Got Questions on Trees, Plants, Flowers or Conservation? Farm Science Review’s Gwynne Conservation Area Has the Answers

Dec. 15, 2014

Wonder why some of the trees on your property have died or are dying in higher numbers this summer?

Do you have questions about the owls in your barn or the names of some of the beautiful wildflowers or grasslands growing in your fields?

Some of the most knowledgeable minds in natural resources will be available to answer these questions and more during this year’s Farm Science Review Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.

Landowners, farmers and agricultural enthusiasts can gain insight on the latest in natural resource management tips and techniques from natural resources professionals from Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science. They, along with other experts, will offer presentations and answer questions at the Gwynne Conservation Area during the Review, said Marne Titchenell, an Ohio State University Extension wildlife program specialist.

Additional experts include those from Purdue University, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, she said.

The Gwynne Conservation Area, which is comprised of 67 acres of natural resource demonstration areas, is the perfect place where visitors can see different conservation practices they can use on their land, Titchenell said.

“We’re offering a home composting class and other information for people who want to do conservation around their homes,” she said. “Also new this year, we’re offering a talk on evaluating the health of your soils, which is a good topic for farmers and landowners who can learn about how different practices impact the health of their soils.”

Review visitors to the Gwynne will find a broad array of educational talks on topics related to woodlands, wildlife and aquatics with the goal of appealing to as wide a variety of people as possible, Titchenell said.

Some of the Gwynne Conservation Area presentations will include:

  • The Hungry Caterpillar.
  • Tick Identification and Prevention Techniques.
  • Attractants and Introduced Cover for Pond Fisheries.
  • Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction.
  • Earthworm Invasion: Impacts on Your Woodlot.
  • Hobby Maple Syrup Production.
  • Successful Pond Management.
  • Know Your Well Water.
  • What to Do With Your Woods.
  • Managing Farmland Wildlife Habitat to Keep Common Species Common.
  • Asian Carps in Ohio Update.
  • Energy Savings for Households and Congregations.
  • Plant Diagnostics.
  • Evaluating the Health of Your Soil.
  • Pond Safety.
  • Things to Know Before Selling Your Timber.
  • Gardening For Pollinators.
  • Mammals of Ohio.
  • Invasive Species.

In addition, Review visitors can walk the grounds or take a ride on a guided wagon tour through the Gwynne. They can also visit the exhibit tent and talk with natural resource professionals to get answers to any questions they may have about their properties, Titchenell said.

The Gwynne will also feature several demonstrations including:

  • How a dry fire hydrant is used, demonstrated by the Central Township Joint Fire District, Sept. 16 and 17 from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • The ever popular 4-H shooting sports, daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Electrofishing and macroinvertebrate sampling by the Ohio EPA, Sept.17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sponsored by CFAES, the Review features educational workshops, presentations and demonstrations delivered by experts from OSU Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, which are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of the college.

Farm Science Review is known nationally as Ohio’s premier agricultural event. It annually draws more than 130,000 farmers, growers, producers and agricultural enthusiasts. An estimated 620 exhibitors with some 4,000 product lines will set up shop at the three-day farm show, an increase from 608 exhibitors last year, organizers said.

This year, the Review is also celebrating the 10year anniversary of its partnership with Purdue University Extension. Educators and researchers from Purdue will also present educational workshops.

Review pre-show tickets are $7 and are available for purchase at all OSU Extension county offices, many local agribusinesses, and also online at fsr.osu.edu/visitors/tickets. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16-17 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18.

More information can be found at fsr.osu.edu and gwynne.osu.edu.