News tips and events for the week of Oct. 28

Tip 1: Halloween beetles haunting houses: In Ohio it’s the season for “Halloween beetles”—aka multicolored Asian lady beetles, which are typically pumpkin-orange with black spots—to swarm and sometimes get into homes. (If it helps to know, they don’t really mean to do it.) What can you do to get them out, or, even better, keep them out in the first place? Experts with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) offer tips in a fact sheet: go.osu.edu/Bd8X.   

Tip 2: New solar tech curriculum: Students can tour a solar plant in Portugal, explore the sun up close, or design their own solar arrays without ever leaving their seats through the new Solar Technology Curriculum offered by The Ohio State University Stone Laboratory. Suited to elementary students through adults, the curriculum teaches about how solar energy works, its uses and benefits, and ties into the lab’s own solar installation on Gibraltar Island, located in Put-in-Bay harbor on Lake Erie. Read more at go.osu.edu/Bd8V.

Tip 3: Get backyard chickens ready for winter: Got backyard chickens? Educators with CFAES’ Ohio State University Extension outreach arm have tips for keeping cluckers healthy and snug in the coming winter: go.osu.edu/Bd8q.

October 2019

30 One Day Insect University, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. A daylong exploration of the world of insects. Features pollinators, landscape and garden insects, the role of citizen and community science, a bug zoo, an optional tour of Ohio State’s Museum of Biological Diversity, and more. Registration is $35, which includes morning refreshments, lunch, all sessions, and the museum tour. The registration deadline is Oct. 22. Details: 330-263-3723, ellsworth.2@osu.edu, or go.osu.edu/BcC7

November 2019

8 A Day in the Woods, “Identifying Trees in Winter,” 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Zaleski State Forest, Ohio Department of Natural Resources complex, 29371 Wheelabout Road, McArthur, Ohio. Participants will learn tips on identifying trees based on their bark, buds, twigs, nuts, and shape; will explore the forest’s Moonville Tunnel area; and, by visiting habitats ranging from wetlands to dry ridges, will discover the diversity of Ohio’s Appalachian woods. Registration: $12, which includes lunch and materials. Registration deadline: Nov. 4. Details: go.osu.edu/Bd89.

13 Is Your Project Financially Sound? Financial Concepts for Natural Resource Professionals, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Registration: $50 includes lunch and materials. Register and learn more information at go.osu.edu/BbWx.

13 Tree Walk, 1–2 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, Wooster campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Features a range of tree-related topics including selection, planting, pests, and diseases. Free, no registration required. Details: 330-263-3761.

14 Dairy Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wooster campus, 2122 Williams Road, Wooster, Ohio. Features three keynote speakers. A free lunch will be served at noon, with vendors available to talk with participants and promote their products or services. Afternoon sessions will begin at 1 p.m. at the Krauss Dairy Center, 2250 Oil City Road, and will feature researchers at stations around the farm for short discussions and Q&A. No registration fee for those who register by Oct. 31. After Oct. 31, registration fee is $25 per person or $100 per farm. Registration fee include refreshments, lunch, and handouts. Register at go.osu.edu/Bdn3. Learn more at go.osu.edu/Bdn7.

14 Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention Inaugural event, “Translating Science into Policy and Practice: What Are the Food Safety Priorities?”12:30–6:30 p.m., Drake Performance Center, 1849 Cannon Drive, Ohio State, Columbus. A celebration of the new CFAES Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention. A panel of food safety experts will explore the most crucial food safety issues facing the nation and world. Free, but registration is required at go.osu.edu/BdpB. Ohio State students, faculty, and staff engaged in food safety research are invited to submit posters to a poster session. Learn more about the call for posters at go.osu.edu/BdpG.

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

4–5, 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.

5–8 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.  

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.

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