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 April 2026 WSU Kitsap Extension News
Welcome to Your Monthly WSU Community Education Update!
Discover what’s happening this month in our WSU Kitsap Extension community education programs, classes, and events. Whether you're looking to learn something new or get involved, there's something for everyone.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your local Extension agent. Be sure to select the program and contact that best matches your area of interest.
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See Our Impact: WSU Kitsap Extension 2025
Our 2025 WSU Kitsap Extension Impact Reports highlight the powerful, place‑based work happening across Kitsap County every day. From youth leadership and food access to environmental stewardship and local agriculture, these reports show how Extension programs translate research into real‑world results that strengthen our communities, economy, and natural resources. We invite you to explore each program’s 2025 impact reporting and see how this work is making a difference—right here at home.
Program highlights from the 2025 reports include:
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4‑H Youth Development: Kitsap youth built leadership, confidence, and life skills through hands‑on learning and caring adult mentorship, preparing them to be engaged community members and future leaders.
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Master Gardener Program: Trained volunteers shared research‑based gardening knowledge, improving local food production, environmental stewardship, and public education across the county.
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Water Stewardship: Extension programs supported clean water efforts by helping residents better understand watershed health, stormwater impacts, and practical actions to protect local water resources.
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Farming & Food Systems: Partnerships with farmers and community organizations strengthened local food systems, expanded food access, and supported the economic viability of Kitsap’s agricultural producers.
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Regional Small Farms & Farm Mentor Programs: Beginning and established farmers gained practical skills, technical assistance, and mentorship to build resilient, sustainable farm businesses.
👉 Read the full 2025 Impact Reports and learn more about how WSU Kitsap Extension is connecting people, knowledge, and resources to create lasting community impact: https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/impacts/
Farming & Food Systems Program
FARMER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST
Do you need assistance diagnosing a crop problem, identifying a pest issue, or any farm related question in Clallam, Jefferson or Kitsap Counties? We have a specialist right here in our region that can help you. Please fill out the Farmer Technical Assistance Request Form to get started.
Request Assistance Now!
UPCOMING FARM CLASSES
Check our Regional Small Farms event page for upcoming farmer classes and events: https://extension.wsu.edu/regionalsmallfarms/calendar/
ARTICLE: GROWING GREEN IN KITSAP
Check out the latest Kitsap Business Magazine article series on Green Business. They have included our very own Kitsap Farming & Food Systems program as a feature article!
https://kitsapbusiness.com/growing-green-in-kitsap
 Water Stewardship Program
WSU Water Stewardship Program just wrapped up another wonderful Stream Steward Training. With phenomenal sunny spring weather, we explored all the habitats within our local watersheds, met local organizations doing restoration work within the Kitsap County community, and got our hands dirty helping plant some native plants on one of GPC's new projects (pictured).
Master Gardener Program
No new events or news at this time. Make sure to follow the program on Facebook to keep up to date on their latest events, classes and trainings!
https://www.facebook.com/kitsapmastergardeners
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Sustainable Living & Development
Living Sustainably, That’s the Goal
Author: Paisley Gallagher, Sustainable Living and Development Coordinator
I recently stopped at a fast-food place (not my usual, but it worked in the moment) and was handed a straw for my beverage. I handed it back and said, “Can you take this back?” I try to refuse creating waste whenever possible while still trying to function—it’s a balance. I don’t think people want to create “more” garbage, but it happens.
Here’s the thing, though: in Washington State, businesses are prohibited to hand out plastic utensils, straws, condiment packages, and cup lids for cold beverages. There are some exceptions, like drive-throughs, which allow lids for drinks. All of these items are still available—but only by request.
This small act makes an impact, and it gives you a voice to accept one less piece of future garbage. Using that same link, you can also report locations that are not complying with this rule so they can be notified. I also don’t think most businesses are trying to break the rule—more likely, staff may not be aware or properly trained. Imagine the cost savings from reducing “consumables.”
Read the full article at extension.wsu.edu/kitsap: https://extension.wsu.edu/kitsap/2026/04/07/living-sustainably-thats-the-goal/
4H Youth Development Program
No new events or news at this time. Make sure to follow the program on Facebook to keep up to date on their latest events, classes and trainings!
https://www.facebook.com/kitsap4h
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Washington State University Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact the Extension office at 345 6th Street, suite 550, Bremerton, WA 98337, 360-228-7300 at least two weeks prior to the event. |
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WSU Kitsap Extension
345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton, WA 98337 / 360-228-7300
Please visit our website for full program information at extension.wsu.edu/kitsap
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