Washington State University
Serving Mason County for more than 100 years
Washington State University Extension Mason County helps people put research-based knowledge to work, improving their
lives, communities, and the environment.
To realize this mission, faculty and staff plan, conduct and evaluate research and experience-based educational programs
to improve the lives of Mason County residents.
WSU Extension Mason County also employs the assistance of hundreds of volunteers and community partners and provides
access to the resources available at Washington State University and the National Land Grant University Extension System.
Dan Teuteberg, County Director &
4-H Youth Development Specialist
360-427-9670 Ext. 686
WSU Extension Mason County
303 N 4th Street, Shelton, WA 98584
360-427-9670 Ext. 680
http://extenison.wsu.edu/mason
Facebook pages:
Mason County 4-H
Mason County Noxious Weeds
Mason County Master Gardeners
Community Intelligence Lab of Mason County
Mason County and Washington State University have a
long-standing partnership in providing educational
programs and research-based information to residents
throughout the county. This partnership ensures that
resources are committed from Federal allocations and
University funds to keep important educational programs
available in Mason County.
Partnerships
United Way of Mason County
Early Learning Coalition
Shelton Timberland Library
Mason Conservation District
Mason County Health Department
The Salmon Center
Hood Canal Coordinating Council
School Districts—Shelton, Pioneer and Hood Canal
Community Services Offices
Saints Pantry Food Bank
Behavioral Health Resources
Mason General Hospital
Washington Conservation Corps
Other Mason County partnerships include:
BY THE NUMBERS
2018/2019
1,602 youth engaged
in 4-H Youth
Development
activities
68 trained adult
volunteers
14 trained youth
volunteers
144 youth engaged in
educational camping
programs
146 families reached
through community
outreach programs
Washington State University
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential,
working and learning in partnership
with caring adults.
4-H Coordinator
Ext. 681
A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES
Mason County 4-H kicked off camping season in June with a weeklong
educational overnight horse camp at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp. 4-H members
enrolled in the Horsemanship project enjoyed a week of overnight camping,
education and recreation with their horses. Camp is packed full of fun camping
traditions and memories that will last a lifetime. Members participated in
equitation, showmanship, performance, and western games classes taught by
professional instructors. Trail rides, craft projects, swimming, and other fun
outdoor activities filled
the remainder of the
days. Thirty five youth
members and ten
adult volunteers spent
the week learning
teamwork, leadership,
responsibility, science,
and horsemanship
skills. The 2019 4-H
Horse Camp was held
June 22-27.
Mason County 4-H Summer
Camp provided adventure
blended with a traditional
camping experience for more
than 65 campers July 21 – 25 at
Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp.
During this five-day overnight
camp, Panhandle was home to
more than 65 youth campers.
Camp is a valuable learning
experience that helps build
independence and
self-confidence in our campers. Camp staff provide a challenging yet nurturing
setting, where children “learn by doing” in a hands-on learning environment
based on the philosophy of 4-H. The unplugged environment of camp allows
children to try new things, open new doors, meet new challenges and make new
friends. Camp was staffed by more than 20 trained adults and teen counselors
who provided leadership, educational activities, nutritious meals and mentorship
to the youth campers. Many campers have indicated a strong desire to become a
counselor-in-training and then a teen counselor as they approach the
appropriate age for these roles.
SUMMER FUN AND LEARNING
Summer learning is vital, and the Mason County 4-H Youth Development
Program is proud to provide a number of low or no cost summer educational
opportunities for young people in our community. “Engineering the Future”
themes. Twenty youth ages 8 – 12 engaged in daily hands-on educational
activities, nutrition lessons, creative projects, and physical activities. A
sponsorship from OCCU
was received to help offset
the cost of the facility
rental. An affordable
registration fee of $10
included a 4-H Day Camp
tee shirt for each of the
twenty campers.
QUOTES
“I love 4-H camp
because it lets kids be
kids. They are away
from electronics, can
get dirty, and don’t
have to worry about
anything but being a
kid.” Daniel, 4-H
camper parent
“There is something
about camp that
brings my son out of
his shell. He is
typically pretty
withdrawn, but the
counselors really know
how to bring out the
best in him. He looks
forward to camp every
year.” Tony, 4-H
camper parent
“I PLEDGE my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater
loyalty, my HANDS to larger service and my HEALTH to better
living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
CLOVER KIDS CLUB
The Clover Kids club continues to meet on the first Wednesday of each month.
