World Bee Day Celebration – Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Saturday May 18th

Collaborative Chambers Alliance, together with The Slovenian Consulate General in Cleveland, Euclid Chamber of Commerce, Ohio State Beekeepers Association, Greater Cleveland Beekeepers Association and Lorain County Beekeepers Association, will be hosting The World Bee Day “Fun Day” Celebration on Saturday, May 18 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Bee Barn (19201 E Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130) from 10 AM to 4:00 PM. Celebrating the bees and other pollinators! This will be a fun-filled community educational day including; beekeeping experts & buzz, family-friendly activities, vendors, games, buggy rides, door prizes and raffles.

The proceeds from this event will be donated to provide a “Honey Breakfast” on November 11-15, 2024, for K-12 students in Cuyahoga County Schools, Ohio. For more information visit World Bee Day sponsor, Collaborative Chambers Alliance website at www.collaborativechambers.org.

New App Lets You Report Invasive Species

Ohio State University Extension has released a new app for spotting and tracking invasive species — non-native organisms such as Asian carps, purple loosestrife, Spotted lanterfly and Asian longhorned beetle — to try to keep them from setting up beachheads and hurting the economy and environment.

By using the free Great Lakes Early Detection Network app, anyone can take pictures of suspected invasive species — whether of farm, woods or water — and upload the pictures and locations for verification.

Based on this early warning, scientists can send out alerts, map the spread and figure out a battle plan.

EDDMapS is another reporting tool available to the public, in app and website format, to send invasive species sighting information to a national network of expert verifiers.

USDA’s Cleveland Urban Ag April Newsletter

In this month’s Newsletter…

To subscribe and read full newsletter details, please visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/bulletins/39545a0

 

ODA AND EXTENSION TEAM UP TO DISTRIBUTE FREE GARDEN SEEDS THROUGH OHIO VICTORY GARDENS PROGRAM

Cuyahoga County residents can pickup seeds at the Cuyahoga County Extension office during Earth Week, Monday April 22nd through Friday April 26th. Soil samples for a $30 soil test can also be dropped off during this time.

For more information about Victory Garden Seeds: read the Extension Operations article HERE or visit the Ohio Victory Gardens website.

For more information about soil testing in Cuyahoga County: visit cuyahoga.osu.edu or to learn more about soil sampling read the FACTSHEET or watch the VIDEO.

The Great American Eclipse

On Monday April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. This year, the Greater Cleveland Area will be in the path of totality beginning at 3:08 pm EDT with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 3:19 pm EDT.

Free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last), family friendly activities, and a spot to witness the Great American Eclipse provided by the Cuyahoga County Extension 4-H will be available at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds located at 19201 E Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130.

Free Trees – Western Reserve Land Conservancy

Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s vision is to increase Cleveland’s tree canopy with the social, economic, and environmental benefits it provides. But we can’t do it alone…

Approximately 70 to 80 percent of Cleveland’s tree canopy potential is located on private property.  By providing free trees (and relevant care materials) to residents and business owners, our Trees4CLE Tree Adoption program gets trees planted on private property and generates a great impact on our city’s reforestation effort.

These adoptions have connected over 1,200 trees to residents throughout the city— putting the future of Cleveland’s canopy in Clevelander’s hands.

Multiple species will be available including small, flowering trees, beautiful shade trees, fruit trees, legacy trees, and evergreens. We select species that are either native or proven hardy for our region and the urban environment. Available only for Cleveland Residents with a limit of 2 trees per address.

Act now, these free trees go fast! Click HERE to learn more and apply.

*Note: This is an application-based process. Signing up does not guarantee you a tree.

$1,000 reimbursable grant opportunity – LEAP Conservation Fund

The local LEAP Conservation Fund is offering up to $1,000 reimbursable grants for projects incorporating native plants. Apply by 5pm, Friday, April 12th.

Non-profit organizations and government entities are invited to apply. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants may request up to $1,000 per project. Grant funds are dispersed via cost reimbursement. Invoices or receipts for project costs must be submitted for reimbursement. The Conservation Fund plans to award 5-8 proposals depending on applicant pool and total funds requested. Priority will be given to current LEAP members and member organizations. An organization may submit more than one application. The project period is 5/1/2024 through 4/30/2025. Funds may not to be used for overhead or administrative expenses. Travel expenses are not eligible. Food and promotional items for events are not eligible.

Projects may be for on-the-ground restoration, research, or public programs. Projects should focus on rare or threatened species and/or protection and restoration of area biodiversity. Projects must demonstrate meaningful impacts and show tangible results at the close of funding cycle. If the project is part of larger effort, please explain how your project contributes to this larger effort.

Click HERE for more information.

Central State University 10th Anniversary Celebration – Land Grant Open House April 26th

Join Central State University for a Land Grant Open House, Friday April 26th, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please register at the LINK before April 151h to:

  • Learn about Extension programming in communities across Ohio
  • Tour research labs that focus on solving agricultural and societal issues
  • Engage in interactive displays
  • Connect with CSU Land-Grant staff
  • See CSU student accomplishments