Ag & Natural Resources

Homeless Veterans use Urban Gardening to Heal Invisible Wounds

Less than 10 percent of Americans have served in the U.S. military, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs, but in Indiana, one in three men that are homeless is a veteran, according to Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF). HVAF is an organization that works to provide support and tools to help veterans get back on their feet. Here, they know that war and homelessness can leave scars, and they recently started an urban garden for their residents. Amanda Helfrich, a HVAF case manager, said she noticed that there was some space at the facility that wasn’t being utilized and thought it would be the perfect place for the garden. She said it’s made a difference among the residents. Follow this link to read more.

Sourced from: WTHR

2020 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop

This series of 10 evening workshops is designed to help individuals learn how to produce and market all types of food products in an urban environment. While the workshop content will be introductory, individuals who already have some experience growing or marketing food products will benefit from participating. The 2020 Master Urban Farmer class will be held utilizing a hybrid model of some in-person classes, some outdoor sessions, and many classes held virtually. The in-person sessions will utilize safety protocols including reduced class size, social distancing, face masks required, and no food served. Because of this, the cost of registration will be cut in half from $200 to $100 for the general public and $50 for Franklin County Master Gardener Volunteers. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: OSU Extension, Franklin County

Online Lecture Series – Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice.

Slow Food Columbus is proud to once again co-host our next lecture series with Ohio State’s Anthropology Public Outreach Program (APOP). Inspired by Slow Food USA’s Manifesto for Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, this series draws on the collective experiences of panelists, who will share how these themes are manifested in their work.

Each event will take place on the third Tuesday of the month, beginning with “Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice.” on September 15, from 6-7:15 p.m. The entire series is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Slow Food Columbus

Urban Agriculture Grant Recipients Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the selection of recipients for about $4.1 million in grants and cooperative agreements through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. These are the first-ever recipients of these grants and cooperative agreements.

“As the People’s Department, USDA supports and strengthens all types of agriculture, including the work being done by urban farmers and community gardeners,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “I look forward to seeing the innovations in urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices that result from the agreements, including in community composting and food waste reduction.” Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Morning Ag Clips

Tony Talks to Teachers: Environmental Justice

Join Extension Educator, Tony Staubach, as he discusses environmental justice with colleague and friend Mary Dudley. Mary Dudley is the agriculture education instructor at James N. Gamble Montessori High School. She holds two master’s degrees, one in botany and one in education. Mary is eager to engage in the vital work of social justice as it relates to open access for healthy food options and safe outdoor spaces. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: Hamilton County Extension

Using ArcGIS StoryMaps in Your Research and Teaching

Want to make a map that will help you share the stories being uncovered through your research and make them accessible to a broader audience? Want to give your students an opportunity to engage with spatial thinking and work on an exciting digital project? ArcGIS StoryMaps allow you to weave an inspiring and interactive narrative by combining text, maps, and multimedia content – images, videos, and embeds – to communicate information through engaging and user-friendly web mapping applications. This self-paced, 100% online workshop should take approximately 90 minutes to complete beginning on September 14, 2020. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: CURA

The Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security and Long-Term Implications and Adaptations Webinar

The Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security and Long-Term Implications and Adaptations will be the fifth in a series of events on “Cities and Regions in the Post-Coronavirus Era,” initiating community conversations on what lessons we can learn from this crisis to create a more resilient and sustainable world. What are the Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security? What are the long-term implications? How can we learn from this crisis and find new adaptations to make our communities more food resilient and secure? The webinar is taking place Friday, September 18, 2020 from 12-1 p.m. EDT. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: CURA

130th Anniversary Celebration for 1890s Universities

Join higher education and civic leaders on Monday, August 31 at 1 p.m. for a webinar celebrating the 130th Anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890, which designated 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities with land-grant status. This legislation gave states funds to establish state universities for persons of color if higher education wasn’t already open to all in the state. The celebration will kick off the week of August 24 and conclude with this celebratory webinar. The webinar will be a chance to participate in a discussion of the legacy and future importance of the 1890s, led by 1890s leaders, policymakers, and others. Follow this link to learn more.

Sourced from: ECOP