News tips and events for the week of Nov. 18

Writer(s): 
Fairport Harbor Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Erie. Photo: Getty Images.

Tip 1: Evaluating Management Options to Reduce Lake Erie Algal Blooms: Researchers with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will present, “Evaluating Management Options to Reduce Lake Erie Algal Blooms With Models of the Maumee River Watershed” during a 2 p.m. news conference Nov. 21 at the CFAES Agricultural Administration Building in room 250, 2120 Fyffe Road, Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. The event will answer the question, “If agricultural landowners were to adopt a combination of feasible best management practices, could we reduce phosphorus enough to meet the targets set by the United States and Canada?” The event will include remarks from Jay Martin, an ecological engineering professor with CFAES; Margaret Kalcic, an assistant professor of watershed hydrology with CFAES; and Gail Hesse, director of the Great Lakes Water Program for the National Wildlife Federation. For more information, contact Martin at martin.1130@osu.edu or 614-247-6133, or Kalcic at kalcic.4@osu.edu or 614-292-9356.

Tip 2: How to handle diabetes during the holidays: Holidays can present special challenges for those who live with diabetes, particularly as people look for ways to either avoid temptation or make better choices while they navigate all the indulgences of the season, said Jenny Lobb, a family and consumer sciences educator for Ohio State University Extension. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES. Whether it’s dealing with busy schedules, extra stress, family gatherings, or holiday eating, the holiday season brings many extra gatherings, social events, and shopping, which leave us with even less time for healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, she said. With that in mind, Lobb and other CFAES nutrtion experts are offering a Take Charge of Your Diabetes During the Holidays class, where you’ll learn how to prepare holiday favorites that are both nutritious and delicious; participate in live cooking demonstrations; sample healthy versions of holiday favorites; and take home recipes to try at your holiday celebrations.The free class is held at the Franklin County office of OSU Extension, at the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building, 2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio, at CFAES’ Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory. Registration by Nov. 30 is required. Contact Lobb at 614-292-7775 or lobb.3@osu.edu to reserve a spot in the class.

November 2019

18 Converging on Wicked Systems Problems, 1–3 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. Presentation and panel discussion hosted by Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources. The program, featuring speakers from Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota, will explore the application of transdisciplinary research and system approaches to solve grand challenges in our food, water, and energy systems. Admission is free and open to the public, but registration is requested at go.osu.edu/Bdpn. Details: go.osu.edu/Bd95

19 Environmental Professionals Network breakfast program and workshop, “The Future of Wildlife Conservation: Funding Strategies for the State of Ohio,” 7:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. Speakers will explore how wildlife conservation agencies, nonprofits, and enthusiasts can build an effective and inclusive coalition to address future funding gaps. Additional information on speakers at go.osu.edu/BdpX. Registration is $22, or free for college students, and includes breakfast and lunch. Register at go.osu.edu/BdpN.

19 Livestock Mortality Composting, noon to 2 p.m., Mahoning County office of OSU Extension, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. Poultry, dairy, swine, beef cattle, and other livestock producers wanting to learn economically and environmentally beneficial ways to handle the death of their animals can earn livestock mortality composting certification through a course offered by CFAES experts. Registration is $25 and includes lunch, materials, and handouts. Register at go.osu.edu/livestockcomposting2.

20 The Ohio State University at Mansfield Nature Film Night, 6–8:30 p.m., Reidl Hall, Room 151, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, Ohio. Viewing of five short films, hosted by Ohio State-Mansfield EcoLab, with facilitated discussion moderated by Nicole Jackson from CFAES’ School of Environment and Natural Resources. Free. Come at 6 p.m. to share refreshments. Contact Gabriel Karns, karns.36@osu.edu, with questions. 

21 Private Pesticide Applicator Testing, all day, testing begins at 10 a.m., Portage County office of OSU Extension, 705 Oakwood St., Room 101, Ravenna, Ohio. To register, call Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6987 or visit go.osu.edu/pesticide_exams.

22 Farm Transition Workshop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mahoning County office of OSU Extension, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield, Ohio. Is your farm ready for the next generation? Learn the legalities and technical pieces of a smooth and efficient transition. Registration is $25, which includes lunch, a succession planning binder, materials, and handouts. Register at 330-533-5538, or learn more at go.osu.edu/Bdpb.

December 2019

4, Processed Meats Product Show, 9:15–11:15 a.m., 117 Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Road, Ohio State, Columbus. A variety of meat products developed and produced by CFAES students will be available for tasting and judging. All products are inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are properly labled. The students all developed a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points safety plan, and a marketing and advertising plan for the products. The show is part of a class taught by Macdonald Wick, a CFAES associate professor. Also on display will be other products produced by the class throughout the year, including various types of jerky, loaves, ham, bacon, deli-oven roasted chicken breast, roast beef, and beef pastrami. Students practice their final products at least once before the presentation.

4–5, Pi Alpha Xi Poinsettia Sale, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Howlett Greenhouse, 680 Vernon Tharp St., Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. Annual sale benefitting the CFAES chapter of Pi Alpha Xi, the national honor society for horticulture students. Details: facebook.com/PAXOSUpialphaxi@gmail.com

5, Grape and Wine Analysis Workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., The Ohio State University South Centers’ Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. With interest in Ohio wine production growing, South Centers is offering the workshop for established growers, winemakers, and those interested in getting started in Ohio’s $1.3 billion wine industry. Attendees will learn proven grape-growing techniques, acquire basic tools to successfully manage a vineyard, and how to get started in the wine business. The workshop will touch on vineyard soil and tissue analysis, assessing vine balance, sulfur dioxide management in the cellar, new and existing varieties for quality wine production, and essential issues in fermentation management. Registration is $25 by Dec. 2 and includes lunch. Register at 740-289-2071, ext. 115, or by emailing sherman.1473@osu.edu

5–8 Forestry Forum Christmas Tree Sale, noon to dark Dec. 5–6, 8 a.m. to dark Dec. 7–8. Annual sale of pines, firs, and others by the students of CFAES’ Forestry Forum, an official student chapter of the Society of American Foresters and the International Society of Arboriculture. Proceeds go to support the group’s scholarships and activities. Details: go.osu.edu/forestryforumatosu

6–7, Ohio State ATI Flower Shop and Greenhouse Holiday Sale, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7, Ohio State ATI, 1328 Dover Road, Wooster, Ohio. Annual sale featuring poinsettias in many sizes, types, and colors, including unusual poinsettia trees, all grown by Ohio State ATI greenhouse management students; potted plants grown by Greenhouse Club students; and holiday designs created by floral design and marketing students. Details: 330-287-1243.  

9 Livestock Mortality Composting, noon to 2 p.m., Mahoning County office of OSU Extension, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. Poultry, dairy, swine, beef cattle, and other livestock producers wanting to learn economically and environmentally beneficial ways to handle the death of their animals can earn livestock mortality composting certification through a course offered by CFAES experts. Registration is $10 and includes lunch, materials, and handouts. Details: 330-533-5538.

14 Guided Bird Walk, 9–11 a.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, Wooster campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Open to birdwatchers of all experience levels. Free admission. Details: go.osu.edu/Bd99

Writer(s): 
Tracy Turner
614-688-1067