CSC's Linn Benton Food Share Gleaners have been assisting with a blueberry research project for a second season at the Oregon State University Lewis/Brown Farm. The gleaners pick blueberries from specifically marked sections. These berries are weighed to provide data on crop yield. At the end of the day, the gleaners get the berries to share with their adoptees and groups made up of low income individuals and families.
Dr. Oscar Vargas, from the OSU Horticulture Department is conducting the project to study crop yield by using different types of fertilizers and application processes. His main objective is to compare conventional fertilizer application and fertigation, fertilizers applied through the irrigation water.
This summer CSC’s Workforce & Education department got in the act by sending their Garden Youth Crew to work along with the gleaners for two days on the project.
“It’s been a great opportunity for gleaners and adoptees to reap the benefits of gleaning nutritious blueberries while providing a useful service to Dr. Vargas and his great team of assistants,” said Susan James, Linn Benton Food Share Gleaning and Volunteer Coordinator.
“They often picked side by side with the gleaners, explaining their project while also learning about our gleaning program. We also really enjoyed having the Garden Youth Crew join in with gusto. “
Dr. Oscar Vargas, from the OSU Horticulture Department is conducting the project to study crop yield by using different types of fertilizers and application processes. His main objective is to compare conventional fertilizer application and fertigation, fertilizers applied through the irrigation water.
This summer CSC’s Workforce & Education department got in the act by sending their Garden Youth Crew to work along with the gleaners for two days on the project.
“It’s been a great opportunity for gleaners and adoptees to reap the benefits of gleaning nutritious blueberries while providing a useful service to Dr. Vargas and his great team of assistants,” said Susan James, Linn Benton Food Share Gleaning and Volunteer Coordinator.
“They often picked side by side with the gleaners, explaining their project while also learning about our gleaning program. We also really enjoyed having the Garden Youth Crew join in with gusto. “
