Do you want to learn more about taking care of your home garden.  Come to our Home Gardening Series, which begins on April 28^th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Topics to be covered:
April 28^th – Lawncare Made Simple
May 12^th – Pest Management
May 26^th – Non-Native Invasive Pests
June 2^nd – Gardening for Pollinators

To sign up call 513-946-8989 or email Julie Crook, Crook.46@osu.edu

You can also Look for the Hamilton County Master Gardener Volunteer display at the Cincinnati Flower Show April 15 – 19 at Yeatman’s Cove Park, they will be there to answer gardening questions and hand out helpful resources.

Check out our Hamilton Master Gardeners at the 2015 Cincinnati Home & Garden Show.  The Master Gardeners had a Ask a Master Gardener display and were there answering gardening questions and handing out helpful resources!

Do you dislike wasting food?

Do you enjoy composing?  Then check out this video by Tony Staubach about Food Waste.

AND

Attend the 6th Annual Wilmington College Food Symposium.

#WastedWaste

Nearly a third of the food produced throughout the world is wasted. That startling fact is the focus of Wilmington College’s sixth annual Food Symposium April 8 under the theme, “Waste Is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”

In contrast to previous years’ symposiums when a nationally known speaker presents a keynote address, this year’s event will offer more of a homegrown flavor, as research by Wilmington College students will be highlighted as “a cornerstone” of the symposium.

“This year we’re pulling students into the food-waste conversation in a more direct, hands-on way,” said Corey Cockerill, associate professor of communication arts and agriculture, and a member of the symposium organizing committee.

Agriculture professor Monte Anderson added that it’s “unbelievable” to those in agriculture — “We’re in the business of feeding the world!” — that more than one in four calories produced ends up wasted.

Indeed, a recent report by the United Nations Environment Program and World Resources Institute indicates that a third of all food produced worldwide — valued at about $1 trillion — gets lost or wasted in food production and consumption systems.

The day’s schedule includes the Food Waste Fair, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Hermann Court; a Cookie Bake-off in Kelly Center, from 1 to 2 p.m.; and a panel discussion in Kelly Center, from 2 to 3 p.m. on the topic, “Food Waste Prevention: Opportunities and Threats.” Panelists will be announced closer to the event.

The Food Waste Fair will feature student research projects, free food sampling and 20-minute, on-stage demonstrations by: Monte and Diane Anderson on food dehydration as a preservation strategy, Mike and Sandra Millard presenting on long-term food storage methods, WC seniors Ellen Short and Bri Knisely giving a food waste bio-digester demonstration, senior A.J. Ganger sharing compost toilet designs and Sanfillipo produce’s methods for preventing food waste through strategic distribution.

Details on how to register for the Cookie Bake-Off can be found HERE. This activity comes on the heels of extremely successful pie and cake-making contests in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

The Food Symposium is an annual event hosted by Wilmington College that focuses on contemporary topics in food production, distribution, consumption, ethics and politics. It is free of charge.

To check out this message in it’s original format visit: http://www.soapboxmedia.com/forgood/031715-OSU-Extension-community-input.aspx

If you’re between the ages of 14 and 30, Ohio State University Extension of Hamilton County wants your input on the concept of a perfect community and what that might look like.
As a land-grant university, OSU Extension aims to bring “the knowledge of the university” to all Ohioans by “engaging people to strengthen their lives and communities.”

“OSU Extension works with people of all ages and all walks of life. We hear from professionals and adults on a regular basis,” says Anthony Staubach, Interim County Extension Director. “But it’s important to hear from the 14- to 30-year-old population because they are our emerging leaders and will make key decisions in the future.”

OSU Extension will conduct the “Community Reconsidered” focus group Saturday, driven by these questions: “What will be the most challenging trends and issues for Ohioans by the year 2035, and what are the best opportunities to leverage the strengths of the University and the OSU Extension to address those issues?”

It’s part of a national dialogue called “Extension Reconsidered.”

For the past 100 years, OSU Extension has worked to better the lives of individuals all across the state, and Staubach says the goal is to now look 20 years into the future to figure out “what assets our generation will bring to the community, what opportunities exist for building a stronger community” and, finally, what role Extension will fulfill in a changing culture and a changing community.

“We would like to hear from 30-60 residents in Hamilton County,” Staubach says. “We would like to get their honest and open opinion of the future and start to identify how OSU Extension can fit into that future.”

Share you opinions by emailing staubach.9@osu.edu.

Connect with Hamilton County Extension on Facebook.

Our new 4-H Clubs are moving and shaking.  A variety of events, projects and outings have truly impacted the lives of these youth.

Check out the photos from our 4-H clubs and their programs.

