WSU Names New Director of County Extension

— from San Juan County Communications —

Washington State University has chosen Dr. Brook Brouwer as the new county director for San Juan County.

Dr. Brouwer received his PhD from WSU in crop and soil sciences. His dissertation was on plant breeding for regional food systems in Western WA. The Islands have been a locale for some of his research on livestock production and botany.

According to WSU, Brook is a “natural convener and experienced educator.” His anticipated start date is June 6.

[Editor’s Note: From WSU website: Brook Brouwer grew up on a small sheep farm on Lopez Island, WA. He received a B.A. in Biology from Colorado College in 2008. Recently he has worked as a farm hand on Lopez Island raising cattle, hogs, goats and poultry. His past research experience includes conducting botanical surveys, investigating riparian nitrogen dynamics, and the traditional ecological management of Camas Lilies. Fascinated by the question of how to maintain productive farms and functioning ecosystems, Brook [began] his Ph.D. research in January 2012 on low-input grain crop systems for mid- to small-scale farms.]