Ohio State University Extension

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 ...

The white mulberry tree was originally brought to the United States in 1600 in an attempt to develop the silk trade industry. Even though silk moths preferred to feed on white mulberry trees, this attempt ultimately failed.

Today, white mulberry trees can be found throughout Ohio. Their fruit looks similar to that of a blackberry and they're fairly short (as far as mature tress are concerned)—growing only 40-50" tall.

Learn more about the white mulberry tree from Jim Downs, our Extension forestry field specialist, in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NVZowB4w9o

Tree ID: White Mulberry Jim Downs, Ohio State Extension Forestry Field Specialist, talks about the characteristics used to identify White Mulberry.

Did you know that Ohio State has a BUGmobile? It's true!

This mobile zoo of arthropods serves the mid-Ohio region—bringing insect education into Ohio communities.

If you're in the Central Ohio area and would like to request a visit from the BUGmobile, visit https://entomology.osu.edu/programs/outreach-and-education/columbus-outreach?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy26&utm_content=1779382441&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University

This year marks the **10th** anniversary of Extension's eFields program, an important research partnership between Ohio agricultural producers and Extension — where farms and fields are turned into real-life learning labs.

The Ohio State Precision Ag Team recently shared more about this applied research effort that helps farmers throughout Ohio make the best management decisions possible for their individual operations.

eFields reports are published every year and feature research findings — they can be found here: https://go.osu.edu/efields?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy26&utm_content=1779289503&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

We are forever grateful for the time Amy Stone invested in her career as an Extension professional.

She was our go-to spokesperson for everything spotted lanternfly related and provided leadership to a robust Master Gardener Volunteer program in Lucas County.

Amy, this recognition—and your recent retirement—are well deserved. Thanks for all that you contributed to help us carry on the legacy of the land-grant mission.

Amy Stone, a recently retired Ohio State University Extension educator in Lucas County, received the 2026 Distinguished Extension Professional Award at last month's CFAES Awards. 🏆

Amy served in leadership roles related to horticulture, natural resources, agriculture, invasive species and sustainability. Her passion for education, her writing and her outstanding leadership displayed her commitment to her work and her community.

Join us in congratulating Amy on this well‑deserved recognition.

🌱 Extension in Allen County often partners with the Lima Regenerative Farm at Ohio State Lima to bring hands‑on learning opportunities to local farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.

Through field days and live demonstrations, participants can explore practical strategies for improving soil health, conserving water, and managing land more sustainably.

Allen County OSU Extension

🌳 💦 Join the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program on Friday, May 22 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.) for the next session in the Escape to the Forest series.

This month’s focus is on forested riparian buffers — critical zones where land meets water.

Dr. Lorrayne Miralha with Ohio State will share insights from riparian research she's conducted in California, Coshocton (Ohio), and Brazil.

And, Bob Mulligan with ODNR's Division of Forestry will lead the second half of the session. Bob’s talk will focus on the importance of pre-harvest planning, minimizing riparian degradation from heavy equipment and the most recent state standards regarding riparian setbacks and damage mitigation.

Learn more about this workshop here: https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/events/forested-riparian-buffers?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy26&utm_content=1778605621&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry