selling locally grown food at the farmers market in The Dalles. Trishelle shares her story here.

The Gorge Grown Food Network Mobile Farmers Market makes laps around the Gorge every summer selling local produce from small farmers in our area, and this year it’s coming to Maupin for the first time.