Some rural residents are relative newcomers who might be unprepared for challenges such as noxious weeds that can poison livestock. They might not understand that they’re responsible for the quality and safety of drinking water from their wells.

Others have plenty of experience living in the country but are looking for new skills and opportunities, such as harvesting big leaf maple syrup.

The Oregon State University Extension Service’s Small Farms Program hopes to help a wide range of landowners with its Rural Living Day, set for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10 at Junction City High School.

“It doesn’t have to be a farm that is looking to make income from their property. This is geared more toward people who are living rurally,” said Melissa Fery, OSU small farms extension educator.

“A lot of people who live on rural acreage don’t consider themselves farmers. They’re living their dream lifestyle,” she said.

Rural Living Day could be beneficial to anyone on property ranging from a half-acre to those owning 100 acres or more, Fery added.

The event has more than 15 workshops on topics such as composting, soils, tree identification, septic systems, chainsaw safety, food preservation and ideas for small farms.

Showcase for OSU extension

Rural Living Day started in 2018 and was held for three years before the COVID pandemic hit.

“We had our last one in 2020, the week before the big shutdown,” Fery said. “We just decided it would be a fun event to bring back again.”

Fery said attendance was between 70 and 90 people, some of whom had never interacted with OSU extension programs.

With its variety of sessions, Rural Living Day showcases the breadth and depth of extension efforts.

“A lot of what we do is free and available to the public in multiple ways,” Fery said.

Rural Living Day details

Rural Living Day costs $20 per adult and advance registration is required.

Scholarships are available.

Morning refreshments will be provided at the event, but attendees should bring their own lunch or plan accordingly.

To register, go to https://beav.es/NSc.

For more information, contact Carrie Mack, educational program assistant for small farms and forestry at the Lane County OSU Extension Service office, at 541-237-6808 or carrie.mack@oregonstate.edu.