an infected rhododendron

As perhaps you’ve heard, recently the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), in coordination with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), has detected sudden oak death caused by Phytophthora ramorum on rhododendron plants shipped to Walmart and Rural King stores throughout Ohio and 17 other states. Both retailers have agreed to initiate a voluntary recall of plants from their stores.

Gardeners and homeowners who have recently purchased a rhododendron from Walmart or Rural King should monitor the plant for signs of disease, including leaf spots and shoot dieback. It is also advised that Continue reading Rhododendron plants, Walmart, Rural King and Sudden Oak Death! →

One of the most impactful actions to combat non-source point pollution is protecting our storm drain inlets from pollutants.

Do you ever notice the storm drains along the side of the street as you’re driving?  When it rains, water running off our roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots into our streets is directed into these storm drains and begins its journey to the nearest waterway.  Often this is a direct journey, with the storm sewer running straight to a river or stream.  Stormwater picks up oil, other automobile fluids, trash, fertilizer and other pollutants and in many areas is discharged untreated into our streams.  Even when this water passes through a pond or other stormwater feature, pollutants are not entirely removed and still make their way to our waterways.

We swim, wade, kayak and fish and in these rivers and streams.  Moreover, people rely on water from these water bodies for their drinking water.  The vast majority of people in the Continue reading Only Rain Down the Drain →

The 2019 Local Food Tour series continues on July 16 at the Harrison Farm. Harrison Farm is the home and passion of Katherine Harrison whose goal is to honor the lessons of her grandparents and mother to find opportunities to share the value of farming with the community.  This is a youth friendly location.

Reservations to attend are not required, but are appreciated by contacting OSU Extension (740-652-7260). Harrison Farm is located at 5278 Berger Road, southeast of Groveport. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

To learn more about Harrison Farm, visit their website at http://www.harrisonfarm13.com/

For more information about the entire 2019 Local Foods Farm Tour Series see this flyer.