Keep in mind that our 4-H Community Fair is June 15-18th at Strickers Grove.

“Lady beetles, which are sometimes called ladybugs or lady bird beetles, are familiar insects in many parts of the United States.  Lady beetles generally are beneficial predators that consume aphids, scale insects, and many other pests that injure plants in our gardens, landscapes and agriclutural settings.  In 1975, the “Ladybug” became Ohio’s offiial state insect by resolution of the Ohio General Assemby.  Lady beetles are also insects for Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Tennessee.”

Do you have a Ladybug infestation?  Check out our Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle Fact Sheet for more information.

You can also reach out to:

Joe Boggs,
Asst. Professor, Ohio State University Extension, Dept of Entomology
or
Susan C Jones,
PhD, Professor of Entomology, Extension Specialist, Household and Structural Pests.

As the 4-H professional in Hamilton County, I am happy to announce that the Hamilton County 4-H Community Fair is celebrating its 5th Anniversary at Stricker’s Grove this summer! Did you know that more than one out of every seven adults in the U.S. is a former 4-H member? Many top entertainers, athletes, business individuals and educators got their first start in 4-H. Some of these well-known 4-H alumni include: Former Vice President Al Gore, David Letterman, CNN’s Nancy Grace, popcorn entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher, entertainers like Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, and Julia Roberts; as well as former NFL football players Reggie White and Archie Manning.

In Hamilton County, 4-H is a dynamic program making a difference in the lives of many youth from the inner city to the rural farms. 4-H has a long history in Ohio, and it is more critical today than ever before as youth learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills and become independent, productive adults.

I know that you understand how important it is for us to invest in our young people so that they are able to reach their fullest potential. The 4-H Motto is “To Make the Best Better”. I am requesting that today, you invest in our Hamilton County youth and make a generous contribution to make the best better for our youth and fair, which is scheduled for July 15-18, 2015, at Stricker’s Grove in Crosby Township.

Your sponsorship will help defray the costs associated with the fair and support the important work of the Hamilton County 4-H Association, Inc. Most contributions to the Hamilton County 4-H Association are tax-deductible. (Check with your tax professional for full details.)

Please consider the Community Partner Donation Levels and determine how you would like to help. Once you determine how you would like to be recognized for supporting our youth, mail your donation to Hamilton County 4-H Association, Inc.. If you require an invoice, we will send one upon request.

We are hoping to line up the majority of our sponsors early so that we can do the best job possible promoting not only this year’s fair, but also the generous community organizations and businesses that join us as
sponsors. Please return your check with the sponsorship form by May 1, 2015.

Sincerely,
Hamilton County 4-H Association
Tonya L. Horvath
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
OSU Extension, Hamilton County
5093 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223
513-946-8996 Office / 513-504-9106 Mobile / 513-772-6126 Fax
horvath.166@osu.edu hamilton.osu.edu hc4hcommunityfair.org

YES! I will sponsor a new Rabbit/Chicken pen (2-hole) for the 2015 4-H Community Fair!
(Our goal is 100 cages for the 2015 4-H Community Fair, July 15-18)

We need people to agree to sponsor rabbit/chicken cage(s) ($45 each) for the 2015 Hamilton County 4-H Community Fair for a total donation of $.

Please complete and return this form: Chicken Rabbit Pen Sponsor Form 2015
Hamilton County 4-H,
5093 Colerain Ave.,
Cincinnati, OH 45223

Paid donations received by May 1 will be listed on a banner that will hang in the poultry/rabbit tent.

**Buy 4 cages – receive 2 one day admissions to the fair
**Buy 10 cages – Receive a nameplate on each cage per your request

Make your check payable to Hamilton County 4-H is attached in the amount of $_

Please mail this form and check to:
Tonya Horvath Hamilton County 4-H 5093 Colerain Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45223

The Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program seeks to teach people how to “Eat Smart and Be Active” This program is intended for limited resource adults who care for children in their homes as well as limited-income youth. The program utilizes interactive discussions and activities to guide participants through a series of meetings aimed at improving the total family diet and nutritional well-being.

EFNEP program will give you information on how to provide tasty, nutritious food for your family and save money, too!

In our classes you will learn how to:

• make healthy food choices
• understand food labels
• manage your food dollars
• keep your food safe
• balance a healthy diet with physical activity

We offer a cooking demonstration/taste testing, learning activities, giveaways and more at each and every class! You will also receive a certificate of completion and cookbook for attending every class!

Check us out at Ohio State EFNEP at efnep.osu.edu or you can like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/hcefnep) or follow us on twitter (@OSUEFNEP).

