Latest news with #OhioStateUniversityExtension
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From Tuscarawas Co. to statewide leadership: Chris Zoller takes on new OSU Extension role
COLUMBUS — Chris Zoller has been appointed assistant director of agriculture and natural resources for Ohio State University Extension. According to an announcement, Zoller has been serving as interim assistant director since December 2023 and has more than 32 years of experience with OSU Extension. He has been an extension educator in Tuscarawas County since 1992, focusing on areas such as farm management, succession planning, livestock production, farm financial management, forage and agronomic crop systems, and energy use on livestock farms. "I've certainly enjoyed the 33 years I was an extension educator in Tuscarawas County," Zoller said. "I appreciated the clientele I worked with. Now, I'm looking forward to a new challenge leading the agriculture and natural resources program on a statewide level." In his new role, Zoller will provide leadership, administration, guidance and vision for OSU Extension's agriculture and natural resources program. His responsibilities include managing the state office, overseeing financial and human resources, and serving as a member of the OSU Extension administrative leadership team. He will also collaborate with department chairs, deans, unit leaders and other organizations to support research-based outreach and engagement throughout Ohio. 'Chris has demonstrated strong, thoughtful leadership as interim assistant director and has a deep understanding of the agricultural challenges and opportunities facing our state,' David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension, said in the announcement. 'His commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service will continue to benefit our stakeholders, both within Ohio State and throughout the agricultural community.' Zoller is a two-time graduate of Ohio State, earning a bachelor of science in agricultural education in 1991 and a master of science in 1997. He holds the rank of professor and has received several awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2019 and the Steve D. Ruhl Outstanding Agricultural and Natural Resources County Extension Educator Award in 2021. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Chris Zoller promoted to to assistant ag director for OSU Extension
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scioto County invites adults 50+ to a day of wellness, learning and connection
Life after 50 is full of possibility — and Scioto County is bringing that spirit to life with 'Live Well, Age Well: Starting Now!', a free, interactive wellness event for adults age 50 and older. Hosted by the Ohio State University Extension Office of Scioto County, this event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Cornerstone Church (808 Offnere Street, Portsmouth). The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and is packed with inspiration, resources and a welcoming community atmosphere. Participants will enjoy a free breakfast, followed by access to 24 engaging breakout sessions covering topics like: * Planning and managing finances * Living with purpose * Safe medication practices * Caring for caregivers * Aging in place * Driving safety for older adults Whether you're thinking ahead or looking to enhance your current lifestyle, this event offers something for everyone. It's designed to be hands-on, empowering, and focused on practical tools to support healthier, more independent living. In addition to breakout sessions, attendees will benefit from free health screenings, and those who pre-register will receive a complimentary lunch and an Ohio State University Extension tote bag filled with helpful resources and giveaways. The tone of the day is casual but meaningful; expect real conversations, practical takeaways, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others in the community. This event is made possible through strong local partnerships with the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Shawnee State University Foundation, Cornerstone Church, the Portsmouth City Health Department, and King's Daughters Medical Center. Their shared commitment is to ensure older adults in our region feel supported, informed, and inspired. Registration is required for meals and giveaways. Reserve your spot by 4:00 p.m. on April 25th by calling (740) 354-7879 or visiting
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Potluck grab: Mushroom grower survey, Plant by Numbers guide, arborist factsheet
For those of you who work with mushrooms as part of your specialty crop operations, Central State University and Ohio State University Extension are conducting a comprehensive needs assessment survey to better understand the challenges and opportunities of mushroom cultivators in the state of Ohio. Your insights are invaluable in helping us develop needed resources, training programs and support services for the mushroom growing community. The survey aims to gather information on various aspects of the operations, including production systems, marketing, quality control and areas where you feel additional support or knowledge would be beneficial. Your responses will be kept confidential and will be used solely to improve the services and assistance available to mushroom growers. The survey can be accessed at A printed, hard copy of the survey can also be requested by calling the OSU Extension office in Wayne County at 330-264-8722. We appreciate your time and expertise in completing this survey! Please have your responses submitted no later than April 30. Did you know that OSU Extension offers a free resource for planning and designing garden spaces? Thanks to a USDA IPM grant, the OSU Extension Pollinator Health Team (Denise Ellsworth and Mary Gardiner) launched the Plant by Numbers program in Ohio to educate gardeners about the use and importance of native perennials to pollinators. There are templates available for bumblebee gardens, specialist bee gardens, butterfly and moth gardens, gardens for the birds, gardens for good garden bugs and gardens for shady spaces. The guides can be accessed at Just in time for the upcoming season, Ohio State University Extension's FactSheet, How and Why to Hire an Arborist, has been updated and iposted on the Ohioline website. The updates include information about the different types of arborists and the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). There also are links to additional references and resources on the subject. Frank Becker is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Ohio State University Extension – Wayne County, and a Certified Crop Adviser, and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or becker.587@ This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Mushroom survey, garden design tips and arborist factsheet from OSU
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OSU Extension offers class on stationary
The Ohio State University Extension in Mahoning County plans a hands-on workshop at 6 p.m. April 9 at its office at 490 S. Broad St. in Canfield. During the event, guests will learn to create handmade botanical cards using pressed flowers and other natural materials. The class is part of the agency's 2025 Garden Art Series. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun and creative activity, the class offers a chance to create with natural elements and make personalized stationery. Cost for the class is $25 per person, and registration is required at Space is limited. For more information, contact the Mahoning County Extension Office at 330-533-5538. Learn more about the Garden Art Series at This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: OSU Extension offers class on stationary
