Gardening & Conservation

OSU Extension Resources for Earth Month

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OSU Extension is celebrating Earth Day this year with SENR’s Sustainability Institute by offering a collection of six 4-H Earth Is Our Home Activities. Ohio 4-H members and others are encouraged to try these activities anytime on their own, in their clubs, and in school. They’re guaranteed to spark interest and create exciting learning opportunities.

Many thanks to 4-H colleagues and authors Erin Dailey, Rachael Fraley, Kristy Watters, Travis West, Jo Williams, and Tracy Winters. The ice core activity is from the 4-H project book Exploring Polar Science, so thanks to authors Molly Hunt and Jason Cervenec of the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center too.

Please share these resources widely: go.osu.edu/4hearthday.

Did you participate in these activities? If so, we want to hear about it! Contact Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu.

4-H Club and Member Opportunity: Celebrate 4-H on Earth Day!

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is looking for passionate 4-H students to use their skills and talents to spread a message of education, service, and stewardship this Earth Day. ODNR is seeking proposals for student-led programs to take place at participating Ohio State Parks. Programs will be open to the public.

“We are impressed by the passion for conservation we see in Ohio’s 4-H students,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We would love for these students to take that passion and find out-of-the-box ways to engage their community, to improve our natural world, and have a little fun while doing it.”

The chosen programs will be offered to the public, free of charge, at Ohio State Parks between Friday, April 22 and Sunday, April 24. Examples of desirable programming include, but are not limited to invasive species removal, Earth Day art projects, sustainable fashion, and campfire cooking.

For a list of participating parks and to apply click here. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2022. Contact Alyssa Yaple with any questions about project proposals. Winning proposals will receive recognition at ODNR’s Natural Resources Park at the 2022 Ohio State Fair.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills as they work in partnership with caring adults. The program is committed to helping young people develop skills that will help them succeed. Read more about it here.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 75 state parks and waterways.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov

Congrats to Ohio State Fair Project Winners (non-livestock)

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The non-livestock results from the 2021 Ohio State Fair are posted online. Click here to see a complete list.

Health

  • Staying Healthy, Jr. – Ashlyn Priebe, Clock Trophy Winner
  • Medicine Science & Safety – Isabella Byrd, Outstanding of the Day

Quilting

  • Self Determined Quilting, Sr. – Elizabeth Swinehart, Outstanding of the Day

Creative Arts

  • Get Started in Art, Jr. – Samantha Flynn, Outstanding of the Day
  • Scrapbooking, Jr. – Ashlynn Smith, Outstanding of the Day

Leadership

  • One on One 4-H Mentorship – Katelynn Lykins, Outstanding of the Day
  • Club Leadership – Kyle Buchwalter, Clock Trophy Winner
  • Teens on Board – Logan Hampton, Outstanding of the Day

STEM

  • From Airedales to Zebras (Vet Science 1) – Kate Johnson, Outstanding of the Day
  • All Systems Go! – Henry Hoisington, Outstanding of the Day

Clothing

  • Creative Costumes – Sofia Gugliemotto, Outstanding of the Day
  • Sew for Others, Jr. – Bailey Shy, Outstanding of the Day
  • Sew for Others, Sr. – Julia Luallen, Outstanding of the Day
  • Sew Fun, Jr. – Eve Fish, Outstanding of the Day
  • Sew Fun, Sr. – Elizabeth Billingsley, Outstanding of the Day
  • Clothing for Your Career – Gabriella Schumacher, Outstanding of the Day and Wool Award Winner
  • Loungewear, Jr. – Rachel Sponseller,  Outstanding of the Day
  • em*bel*ish – Sofia Gugliemotto, Outstanding of the Day
  • Designed by Me – Mya Michelsen, Outstanding of the Day

Food & Nutrition

  • Yeast Breads on the Rise – Elizabeth Rippl, Outstanding of the Day
  • You’re the Chef – Gabriella Schumacher, Clock Trophy Winner
  • Global Gourmet – Julia Ribo,  Clock Trophy Winner
  • Racing the Clock to Awesome Meals, Sr. – Faith Witte,  Outstanding of the Day
  • Party Planner, Jr. – Cienna Lodge,  Outstanding of the Day
  • Let’s Start Cooking, Sr – Isabella Byrd,  Clock Trophy Winner

Natural Resources

  • Beekeeping, Jr. – Sophia Preston, Outstanding of the Day
  • Beekeeping, Sr. – Samantha Bader, Outstanding of the Day
  • Exploring Polar Science – Alison Sponseller, Clock Trophy Winner
  • Geology: Can You Dig It? – Tess Johnson, Outstanding of the Day
  • Self Determined, Natural Resources – Charlotte Werner, Clock Trophy Winner

Natural Resources – Shooting Sports

  • Rifle, Jr. – Madison Menke, Outstanding of the Day
  • Archery, Jr. – Alayna Leppert, Clock Trophy Winner