The program helps kids spark their inner passions, interests, and talents,
helping them to discover their best self! Each month we explore a new topic and
provide hands-on opportunities for kids to explore interests that they might not
otherwise be exposed to. Since Spring 2019, participants have learned about the
mighty insects of the forest, created watercolor masterpieces, discovered the
meaning of community and service to others, painted rustic wooden flags, and
got close up to some pretty
cute goats. Future sessions
include veterinary medicine,
cake decorating, and the art of
pie baking. The sessions are
free, open to the first twenty
registered kids ages 5-12 and
are held at Memorial Hall the
first Wednesday of each month.
FEELS LIKE COUNTRY
Thanks to a unique partnership with the Grays
Harbor 4-H program Mason County 4-H members
were able to proudly exhibit their 4-H projects
August 7 – 11 at the Grays Harbor County Fair in
Elma. Mason County youth entries included
photography, fine arts, baking, educational
displays, and public speaking. In addition to the
exceptional still life exhibits, many members
attended with their project animals and participated
in Fitting and Showing and other educational
classes. Animal projects from Mason County
included horses, goats, poultry, and rabbits. Many
Mason County 4-H members qualified to exhibit their projects at the
Washington State 4-H Fair which runs August 30 – September 22 in Puyallup.
Dedicated adult 4-H volunteers from Mason County play a significant role in
this successful partnership by contributing their time and talents.
Approximately 45 youth and adults participated in this event.
“I PLEDGE my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater
loyalty, my HANDS to larger service and my HEALTH to better
living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
BY THE NUMBERS
2019
Total Reached 1,090
66 program activities
60 youth series
taught, 1st through
11th grades
Total youth
reached: 1,033
6 adult programs
taught
Total adults
reached: 57
Total Reach CSO &
Food Bank: 1,553
17 single events:
Total contacts—605
Washington State University
SNAP-Ed Nutrition Programs focus on providing
dietary quality, physical activity and food
resource management for adults and youth. Coordinator
Community Outreach:
SNAP-Ed hosted nutrition demonstrations and offered food resource assistance
twice a week from May through August at the Community Service Office. Clients
received information pertaining to healthy meal planning and thrifty shopping,
delicious tested recipes and cookbooks, food safety, and matching EBT programs
(Complete Eats & Fresh Bucks @ Farmers Markets). They also tasted samples of
featured recipes. To date, 291 individuals have been engaged in learning how to
eat better and live healthier on a limited income.
Monthly nutrition demonstrations and food resource management outreach has
been held in Saints’ Pantry Food Bank lobby. Visitors are greeted with taste
samples of healthy recipes made from items they receive at the food bank,
emphasizing nutrient dense staples and fresh vegetables supplied by the WSU
Extension – Mason County Master Gardener food bank garden at Catalyst
Park. For the months of June and July, 268 clients participated in the SNAP-Ed
outreach, and enjoyed seasonal tastes of Watermelon Oatmeal Breakfast
Smoothies and Quinoa Summer Vegetable Salad. Milk Art Project –4-H Day
Camp Nutrition Lesson
Quotes
“I was really worried I
wouldn't be able to keep up
- I don't really cook and have
no clue when it comes to
putting together a healthy
meal. Where does one
start?”...(at the end of class)
"Wow! This was great! You
gals make this so easy. I
really learned a lot! Eating
healthier and cooking is
easier than I thought. I think
I can actually cook myself a
good meal now." - Bob
Gardner, participant in HEAT
class 1, 2 & 3
"Look! We made smoothies
for our class party! They
have lots of fruit and some
vegetables (spinach and I
forget the other's name) and
they're super healthy!
They're perfectly delicious!" -
Maelani B., 1st grade student
"Man! This is good
stuff! This is really good
stuff!...I can make it with
what I'm getting here
today?...I can cook this on
my campfire? Can I have
another one [tasting
sample]? I'm cooking this
tonight...It's so good!
[shaking his head and
grinning] Who'd ever think I'd
eat lentils and spinach?" -
Roger, frequent homeless
visitor to the food bank.
Educator Educator
Ext. 694 Ext. 693
[email protected] gabrieal.volpe@ wsu.edu
Shelton Farmers Market
SNAP-Ed presented a fun activity, Planting Gardens In Gloves, at the July Kids
Day at the Shelton Farmers Market on July 13, 2019. Kids young and old
planted vegetable gardens in gloves to take home and sprout in a sunny
window, featuring Northwest favorites – green beans and sugar snap
peas. Recipes and tips utilizing garden and market produce were distributed to
visitors and the matching Fresh Bucks/EBT program was promoted
4-H Summer Day Camp
SNAP-Ed participated on two days during 4-H Summer Day Camp. During the
Dairy Lesson on July 25th, campers learned about the different types of dairy
products and how they provide a rich supply of calcium for growing strong
bones. The kids paired up to make smoothies, learned how to use blenders
and follow a recipe. They were all smiles sipping on their delicious healthy
smoothies, followed by giggles as they performed a milk jug exercise relay in
the gym – weight-bearing activities are important to maintaining healthy
bones. The afternoon concluded with some wacky science (camp theme),
creating art with the emulsification properties of milk, soap, and food coloring.
