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Pest management is the topic of two Garden Gatherings hosted by the Central Gorge Master Gardeners.   

 Contributed photo

HOOD RIVER — OSU Hood River Extension Central Gorge Master Gardeners welcome home gardeners of all abilities to attend the upcoming Garden Gathering series of educational presentations. These free presentations will be held monthly through October and are designed to be interactive and aid in your growth as a gardener.

The Garden Gathering series continues with Central Gorge Master Gardener volunteer Dennis Carlson’s presentation on “Managing Moles, Voles and Gophers.”

Two sessions of the Garden Gathering rodent management presentation will be held at different times and locations. The same information will be offered at each session.

Saturday, April 13, 10-11 a.m. at the FISH Food Bank Garden, 1130 Tucker Road, Hood River

Tuesday, April 16, 6-7 p.m. at the Hood River County Library, 502 State Street, Hood River

Carlson is recognized as a local expert with vast experience on this topic, said an OSU Extension Master Gardeners press release.

Participants at the Garden Gathering presentation will learn practical tips that can be put to use in their yards. Topics that will be covered in this fun and interactive presentation include how to identify these rodents by their tunnels and damage they do, how to determine your tolerance level, management techniques for each rodent, and benefits of rodent tunnels in your soil.

“Rodent management starts with knowing what’s tunneling in your soil,” said Carlson. “Moles, voles and gophers have different tunneling habits and food preferences. Because of this, traps and baits are different for each.”

All are welcome to attend the Garden Gathering to learn about Rodent Management. No registration is needed for this free presentation. Upcoming topics for Garden Gathering presentations are Tool Care, Weed Management, WaterWise Gardening, and Planting Fall Crops. Dates, times and locations will be announced prior to each presentation.

For accessibility concerns at the FISH Food Bank Garden, further information about the Garden Gathering series of presentations, or the OSU Hood River Extension Central Gorge Master Gardener program contact Central Gorge Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Megan Wickersham, megan.wickersham@oregonstate.edu.