2021 Junior Fair Rule Book is now available!

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Please find a link to the 2021 Junior Fair Rule Book below. Since there will not be a print version this year, the on-line version you see is what we will be working from this year, and likely into the future. As you review it, please note the following:

  • Near the top of the index page that will open from the link below, you’ll find links to the NEW Junior Fair Entry Forms. Links to these forms are also included within each Department link you find in the index. Carefully read and follow the protocol for completing and submitting entry forms that you find on the Entry Forms page.
  • In addition to each specie, in the index also find links to the General Rules, DUNF, Premier Exhibitor, Skillathon and Project Book Review, Showmanship, the Livestock Judging Contest and the Livestock Auction. Carefully review these pages for further instruction.
  • Rules for ‘take home’ animals and the livestock auction have changed. Carefully review these changes found under the Exhibitor Info ’21 link on the 78th Fairfield County Fair 4-H & FFA Livestock Auction page.
  • We know there may still be some mistakes in this new on-line version of the Junior Fair Rule Book. Newly adopted rules plus over 60 pages from the old rule book have been converted from PDFs and Publisher into a web format. We know some things didn’t convert perfectly . . . if you find them, please share with us and they can be quickly fixed.
  • IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS please email them to us. We will be hosting a live ZOOM August 11th at 6:00 pm and will address all your questions then, and share additional information about how best to utilize this new on-line Rule Book and Entry forms. Register here for the zoom meeting.
  • Entries will be accepted at the Sr. Fair Office on the Fairgrounds from Advisors on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from August 16 thru August 27, 2021.

Use this link to access the 2021 Fairfield county Junior Fair Rule Book: https://go.osu.edu/jrfairbook

Please review the entire book before you start asking questions.  There are now pages with the Entry Forms, Showmanship Information in one place, DUNF information, Skillathon and Project Book Review, Livestock Judging Contest, and Super Showmanship.  We are still working with a committee to finalize Premier Exhibitor information and hope to have that posted by Sept. 1. Continue reading →

Summer Judging Award Results and Photos are POSTED!

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We are so proud of all of the hard work each of our 4-H members (and their families…and their advisors!) have put into the last few months as you have worked through your 4-H project work and completed summer project judging last week!

Please know that we hope that each 4-H member is able to learn and grow from their 4-H project judging experiences – an opportunity to be asked questions and respond, an opportunity to open up and talk to an adult that they do not know, an opportunity to be brave! As 4-H staff, we truly have the best seat in the house on judging days watching the kids and their projects come through the door and we are so proud!

Did you miss summer judging? No problem…call our office (740-653-5419) to schedule an appointment for late judging which will take place on Tuesday, July 27th at the Ag Center/Extension Office. Members participating in late judging are no eligible for awards for state fair consideration.

The results from 2021 Summer Judging have been posted on our website. Click here to check them out! On the webpage, please select each day to view Summer Judging results. Eligible youth will be contacted when State Fair packets are available. Please note: State Fair Delegates are selected at the discretion of the judge(s). Not everyone will qualify for State Fair Selection.

Save the date for our Summer Judging Awards Program: Summerfest! Scheduled for Saturday, August 21st from 7-9 pm, Ed Sands Building, Fairgrounds. Invitations will be sent to the Award Winners soon!

Additionally, we tried to get photos of most youth while participating in judging this week. All photos have been posted in our Facebook Photo Album: Click here to access.

How do I get ready for summer judging?

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  1. Complete your project book and activities as outlined in your the Project Guidelines for your particular project.
  2. Practice reviewing your project with an adult. Have them ask you questions about what you did and learned from your project.
  3. Schedule an project judging appointment by July 8th for each project that you are completing this summer by clicking this link.
  4. What day is my project judging? Review your project information in the 4-H Member Handbook.
    • Can’t make it on your assigned day? No problem! Although you won’t be eligible for county awards/state fair consideration, you can sign-up for late/make-up summer judging on July 27th at the Ag Center/Extension Office by calling 740-653-5419 to make an appointment.
    • That still doesn’t work for you? No problem! Although you won’t be eligible for county awards/state fair consideration, you can talk to your 4-H advisor to work with you to review your project for completion for the year.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN INTERVIEW JUDGING?

Interview judging is a discussion between the judge and 4-H member regarding the member’s project, the member’s learning experience and development and plans for the future. It is a one-on-one discussion. Members do not have to participate in interview judging to complete a project, but it is an excellent way to build skills in interviewing and provides an opportunity to compete for county awards and state fair participation. Listed below are a few statements or questions often used in making the interview meaningful to the 4-H member. These types of statements help a judge find out about the member’s knowledge, accomplishments, interests, and challenges with the project.

I. PAST EXPERIENCES & PROJECT SELECTION
a. What projects have you taken in 4-H?
b. Why did you select this project this year?
c. What did you hope to learn from the project?

