معرفی
Heather Stoven serves as an Associate Professor (Practice) at Oregon State University in the Department of Horticulture within the College of Agricultural Sciences. As the Community and Small Farms Horticulturalist for Yamhill County, she oversees the Master Gardener program and provides vital support to community gardening and small farm initiatives throughout the region. Her work bridges academic research with practical application, focusing on sustainable horticultural practices that address contemporary challenges facing Oregon's agricultural community.
Dr. Stoven holds an M.S. from UC Davis (2003) in Plant Protection and Pest Management, with specialized expertise in mealybug pests of nurseries. Her educational background provided the foundation for her extensive work in pest management and sustainable horticulture practices.
Her research interests span multiple critical areas of contemporary horticulture, with particular emphasis on drought-tolerant landscaping using native and adapted plants, sustainable small farm management, integrated pest management for fruit trees, and community-based gardening education. She has conducted extensive research on plant species suitable for Western Oregon's climate without summer irrigation, including manzanitas, rockroses, and California lilacs. Her work in nursery production systems, particularly with alternative substrates and pest management, addresses practical challenges faced by growers. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to understanding urban and suburban landscape management that supports pollinator health.
Dr. Stoven's recent publications reveal a strong focus on practical horticultural guidance for Oregon's unique climate challenges. Her work increasingly emphasizes climate-resilient gardening practices, particularly drought-tolerant landscape solutions for Western Oregon. She has produced an extensive series of publications on specific plant groups that thrive without summer irrigation, alongside comprehensive pest management guides for various fruit trees. Her research demonstrates a consistent pattern of translating scientific knowledge into actionable guidance for both professional growers and home gardeners.
Dr. Stoven has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her exceptional contributions to agricultural extension and communication:
- Communications Award: Newsletter by Team, National Association of County Agricultural Agents (July 17, 2024)
- Communications Award: Publication (National Finalist), National Association of County Agricultural Agents (August 2023)
- David Gibby Search for Excellence Award, International Master Gardener Conference (February 21, 2023)
- Silver Award Winner: Supporting gardeners through an extreme heat event, Social Media Campaign (Organic), Association for Communication Excellence (April 14, 2022)
- Search for Excellence Award, OSUEA (November 2, 2021)
As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Stoven accepts graduate students in Horticulture, guiding the next generation of horticultural professionals. Her extension work through the OSU Small Farms Program has secured significant funding for projects supporting small-scale agricultural operations across Oregon. She has been instrumental in developing resources like the "Croptime" degree-day models, which help farmers optimize planting and harvesting schedules based on climate conditions. Her work with the Master Gardener program has expanded educational opportunities for community members interested in sustainable gardening practices.
Dr. Stoven collaborates extensively with the North Willamette Research and Extension Center and contributes to the OSU Extension Service's outreach efforts. Her work with the "Olea Project" demonstrates her involvement in innovative agricultural initiatives, exploring the viability of olive farming in Oregon's climate. She regularly partners with county agricultural agents and conservation districts to address local horticultural challenges, creating a robust network of support for Oregon's gardening and small farm communities.
