February 2022 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 17

By MIKE BONDI

Following an exhaustive national search , Oregon State University ’ s College of Agricultural Sciences has named Dr . Surendra Dara as the director of the North Willamette Research and Extension Center ( NWREC ).

Dara joins NWREC from the University of California Cooperative Extension in San Louis Obispo . With more than 25 years of experience in research and extension , he brings expertise in IPM , microbial control , biostimulants , and biological soil amendments . Recognized for his development of innovative solutions in sustainable crop production and protection , he is passionate about connecting with both the agricultural community and the general public in raising awareness about food production and

When is the right time to sell ?

If you ’ re trying to decide when to list your house , the time is now . With very low inventory , there are plenty of buyers eagerly waiting for your home to hit the market .

Charbonneau Market Stats : Statistics stated are average of single family , townhomes , and condos . 2020 : 85 sold avg sq ft 1973 sold $ 495,022 . ($ 251 sq ft ) 32 days on the market 2021 : 71 sold avg sq ft 2009 sold $ 587,594 . ($ 293 sq ft ) 18 days on the market

Stats broken down by home type are also available . We do have a mixture of property types with some recently updated and others not .

Let ’ s connect to discuss your property and the benefits you can expect when you sell this season .

promoting equitable food access .

“ We are excited to have Surendra join the team and take on the leadership role at one of the most agriculturally diverse experiment stations in the state ,” said Alan Sams , dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station . “ His expertise in innovative agricultural production and his passion for connecting with people from all backgrounds is critical to a region that relies on agricultural production for its economic and social vitality .”

Nearly 40 % of the $ 5.7 billion farmgate value of Oregon agriculture is produced within a 50-mile radius of NWREC . The researchers and extension faculty at the station focus their work and programming on some of Oregon ’ s most important local agricultural crops , including : greenhouses and nurseries , hazelnuts , berries , vegetables and specialty seed production , Christmas trees , orchard crops and field and grass crops . In addition , four other programs cut across these crop systems — small farms production , organic production , pesticide research , and agrivoltaics .

“ Research stations play a critical role in the local economy and how we contribute to the success of sustainable agriculture ,” Dara explained . “ The densely diverse agricultural production and proximity to an urban center make this station such a unique place to contribute to science and community . So much about this position , the station , and the College align with my values and goals . I am eager to get started and take this opportunity to make a meaningful difference .”

Dara is filling the position left open by Mike Bondi , who recently retired after a distinguished career serving Oregon State University since 1978 , including the past 10 years as the director of NWREC .

COURTESY PHOTO

Dr . Surendra Dara is the new director of the North Willamette Research and Extension Center .

In addition to his scientific and community contributions , Dara is also a talented poet , writer , lyricists in his native language Telugu and stand-up comedian . He founded Laugh To Live in 2008 and gives talks about finding happiness .

Dara began his new role as director of NWREC on Jan . 18 .

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