OSU Extension: Name that tree program in Fairfield County

Identifying trees can be a challenging process, especially if you have a tree that you pass on a regular basis and always wonder what it is, or if you own a woodland and want to know exactly what trees you have. This one-day workshop is designed to give participants in-depth training and practice in identifying trees using leaves and other common characteristics. The class begins indoors with some introductory identification clues and samples that are used to work through a dichotomous key. The afternoon is spent outside practicing!

The Fairfield County Name That Tree Program is slated from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug 22, at Coyote Run, 9212 Pickerington Road, Pickerington. The cost is $40 which includes lunch and training materials. The deadline to register is Thursday, Aug. 15.

Online registration can be found at woodlandstewards.osu.eduFor details contact: Woodland Stewards; 614-688-3421 or at ohiowoods@osu.edu

Can you tell the difference between a termite and an ant?

Termites and ants share a number of similar physical characteristics, and it can be hard to distinguish between the two at first glance. Since termites can be active long before they are properly identified, mistaking them for ants could be a costly error!

If you notice tiny flying insects around your house or dead in the windowsill, it’s important to determine if they are ant swarmers or termite swarmers. ‘Swarmers’ is a term many entomologists use for reproductive ants or termites. Unlike the workers, these reproductive stages have wings and typically fly together in large numbers. After they swarm, termites and ants shed their wings.

There are a few ways to tell these two insects apart:

• Wings: A good way to tell the difference between the two is by examining the insect’s wings. Termites have front wings and hind wings that are the same length, and are twice as long as their body. Ants have shorter wings overall, and their front wings are longer than their hind wings.
• Antennae: Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent antennae.
• Body: Termites have little to no visible waist, while ants have a narrow waist. If you’re unsure about which insect has taken up residence in your home, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator. If you have termites, your exterminator will need to remove the pesky insects and determine if there is any structural damage to your home. An ant infestation is something you can typically treat on your own.

Renovating your Strawberry Patch

June-bearing strawberries should be renovated every year right after harvest if you're hoping for excellent fruit production for more than one year. For more details check out the Ohioline Fact Sheet #1424 Growing Strawberries in the Home Garden https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1424

Fairfield County Jr. Fair Beef Breeding Possession Date & Identification:

For all those Junior Fair Youth with Beef Breeding Project please be aware of the possession date.

• Beef Breeding possession is July 1. All beef breeding animals exhibited must have been completely and full owned and in the complete possession and continual care of the exhibitor on and after the designated date.
• Registered Beef Breeding Identification: All registered breeding beef will submit the following by July 15th to OSU Extension Office: EID 840 Tag and/or Tattoo Number as well as DNA hair sample for each animal.
• If an animal currently has an EID 840 tag in place, this tag will be used as the official fair identification.
• Registration Number is required at the time of fair entry and by August 23rd , 2024 (FairEntry Deadline).
• If breed registration is not completed by fair entry deadline, the animal will show as a crossbred.
• Crossbred Beef Breeding Identification: All crossbred breeding beef will submit the following by July 15th to OSU Extension Office: EID 840 Tag as well as DNA hair sample for each animal.
• If an animal currently has an EID 840 tag in place, this tag will be used as the official fair identification.
• If needed, crossbred heifer exhibitors will be able to pick-up 840 EID tags from OSU Extension (which are provided by the Senior Fair).

Upcoming events

Fairfield County Local Foods Tour: Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard from 6 to 7 p.m. July 9

Join OSU Extension in Fairfield County to learn more about Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard. Attendees will be able to learn more about the vineyard as well as take a tour. No cost to attend, but please let us know if you are coming so we can plan. Register at https://go.osu.edu/fclocal.

Let's Preserve Series: at Keller Market House, 134 S. Columbus Street, Lancaster. Are you planning to preserve summer produce? Join Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator and Sandy Bohl, Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County to learn more. Call 740-653-5419 to register

Freezing: Tuesday, July 9, 6 to 7 p.m.

Dehydrating: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6 to 7 p.m.

Canning Basics: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Let's Preserve Series: at Wagnalls Memorial Library

Freezing Thursday., July 11, 6 to 7 p.m.

Dehydrating Thursday., Aug. 8, 6 to 7 p.m.

Canning Basics (water bath/pressure) Thursday., Aug. 2, 6 to 7:30 p.m

Registration: Call Wagnall’s Memorial Library to register 614-837-4765Questions: contact Shannon Carter, carter.413@osu.edu or 740-653-5419