Ohio State University Extension

*Ross County — Extension in Action*

Throughout Ohio, Extension professionals partner with thousands of community organizations to strengthen lives and livelihoods. And the team in Ross County is no exception.

Last year, our Extension staff in Ross County teamed up with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, to host a multi‑county, multi‑agency forestry education workshop for private landowners.

Participants learned hands‑on practices including controlled burns for grasslands and forests, native grassland establishment, property boundary marking, crop tree release, and more during this outreach event.

Ohio State - Ross County Extension | Ohio Division of Wildlife

🌲 Did you know the Ponderosa pine helped inspire the way we design spacecraft heat shields?

It’s true. The tree’s uniquely layered bark gave engineers the idea for how to design a barrier that can withstand and dissipate extreme heat in space travel.

Ponderosa pines aren’t native to Ohio, but they are native to the United States. These giants typically live 300–500 years, and some have been known to survive for more than 1,000 years.

Learn more about these pines from our state forestry field specialist, Jim Downs, in the video linked in the comments below.

One of the best parts of summer for Ohio youth is 4‑H camp! And the 2026 Ohio 4‑H camp season is officially underway!

From cabins and campfires to leadership and lifelong friendships, Ohio 4-H camps are powered by an incredible team of adult volunteers, youth counselors, faculty, and staff. Together, they make more than 100 camping experiences happen each year. Their dedication gives youth a place to grow, explore, and shine.

Here’s to another summer at Ohio 4‑H camps! 🍀 🔥🌲💦

p.s. These pics are from Miami County 4-H Camp happening this week. Have a *great* week!

OSU Extension Miami County

☀️ Sun rays can help increase Vitamin D levels, but too much UV exposure comes with real risks.

UV rays can damage your skin, strain your eyes, trigger allergic reactions, weaken your immune system, and speed up visible aging.

Protect your skin. Protect your vision. Protect your health. Learn more about the health concerns of UV exposure at the link in the comments ⤵️

*Clermont County — Extension in Action*

In Clermont County, nearly 800 youth were enrolled in 4-H last year.

This informal education program instills youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime and is available in all of Ohio's 88 counties.

4-H inspires curiosity, builds lifelong skills, fuels adventure, and grows leaders through fun, hands-on activities, that include clubs, projects (including evaluation days), community service, and camps.

OSU Extension Clermont County

Monarchs have started their annual migration through Ohio. It's early in the season, but some eggs and caterpillars have been spotted!

Learn more about monarch life cycle—including what they eat and steps you can take to help conserve them—in the video linked below.

https://senr.osu.edu/extension-outreach/environmental-professionals-network/continue-flight/m1?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy26&utm_content=1780495920&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

With yardwork in full swing this time of year, be sure to watch out for poison ivy.

This timely piece from Ohio State Health & Discovery breaks down what to look for and how to protect yourself from the plant's urushiol oil: https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/what-to-know-about-poison-ivy?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy26&utm_content=1780419061&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

4️⃣ 0️⃣ of our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) professionals recently met face-to-face in Wooster for a mid-year conference.

The two-day event included professional development time, program updates, and opportunities to network with colleagues—with lots of smiles and interaction.

Do you spy any familiar faces?



OSU EFNEP | OSU Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences

**Wayne County — Extension in Action**

Scouting for insects and other pests is a large part of the Extension work that unfolds in Wayne County.

In 2025, the local Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program was responsible for weekly scouting on more than 3,200 acres across 22 farms throughout Wayne, Ashland, and Medina counties

This boots‑on‑the‑ground work helped growers make fast, informed decisions on threats like cucurbit downy mildew and armyworm outbreaks — protecting crops when timing mattered most.

We also contributed to critical research on Neopestalotiopsis, a rapidly emerging disease impacting strawberry production.

Progress like this strengthens our growers, our food systems, and our communities.

Ohio State University Extension - Wayne County

🪱 Curious about composting but not sure where to start?

This video gives you a quick look at worm composting (or vermiculture) at home. Whether you live in an apartment or have a backyard, you can create an ideal space for worms to turn food scraps into powerful fertilizer for your plants or garden. It's simple, clean, and fun.

Watch the video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/Mj0xwYmFU6c?si=D3Fm84idrQQhXtXA

And learn more at: https://u.osu.edu/smallspacegardens/2026/05/11/composting-a-simple-guide/?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy26&utm_content=1779813903&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Thanks to our Extension educator, Natasha Atlas, in Madison County for the video!

Madison County Extension OSU

Vermiculture (worm composting) Basics Vericomposting OverviewCurious about composting but not sure where ...