Program Assistants deliver classes to help participants learn how to:
-make healthy food choices and plan nutritious meals
-increase physical activity
-stretch their food dollar
-practice safe food handling
-balance a healthy diet with physical activity
Participants will:
-receive educational handouts and incentives
(including measuring cups/spoons, exercise stretch bands, and recipe books)
-participate in food tastings
-receive a “Certificate of Achievement” upon completion of the program

Cooking Matters Store Tour:

On a Tour
During the 1.5 hour-tour, participants are empowered with four key food skills:
1. Reading food labels
2. Comparing unit prices
3. Finding whole grain foods
4. Identifying three ways to purchase produce
Cooking Matters at the Store often ends in the $10 Challenge, an activity where participants use the skills they’ve just learned to buy a healthy meal for a family of four, for under $10.
Participants take home a booklet with recipes and shopping tips, a reusable grocery bag, and $10 worth of healthy groceries.

http://cookingmatters.org/at-the-store

Eligibility
Participants must be the caregiver of a child(ren) and satisfy at least one of the following:
-receive or be eligible to receive federal food assistance
-have a monthly household income that is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
-be a pregnant teen, regardless of income

PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE EFNEP EATING SMART, BEING ACTIVE WORKSHOP SERIES

• Attending the 8 EFNEP lessons can help participants develop skills that are useful for continued, successful employment. Punctuality, teamwork, resource management, problem-solving, specific food service skills, and food preparation skills are among some of the workforce related benefits of gaining an EFNEP certificate. The certificate of completion also demonstrates commitment to learning and follow-through. These are qualities that employers love!

• Having a healthy family increases work productivity and decreases absenteeism. In a job that is based on your work output (ex. some factory work), you can usually do more when you feel better! And, doing more can sometimes get you bonuses! The less often you and your family members are sick, the less often you have to miss work. If you don’t have paid vacation time, you won’t have to miss out on lost wages from missing work! (Both of these put more money in your pocket!)

• Completing the EFNEP series is a great resume builder! In the job market, food service workers, child care workers, LPNs, nurse’s aides, and personal care assistants may benefit from knowledge of food, nutrition, and physical activity.

• It can help reduce a family’s risk of developing foodborne illness. Often, foodborne illness can cause people to miss 1-2 days of work. Thus EFNEP can help reduce lost work (and potentially lost wages) due to having foodborne illness.

• For custody cases involving parents who had alcohol or drug addictions, it can demonstrate that the participant is taking an active role in trying to be a good role model for their children and learning how to feed children.

• Foster parents may be able to show their EFNEP graduation certificate and have the EFNEP lessons
fulfill some of the requirements they need to be a foster parent.

• For parents who are receiving WIC benefits, EFNEP classes can count towards their WIC educational hours’ requirements.

• In some counties, participation in EFNEP may be counted as work hours for the Work Experience Program (WEP).

• The certificate might help participants get into some nutrition-related training programs, like a Dietetic Technicians Registered (DTR) program which results in an Associates Degree.

Check us out at efnep.osu.edu, like us on Facebook,
or follow us on twitter @OSUEFNEP.

For information in your county contact:
Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren Counties:
(513) 946-8989 www.hamilton.osu.edu

Do you want to learn more about the Asian Longhorn Beetle or the Emerald Ash Borer and it’s impacts on our region.  Check out the “Emerald Ash Borer University (EABU);” the title of Joe Boggs, Commerical Horticulture Educator, presentation is“Asian Longhorned Beetle:  Update from Ohio.”  EABU is a joint venture between Michigan State University, Purdue University, and Ohio State University Extension.  Although the webinars primarily focus on EAB, other non-native invasive insects are also covered.  Boggs compared and contrasted ALB with EAB because people often confuse the two beetles.  We’ve experienced this problem here in Ohio because EAB can now be found in the ALB quarantine zone in Clermont County.  The problem is getting worse as EAB spreads into or near other ALB sites in North America.

EABU webinars are available free-of-charge to the public and past webinars can be viewed at any time; mine should be posted by tomorrow.  Here’s the website address:

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/eab_university.cfm#sthash.U4o0ktND.dpbs

http://go.osu.edu/ALBUpdateOhio

Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine (BYGL) provides timely information about Ohio growing conditions, pest, disease, and cultural problems. Updated weekly between April and October, this information is useful for those who are managing a commercial nursery, garden center, or landscape business or someone who just wants to keep their yard looking good all summer. The first edition of the 2015 BYGL begins April 9th. The newsletter is available via email, contact Cheryl Fischnich fischnich.1@osu.edu to subscribe or it can be found weekly at http://bygl.osu.edu/ .

The 2014 BYGL Subscribers Survey showed that the Ohio State University Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT) newsletter, the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL), has a significant economic impact on Green Industry businesses in Ohio.

