Schools are encouraged to participate in a Naturescaping program. A hands-on learning environment for children and their parents to learn about agriculture. Geared primarily to serve K-8 students. The program is offered at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem for one weekend in April. Ag Fest utilizes agriculturalists to explain the different displays.
Most visitors are from the Willamette Valley.
The program began in 1995 and is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Two institutes are offered each summer, with each institute meeting for 12 days. The size limit is 25 teachers per institute. Up to 12 hours of graduate credit is available. In the program, teachers are actively exploring ecosystem issues.