News tips and events for the week of Oct. 7

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(Photo: Getty Images)

Tip 1: Insects Galore: How pesticides pose a risk to bees and how healthy plants can help prevent landscape pest problems are among the topics that will be discussed at the upcoming Insect University. The Oct. 30 event sponsored by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will also feature discussions about tracking and managing plant pests and how to protect yourself in nature from Lyme disease and West Nile virus. The daylong event at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio, includes a bug zoo and an optional tour of Ohio State’s Museum of Biological Diversity. For more information about the event, visit go.osu.edu/insectU or contact Denise Ellsworth, program director of CFAES’ Honey Bee and Native Pollinator Education Program, at ellsworth.2@osu.edu.

Tip 2: The resurgence of the pawpaw: Pawpaws were once a key part of the diet of American Indians. Now, you won’t find them at supermarkets nor at farmers markets. Though native to Ohio, the tropical fruit keeps a low profile. But the fruit is gaining in popularity, used increasingly in craft beer. The pawpaw’s potential as a crop for Ohio farmers is the subject of two CFAES research studies. For a feature article on pawpaws that delves into the fruit’s many uses and its potential as a crop, visit go.osu.edu/pawpawresearch.

October 2019

8 Environmental Professionals Network breakfast program, “Controlling Nutrient Runoff and Protecting Water Quality: Ohio’s Latest Programs and Policies,” 7:15–9:30 a.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Discussion by directors of Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency moderated by Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. Registration, which includes breakfast, is $10 or free for Ohio State students. Details: go.osu.edu/BcAb.

9 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.

11 Fascinating Woodland Fungi, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ovalwood Hall, Ohio State Mansfield Campus, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, Ohio. Fungi of many types are often overlooked, ignored, and/or avoided by visitors to the woods because people don’t know what they are, or people have been misinformed as to the importance and dangers of the fungi. Learn fungi life histories, their ecological importance, and their diversity. Cost: $40; includes snacks, lunch, and class materials. For more information and to register, visit go.osu.edu/BYyx.

12 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 birders of all skill levels. Free. Details: 330-263-2761 or go.osu.edu/BcAq.

16 Guided Autumn/Pollinator Walk, 2–3 p.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio. A look at fall colors, seasonal plant highlights, and resident pollinators led by CFAES experts. Free. Details: 330-263-3761 or go.osu.edu/BcAv.

18–20 Buckeye Island Hop, annual volunteer work and social event at The Ohio State University Stone Laboratory at Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Registration is free but is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 11. Details: 419-285-1800 or go.osu.edu/BcA3.

23 Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Training, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ohio Department of Agriculture, Bromfield Administration Building, 8995 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This course is required to receive state certification to conduct wood-destroying insect inspections for real estate transactions. Cost: $90 preregistration (lunch included); $100 on-site registration (lunch not included). For more information and to register, visit go.osu.edu/BYyz.

23 Hidden Gems of Secrest, 1–3 p.m., Secrest Arboretum Welcome and Education Center, Wooster Campus, 2122 Williams Road, Wooster, Ohio. Walking tour featuring the arboretum’s “far corners and hidden treasures”—plants and places that visitors often don’t see. Admission is free but registration is required. The registration deadline is Oct. 22. Details: 330-263-3761 or go.osu.edu/BcA5.

25 School Garden Conference, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Explore project-based learning related to the school garden at the sixth annual School Garden Conference, hosted by 4-H personnel from the Franklin County office of OSU Extension. Educators, after-school personnel, and others are invited to attend. Whether you are a new or an experienced educational gardener, don’t miss the 2019 School Garden Conference. The $50 registration fee includes lunch and all materials. Register at go.osu.edu/sgc2019. Cancellations made after Oct. 18 will not be eligible for a refund.

25 ArboBlitz Community Tree Planting, 1–4 p.m., south side of Ohio State’s Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Volunteer planting of native trees as part of Tree Campus USA certification effort. Free. Details: go.osu.edu/BcC3.

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

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.

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.

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.

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Writer(s): 
CFAES News Team
614-292-2270