The second session on August 1st was The Bean Lesson.
This session featured learning about the bountiful
nutritious virtues of beans – delicious protein
powerhouses full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, that are
economical, too! Campers learned to identify a dozen
variety of beans, explored how they’re commonly used in
cooking, and played bean-themed games (Don’t Spill the
Beans Relay Race, Wiggle Beans Hula Hoop Dance, and
Bean Bag Toss-Up). The budding bean experts then learned how to use a
kitchen knife safely and practiced cutting their own
vegetables, which they later enjoyed with two tasty
bean dips (garbanzo bean hummus and pinto bean
dip). This, of course, was crowned by their delight at
eating layered frozen bean and fruit pops (soybean
milk, apricots, and berries). Healthy plates full of
rainbow plant power goodness was enthusiastically
enjoyed by all, with the added bonus of no added
sugar.
BY THE NUMBERS
48 active Master
Gardener Volunteers
10 MG volunteers
completed training in
2018
9 trainees
completed training
May 2019
5,731 volunteer
hours provided to
Mason Co. in 2018:
Average of 119.4
hours per Master
Gardener. Fifth
highest average in the
State of Washington
(statewide average=
90.8 hours)
Mentor 1 school
garden located at
Belfair Elementary:
237 k-5 students
24 community garden
beds available to
Mason County
community residents
Washington State University
Master Gardeners provide relevant, research
based, ecologically sound resources to meet the
home horticulture needs of Mason County.
Coordinator
Ext. 688
Catalyst Park
The Catalyst Park Food Bank Demonstration and Community Garden is giving back
to the community in many ways!
The food bank garden harvests, so far this season,
have provided over 1,000 pounds of produce to
Saints’ Pantry Food Bank with more to come. This
year, at the request of food bank clients, the garden
has produced more fresh herbs along with vegetables.
The Master Gardeners have expanded the Learning Garden at Catalyst. It now has
demonstration beds for septic planting, vertical gardening, “lasagna” gardening,
and mole/vole proof gardening.
The rented community beds are lush and full of produce and the monthly
educational programs are in full swing. Each month the community gardeners
participate in a Saturday workshop learning about a timely topic that is relevant to
their gardens including identifying the pests in their own beds and seed saving for
next year.
Catalyst Demonstration Garden is looking GREAT and we hope to see more visitors
this year. The garden is open to the public on Tuesdays from 9:00 until noon.
Plant and Pest Clinic
During this growing season, Master Gardeners have been busy answering the
community’s plant and pest questions! Master
Gardeners are available every Monday from
noon until 3:00 at the Extension Office and via
email, to investigate and respond to questions
regarding Mason County gardening issues.
Master Gardener volunteers are also on hand
every Saturday at the Shelton Farmer’s Market.
At the market, along with being available to
answer questions, they provide
demonstrations on horticulture topics.
Master Gardener Volunteer Training
We are currently recruiting new trainees to become Mason County Master
Gardeners! University trained volunteers are empowered to provide the
community with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and
environmental stewardship education. Master Gardeners are the go-to resource
for Mason County residents who seek research based solutions for their
ever-changing horticulture questions. The training consists of both an online
WSU developed horticulture program along with face to face sessions on
various program and horticulture topics. Trainees must complete 60 volunteer
hours to become certified Master Gardeners. The cost of the program is $275
with a $100 refund when the initial volunteer hours are completed. We plan to
start a new program in January. Stop by or contact the office for an application,
due by November 4.
Volunteer Recognition
Late in August, the Mason County Master Gardener Program recognized its
volunteers at a potluck dinner held at the historic Grant School. The program is
largely run by its volunteers who share a commitment to the county to provide
education on horticulture and environmental stewardship along with raising the
funds needed to sustain the program. Volunteers were recognized for their
years of service along with outreach & educational activities and dedication to
the program.
Master Gardener Office Clinic
Every Monday 12 -3 p.m. Ext . 687
E -mail : [email protected]
Office Plant Clinic
Catalyst Park 2019
Plant Clinic at Farmer’s Market
BY THE NUMBERS
2019
36 property owners
assisted with noxious
weed control
690 contacts at 5
local events
2 articles for the
Shelton-Mason
County Journal
5 Mason county rock
sources inspected for
compliance with
federal “Weed Free”
specifications
66 USDA Forest
Service acres treated
47 properties
inspected for
presence/absence of
giant hogweed
Washington State University
Responsible for identifying noxious weeds that are
impacting our county resources, including agriculture,
forestry, fisheries, recreation and native habitats.
