Charbonneau Villager Newspaper Sept 2021 | Page 10

By MIKE BONDI

By now , you may have noticed the latest addition at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center — a 100-foot long hoop house just east of the center ’ s exit gate . The hoop is being added to provide a location for the continued fresh strawberry market research at NWREC .

Over the past four summers , faculty and staff have been developing guidelines for growing fresh strawberries over an extended season from spring until late fall — instead of the traditional Oregon June-bearing time of the year .

“ Having fresh Oregon strawberries available in farmers markets , at roadside stands and in grocery stores from April through November , would be a huge development for area farmers and anyone who enjoys Northwest berries ,” said Erica Chernoh .

Erica is the Leader of the Berry Initiative project and has a student arriving in September from Ecuador who will be conducting her research in the new hoop house while pursuing her master ’ s degree at Oregon State University .

Oregon strawberries were long considered the best in the nation and our state was the country ’ s leading producer until 40 years ago . Production began changing in the 1980s when California developed “ ever-bearing ” strawberry varieties that could be produced year-around . Today , California supplies 97 % of the nation ’ s strawberries , but most consumers still think the Oregon strawberry has a much superior flavor .

“ We won ’ t take back the national market ,” Erica said , “ but , our goal is to produce those wonderful Oregonquality

berries using the California varieties and grown under our conditions , and with the right kind of season extension techniques for our climate .”

The new strawberry hoop house is adjacent to field plots with “ low tunnels ” and open beds where ongoing research has been conducted starting in 2018 . The new hoop house will provide a test of larger scale commercial technology with smaller scale approaches and the opportunity to compare different growing methods — side by side .

Mike Bondi , NWREC director , acknowledges that the new strawberry hoop house has already attracted negative comments from one Charbonneau neighbor who has their southerly view blocked to the Cascade foothills .

“ For this conflict , we are sorry . But , structures like hoop houses on farm lands are allowed ,” Mike said .

Mike added that the research center is zoned for Exclusive Farm Use and Oregon State University has a long-term lease with the property owner ( Clackamas County ) to use the land solely for agricultural research and education that targets farmers and the public . OSU has managed the research center property since 1959 .

“ We hope we are a good neighbor to everyone in the area and to those who border the research center ,” Mike said . “ And , we do realize that some of our practices are not always appreciated by everyone .”

Mike cites the regular complaints they receive each summer about the digital “ bird alarm ” used to scare off predatory birds who eat ripening blueberries and can destroy a year ’ s

The new strawberry hoop house is under construction .

COURTESY PHOTO

worth of field data in a matter of a few days . The bird alarm plays audio recordings of sharp-shinned hawks , peregrine falcons and redtail hawks ( all birds of prey ) that are effective at keeping starlings and robins — the common berry robbers — out of the area . Commercial farmers would typically use a gas-powered canon for the same purpose .

OSU researchers are using the bird alarm alternative to minimize impacts on the neighbors . Although effective for bird control , the alarm system does “ squawk ” from dawn until dusk .

Other neighborhood concerns have included the dust and smoke that is sometimes created when farming , pesticide use , the smells coming from fresh manure incorporated into the soil , unsightly portable toilets for field workers and farming activities that occasionally have to be done at night — like when trying to control nocturnal pests .

“ Farming is a difficult business and we aren ’ t your typical farm . There are over 75 different field research trials at NWREC each year ,” Mike said . “ All in all , almost everyone has been a great neighbor , very understanding and we have appreciated wonderful support for what we do . We thank you . Our mission has always been to use the best science to solve the problems that farmers have , to help them be more competitive , and to ensure that we all have a reliable and safe local food supply .”

Direct any questions or concerns to Mike at michael . bondi @ oregonstate . edu or call 503-705-2434 .

By CATHI MCLAIN

As I write this , I ’ ve just watched the closing ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics . After recording

MCLAIN every event and watching as many as possible , regular programming will probably seem boring . But with the Olympics still top of mind , this month ’ s theme of “ teamwork ” is perfect .

For me , nothing exemplifies teamwork like serving on a committee to organize a major event such as the Charbonneau Festival of the Arts . Our festival organizing team is moving full speed ahead to prepare for the big event Nov . 5 , 6 and 7 and “ teamwork ” is the operative word .

Artists , artisans and musicians have responded to our call to artists , and we expect to be fully subscribed . All participants will have an opportunity to exhibit in both live and virtual events . The Virtual Gallery and Music Stage will run all of November and December , making it especially appealing to artists from outside the area .

For the live event at Charbonneau Country Club , plans are evolving for a new and different Opening Night Reception on Nov . 5 . This year , artisans and vendors will join the gallery artists on Friday evening , instead of just Saturday and Sunday . The Silent Auction will open Friday evening and remain open until noon on Sunday , not just opening night . The always-popular wine raffle will be part of the fun . These changes , along with the possibility of the re-

See ARTS / Page 11