The calculated value of the information that BYGL provided to horticulture professionals in 2014 was 2.45 million dollars. This value was largely based on changes made to customer service, plant problem diagnostics, and pesticide use.

Money Saved: $792,420

• 85% said BYGL saved them money by “improved horticultural practices.”
• 83% said BYGL saved them money by “improved plant problem diagnostics.”
• 72% said BYGL saved them money by “improved timing / effective use of pesticides.”

Increased Sales: $898,749

• 85% said BYGL increased sales by “improved plant problem diagnostics.”
• 80% said BYGL increased sales by “improved horticultural practices.”
• 75% said BYGL increased sales by “improved customer service.”

Increased Profits: $755.655

• 79% said BYGL increased profits by “improved plant problem diagnostics.”
• 79% said BYGL increased profits by “improved timing / effective use of pesticides.”
• 71% said BYGL increased profits by “proper selection of pesticides.”

How Useful is the BYGL to the Green Industry?

• 96% of the Green Industry professionals who subscribe to the BYGL said “BYGL information was useful to my job, business, organization, or personal interest.”
• 93% said “I have improved my general horticultural skills through knowledge gained from the BYGL.“
• 87% said “I have improved my plant problem diagnostic skills through knowledge gained from the BYGL.”

BYGL Impacts Pesticide Use

BYGL has a significant impact on pesticide usage:  79% of the horticulture professionals who subscribe to the BYGL make pesticide recommendations or apply pesticides. Of these, 76% changed their pesticide usage or recommendations based on knowledge gained from the BYGL and 76% of these subscribers reduced pesticide recommendations or usage by refining their diagnostic skills (95%) and/or application timing (91%).

BYGL Supports OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and eExtension’s “Ask an Expert”

59% of the BYGL subscribers in 2014 were horticulture non-professionals. The majority (58%) of the non-professionals were OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. The “Ask a Master Gardener” online horticulture help-desk provides objective, research-based one-on-one answers to everyday gardening questions. 80 OSU Master Gardeners based in 30 Ohio counties staffed “Ask a Master Gardener” in 2014.

Comment about the BYGL newsletter from a Master Gardener Volunteer:

— ” I like BYGL since it is a forum for allowing Master Gardeners to stay connected with the “experts” at OSU and keep us up to date with the current issues, pests and problems gardeners in our community are facing..“

BYGL is Multi-State

Although 94% of the BYGL subscribers were based in Ohio, 6% were from 8 other states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Tennessee.

Comments about the BYGL newsletter from Green Industry professionals:

— “I think our usage of the valuable information has helped in sales and customer service.  I know we often are told that the customer selected us over other companies because of knowledge of certain problems that other companies did not point out.”

 — “The BYGL is the single best source for information and more importantly knowledge.  I recommend it to every customer I deal with. This helps me to solve their problems, as it (BYGL) empowers the customer to better see what’s happening in their landscape.  As a result they bring in the samples and/or photos that enable me to diagnose the problem.  Correctly I might add.  Using the BYGL has created added trust and faith in my customers, that they are getting factual, accurate, and current information … All I can say is: KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

The BYGL Multiplier Effect:

BYGL is delivered via e-mail to 2,804 subscribers every Thursday afternoon:

 1,011,937: the number of people who directly received all or parts of the BYGL each week from BYGL subscribers.

 5,030,883: the number of people with whom BYGL subscribers shared their knowledge gained each week from the BYGL (e.g. television, radio, newspapers, etc.).

 BYGL Web Statistics:

BYGL is available online at bygl.osu.edu. The site was visited over 30,900 times in 2014 with visitors spending 458 hrs. accessing BYGL information.

The BYGL Writing Team:

Curtis E. Young (Lead Editor) young.2@osu.edu
 Pam Bennett bennett.27@osu.edu
 Joe Boggs boggs.47@osu.edu
 Jim Chatfield chatfield.1@osu.edu
 Julie Crook crook.46@osu.edu
 Erik Draper draper.15@osu.edu
 Gary Gao gao.2@osu.edu
 Ashley Kulhanek kulhanek.5@osu.edu
 Cindy Meyer meyer.842@osu.edu
 Amy Stone stone.91@osu.edu
 Nancy Taylor taylor.8@osu.edu
 Marne Titchenell titchenell.4@osu.edu
 Danae Wolfe Wolfe.540@osu.edu

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

Keith L. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, Ohio State University Extension

The BYGL is produced and distributed weekly from April thru October.

To be added to the BYGL E-Mail Distribution List, just send an e-mail message to Cheryl Fischnich: fischnich.1@osu.edu