Coordinator
Ext. 592
GIANT HOGWEED CONTROL
Giant hogweed control work, funded with a Washington State Department of
Agriculture grant, continued through the month of June. Control work was carried
out at an additional nineteen sites. Final reporting for this project was completed
in early July. The report can be found at https://extension.wsu.edu/mason/
natural-resources/noxious-weed-program/mcnwcb-reports/
Noxious Weed Assistant
Heidi Steinbach in front of
Giant Hogweed plant
NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL
Noxious Weed Control staff continued their work
of protecting Mason County from the impact of
toxic, or difficult to control noxious weeds. To
date, control assistance has been provided to 36
property owners with infestations of giant
hogweed, poison hemlock, knapweed or
knotweed. Additionally, staff have pulled and
bagged tansy ragwort and spotted knapweed at
multiple locations, primarily within city or county owned rights of way.
The program currently manages 208 ‘Waivers of
Liability’ with Mason County property owners. On site
consultations have proven to be a valuable tool in
developing landowner awareness and engagement.
Three owners of newly acquired Mason County
property were surprised to learn that they had also
acquired the difficult to control noxious weed,
knotweed. Staff have provided assistance to two of
the owners and advised the third on options for
control.
NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL ON NATIONAL FOREST LAND
Work continues under the USDA Forest Service Participating Agreement, with 66
acres treated to date.
“BOOTS ON THE GROUND” GRANT FUNDING
An Interagency Agreement between the Washington State Department of
Agriculture and the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board for the control
of invasive knotweed species within the riparian corridors of Mason County in
the amount of $15,000.00 was approved by the Mason County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) on August 06, 2019.
Modification #3 of the Participating Agreement with the Olympic National
Forest is before the BOCC for approval. This modification would add
$21,263.88 to the Participating Agreement for control of invasive species
within, or adjacent to, the Olympic National Forest.
Quotes
“I appreciate you
answering my
questions and giving
me a course of action
to take if I have any
future concerns.” JW
We are available to help landowners and land
managers with information, services, and resources to deal
with invasive, non-native plant species.
Booth at Allyn Days
Knotweed on newly acquired property of Great
Peninsula Conservancy
Funding for Early
Learning educational
programs is provided by
United Way of Mason
County, Thrive
Washington, and Visions
for Early Learning
Washington State University
HTTP://EXTENSION.MASON.WSU.EDU 303 N 4th St., Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 Ext. 680
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
EARLY LEARNING
The Early Learning Coalition of Mason County has spent the past few months
reflecting on the past activities and events that were hosted and sponsored by
the coalition. Plans are set to strengthen the activities and broaden our reach
throughout Mason County to support early learners and their families.
Last month the Coalition transitioned leadership on their board. A special
thanks to all those that served and continue to serve!
Current Board of Directors:
Chair(s): Elizabeth Custis and Cheryl Woods
Vice Chair: Kim Smith
Treasurer: Dan Teuteberg
Secretary: Randi Walsh
Coalition Coordinator: Nicole Kerksieck
Early Learning Fair
Olivia picks out stickers for
a job well done
BY THE NUMBERS
2019
Food Safety &
Food Preservation
14 Gauges checked.
8 were not accurate
and required
adjustment or
replacement.
Septic System
Workshops
3 classes conducted
195 participants
Washington State University
HTTP://EXTENSION.MASON.WSU.EDU 303 N 4th St., Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 Ext. 680
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
Office Manager
Ext. 680
Three septic system workshops were conducted in Mason County with the
following results:
June - North Mason Timberland Library - 39 participants
July - Shelton PUD #3 - 106 participants
August - Hoodsport Timberland Library – 50 participants
At the workshop participants learned what type of septic system they have,
how it works, and what maintenance it requires. The instructor go over how to
perform an inspection of a conventional gravity system, and the tools needed
to do so. A Environmental Health specialist was on hand to answer questions
about county requirements and septic system records. The workshops were
advertised through local media, fliers and on
the back of post cards mailed by Mason
County Environmental Health. The
workshops had an overwhelming response
with people inquiring about next years
workshops. The instructor Wendy Mathews
will also be at Oysterfest to answer septic
system questions.
The goal in 2020 is to conduct three
workshops in Mason County and possibly
a few by special request.
Check pressure gauges on Monday’s from 10‐12, to ensure safe operations. This
continues to be a good community resource to ensure proper education on food
safety and preservation.
Continue to provide residents current up to date research based answers to their
food safety and home canning questions to reduce risk of food borne illness.
August office display
in building #1