II. THE PROJECT
a. Knowledge of project – subject matter – use of project terms.
b. What went well with the project? What did you do? What did you accomplish?
c. What problems did you encounter?
d. What assistance did you have? – 4-H Advisor, Junior Leader, Parents, Friends or Relatives.
e. Questions related to 4-H project book content.

III. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
a. What more would you like to learn in this project area?
b. What project will you take next year?
c. What are your other interests?

IV. PERSONAL INFORMATION & KNOWLEDGE OF 4-H
a. What 4-H activities have you participated in within your club or county?
b. Leadership experience in local club
c. Overall knowledge of 4-H
d. Plans for future – schooling, career, etc.
e. What was the biggest thing 4-H taught you this year?

V. ADDITIONAL TIPS TO PREPARE FOR JUDGING:
This is an interview, so 4-Hers will want to keep in mind:
a. Wear nice clothes (dress pants/slacks, skirts, nice blouses, tops, etc.)
b. Grooming is essential. (hair, nails, etc. should be presentable)
c. Shake the judge’s hand
d. Be polite; use please and thank you
e. Do not have gum or other food in their mouth!

Gardening with Limitations Webinar Series

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Everyone Can Garden! – A five-part vegetable gardening webinar series for people with physical and other limitations.

Do you have a physical limitation such as mobility issues, chronic pain, arthritis, and skin sensitivities that constrains outdoor activity? Do you want to learn about how you can still enjoy gardening despite these challenges? OSU Extension and the CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites you to the 2021 Gardening with Physical Limitations Webinar Series Everyone Can Garden! Participants are welcome to attend one or more session between March and August. We will address the basics of planning and planting a vegetable garden, learn about basic maintenance, including pest management, canning and preservation basics, and finish with end-of-season clean-up and preparing for next year all while taking into consideration a variety of physical limitations. Each session is designed to be a stand-alone program, so feel free to attend as many or few as you want!

Planning Your Vegetable Garden

Thursday, March 18th, 6:00-7:30PM

Are you interested in starting a vegetable garden, but not sure where to start? In this session, we will cover the basics of garden planning and provide an overview of Universal Design – an approach that works for people with many types of physical limitations.

Presenters: Laura Akgerman and Pam Bennett.

This is the first in a 5-part webinar series. You can register here: https://go.osu.edu/everyonecangarden.

This webinar series is free and open to the public.

If you have questions about accessibility or wish to request accommodations, please contact Alicia Baca at (baca.31@osu.edu). Typically, a two weeks’ notice will allow us to provide seamless access. Please direct all other inquiries to Dr. Leo Taylor (taylor.3408@osu.edu).

I have attached the flyer for the webinar series. The webinars will be recorded and available for viewing on the Ohio AgrAbility website, https://agrability.osu.edu/resources/webinars-and-handouts-2020-2021

 

2020 Junior Fair Updates (by specie) are posted!

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2020 Junior Fair Updates by specie have been organized and posted by specie on the OSU Extension/4-H website. Please note that this information is current as of 10/8/2020 and is subject to change. Updated documents will be reposted to this site with the updated date noted next to the specie should that need to happen. http://go.osu.edu/2020fairinfo

Items that have been updated since they were originally posted on 9/23/2020:

  • Map of parking area
  • Modified Junior Fair Schedule (updated 10/6/2020)
  • Beef Cattle (updated 9/25/2020)
  • Rabbits (updated 10/7/2020)

Please take the time to read all updates as it pertains to your family and Junior Fair participation this year. Please review the 2020 General Rules and Modified Junior Fair Schedule listed at the top of this page. Additionally, since no updated rule book was printed for 2020, it is important to read the 2019 Junior Fair Book rules as well for your respective specie. All of this information is listed on this page of the website.

Please reach out if you have any questions at all!

Here is a screenshot of our OSU Extension/4-H website where the updates are posted. Below the 2020 updates, you will find links to the 2019 Junior Fair Rule Book.

2020 Junior Fair Updates (by specie) as of 9/23/2020 are posted!

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2020 Junior Fair Updates by specie have been organized and posted by specie on the OSU Extension/4-H website. Please note that this information is current as of 9/23/2020 and is subject to change. Updated documents will be reposted to this site with the updated date noted next to the specie should that need to happen. http://go.osu.edu/2020fairinfo

Please take the time to read all updates as it pertains to your family and Junior Fair participation this year. Please review the 2020 General Rules and Modified Junior Fair Schedule listed at the top of this page. Additionally, since no updated rule book was printed for 2020, it is important to read the 2019 Junior Fair Book rules as well for your respective specie. All of this information is listed on this page of the website.

Please reach out if you have any questions at all!

Here is a screenshot of our OSU Extension/4-H website where the updates are posted. Below the 2020 updates, you will find links to the 2019 Junior Fair Rule Book.