OSU Extension Stark County Agriculture and Natural Resources Program

Join us for Equine Exchange – Spring/Summer Edition!

Calling all horse owners, riders, and equine enthusiasts—you’re invited to an afternoon of learning, connection, and hands-on fun at Pegasus Farm!

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Pegasus Farm Equestrian Center, 7490 Edison St. NE, Hartville, OH 44632

Come enjoy a relaxed indoor/outdoor experience where you won’t just learn—you’ll get involved with hands-on activities to build skills you can use right away. Whether you’re new to horses or experienced, there’s something for everyone.
Topics Include:
Pasture w**ds & guided pasture walk
Summer horse care & management
Biosecurity, safe trailering & first aid

Extras:
Hands-on learning opportunities
Light snacks provided
Door prizes & special incentives

RSVP by June 12 to help us plan.

Contact:
Heather Neikirk – [email protected] | 234-348-6145
Missy Howard – [email protected] | 330-935-2300 ext. 105

Bring a friend and join us for a fun, interactive afternoon with the equine community.

There's still time and space available to join us at Beech Creek Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve next Wednesday, May 20 from 6-7pm! Explore your inner citizen scientist this summer by helping us record native lady beetle populations-and bring a friend!

In the mood for BBQ season and cooking on the grill? Join us for tomorrow's Women in Ag Wednesday webinar with the renowned Dr. Lydia Garcia, Associate Professor, Meat Science at The Ohio State University! Keep your notepad handy for all the best tips and tricks!

Summer Grilling Made Easy Summer Grilling Made Easy: Best Cuts & Grilling Tips This session covers the fundamentals of setting up a grill and explains the key differences between grilling and barbecuing, helping you cho…

2026 Fertilizer Management Considerations for Forage and Hay Producers | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 2026 Fertilizer Management Considerations for Forage and Hay Producers April 29 2026April 27, 2026 – James Mitchell and Bronc Finch, University of Arkansas As we experienced in the past, volatile fertilizer prices create challenges when managing our forage resource for grazing and haying. In an ar...

Do you love Ohio’s natural spaces and want to play an active role in educating others about them? The Stark County Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Program is looking for participants for our Fall 2026 training cohort.

Application period opens: June 2
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026
Apply online: go.osu.edu/OCVNStark

Fall Training Dates:
September 10 – November 12, 2026

Class Schedule:
• Thursdays: 5:00–8:00 PM
• Select Saturdays (workshops): 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Class size is limited to 15 participants, and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

What You’ll Learn
OCVN training is taught by local conservation professionals, university educators, Ohio State University faculty and Extension professionals, and regional and state naturalists and wildlife experts. Topics include:
• Soil, Geology, and Watersheds
• Ecology and Environmental Stewardship
• Botany and Forests
• Entomology and Herpetology
• Ornithology and Mammals
• Working with the Public and Communication Skills

Certification Requirements
To become an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, participants must:
• Complete 40 hours of combined classroom and field instruction
• Perform 40 hours of approved volunteer service within the first year

After certification, participants must complete:
• 20 volunteer service hours annually
• 8 hours of advanced training annually

Course Fee: $225
The fee includes a binder manual, instructional materials, state fees, and program-related costs. All fees are due two weeks prior to the first session. Cash or check only. Checks made payable to OSU Extension Stark County with memo: 2026 OCVN Training.

Eligibility:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

This program is ideal for nature enthusiasts, educators, retirees, and lifelong learners interested in conservation, education, and community science right here in Stark County.

Questions?
Contact OSU Extension Stark County at 234-348-6145 or email [email protected] to be added to the interest list!

Gardeners and Community Members—We Need Your Help!

If you grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers at home, you can take part in an easy and meaningful community science project this summer.

Lady beetles are important predators that help control garden pests, but several of Ohio’s native species are declining. OSU Extension Stark County is looking for local volunteers to help track the lady beetles still living in our communities—and your garden can make a difference.

Who can participate?
• Home gardeners (food or flower gardens welcome)
• No prior experience needed—training provided

What’s involved?
• Collect lady beetles for one week in June and one week in August
• Simple observations from your own garden
• All materials provided

Training Session (Required to Participate)
OSU Extension Stark County will host a Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz Community Science Program Training on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 6:00–7:00 PM at Beech Creek Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve in the Outdoor Pavilion (11929 Beech St NE
Alliance, OH 44601),

This is a great opportunity for gardeners, families, Master Gardeners, garden clubs, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists, and anyone interested in insects or conservation to contribute to Ohio research efforts.

Interested in attending the training? Call 234 348 6145 or email [email protected] to be added to the registration list.

Please feel free to share this post with other local gardening and community groups.

Helping native lady beetles starts right in our own backyards!

Parts of the Buckeye State could see frost early this week — especially Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Be sure to cover any blooming trees or other vulnerable outdoor plants.

Join Stark County Master Gardener Volunteer, Anne Triplett, for our April Garden Java session. Anne will be sharing practical tips on gardening with cardboard!

Learn how simple cardboard can be a powerful tool in your garden—helping with w**d suppression, soil improvement, and sustainable garden practices. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy an informative and relaxed gardening conversation with fellow garden enthusiasts.

Perfect for gardeners of all experience levels! Register to receive connection details at go.osu.edu/gardenjava .