\Whether you are an educator, Ag advisor, OWA or FFA member, or just someone who is passionate about agricultural literacy, this event is for you! Learn all about the berry industry of Oregon, as well as this year’s book, I Love Strawberries! by Shannon Anderson.
During the February 28th Kick-Off event, guests will hear from researchers and specialists in the berry field and enjoy a presentation and reading from the author, Shannon Anderson. Attendees of the event will also be the first to receive the 2026 activity as well as special bonus materials!
The event will conclude with a pie social and raffle. Read on to learn more about this exciting event!
WHEN: February 28th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. PST
WHERE: North Willamette Research and Extension Center (15210 NE Miley Rd, Aurora, OR 97002).
HOW: Purchase a ticket below. One ticket admits one guest and also enters you into the raffle drawing for special, Oregon-themed prizes! You can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
The event will be held at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC). NWREC serves growers in the North Willamette Valley area with research and educational programs that focus on the region’s most important crop systems.
We are excited to announce that NWREC Director and Associate Professor, Steve Young, will be a guest speaker at this kick-off event. Steve will be speaking on the berry research currently underway at NWREC, as well as how the extension center interacts with the public and the world of academia!
To learn more about NWREC, check out their website at North Willamette Research and Extension Center.
There are many reasons to be proud of Oregon, and one of them is our delicious berries! The various Oregon berry commission groups are dedicated to sharing information about and advocating for the bountiful berry production we have here in Oregon. Guests at the kick-off event will have the opportunity to hear from some of these commission groups on all things Oregon berries.
Strawberries- This year’s literacy project book will focus on the delicious strawberry, a very popular Oregon berry. Fun fact: Oregon ranks 3rd in the nation for strawberry production! For more fun facts, visit our strawberry page or check out the Oregon Strawberry Commission website.
Blueberries- These antioxidant-rich berries are Oregon’s top berry and rank in the top ten of Oregon’s most valuable commodities overall. If you haven’t picked yourself a fresh bucket of Oregon blueberries, do yourself a favor and change that! To learn more about our leading berry, visit the Oregon Blueberry Commission website.
Caneberries- This variety of berry is quite special in Oregon, and even gives us one of our claims to fame! Caneberries are berries that grow on long, woody stems called a “cane.” Caneberries have many varieties, such as raspberries, blackberries, and a very special berry that was invented in Oregon… the marionberry! The marionberry was invented at Oregon State University in 1940s. To learn more about these snackable berries and other caneberries, you can go to our caneberry page or visit the Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission website.
Cherries- Another family favorite for snacking during the summer months is the Oregon sweet cherry. Oregon is one of the top three producers of the sweet cherry at a national level! To learn more, check out the Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission website.
We are over the moon to announce that Shannon Anderson will be making the trip to Aurora, Oregon, to participate in this event! Shannon Anderson is a TEDx speaker, certified brain coach, and award-winning children’s book author who has spent over 26 years inspiring young minds as an elementary school teacher and professor.
At this kick-off event, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet Shannon, have their literacy project book signed, and attend her inspirational lecture.
Named one of the Top 10 Teachers who inspired the Today Show, guests are sure to walk away from her lecture feeling revived and motivated to take this project into the classroom.
To learn more about Shannon (and her award-winning books), please visit her website! Shannon Anderson.
