What is Ohio State University Extension? Are you interested in food preservation, money management, buying a home, or improving your overall wellness? Do you have a child that enjoys learning through experience? Do you work in agriculture or natural resources and need educational material or programs covering topics such as: livestock; farm management and economics; and crop or pest management? Wayne County Extension has people, programs, and resources for all of these subjects and more!
4-H:
Ohio 4-H youth development helps kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities. Individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19 can participate in 4-H through community clubs, camps, in-school and after-school activities, and summer programs. 4-H increases life skills while learning about specific subjects - anything from animals or computers to public speaking, cooking, art, gardening and environmental sciences, just to name a few!
Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR):
Educational resources and programs provided by ANR professionals strengthen farms and agriculture enterprises. Experts help producers develop and expand profitable, sustainable farming and other agricultural businesses. They also provide leadership, collaboration, consulting, unbiased information, applied research, and access to land-grant university knowledge to address local issues. OSU Extension in Wayne County offers an Integrated Pest Management team who identify pests and diseases to prevent crop damage.
For the homeowner, Master Gardener Volunteers answer gardening questions from the public; conduct plant clinics and gardening activities with children, senior citizens, or disabled persons; beautify the community; and develop community gardens.
Family and Consumer Sciences:
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) staff promote food safety, wellness, sustainable finances and improved relationships – helping people acquire the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in these areas. FCS provides reliable, evidence-based information that empowers people to adopt practices to improve finances, build positive relationships, and embrace healthy lifestyles.
Upcoming FCS programs:
- Level 2 ServSafe Exams: The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) requires all food service facilities licensed at a 'Risk Level 2 or higher' to have at least one staff person who has completed an ODH approved Level 2 Food Safety training. Examinations are offered each month at the extension office.
- Food Preservation and Safety: Are you interested in preserving food by canning, freezing or drying? Classes demonstrate easy and safe ways to preserve fruits, vegetables, and meats! Join us at the Wayne County Library for a FREE program on freezing and canning on August 2nd at 10 a.m.
- Money 101: Money 101 classes offer a financial lifeline providing tools to break down challenges into smaller, manageable steps of a workable plan. This FREE Program was created for individuals who want to improve financial stability. Sign up and attend four one-hour classes to qualify for a personal mentor who helps you build your own plan. The next series begins August 2nd.
- A Matter of Balance: Concerned about falling? Matter of Balance is an award-winning program offered in October. Learn how to decrease fall risk and improve strength and balance.
- Steps to Home Ownership: Steps to Home Ownership is offered to prospective Wayne County home buyers who are low or moderate income-qualified. This program meets requirements for CHIP, Housing Choice Voucher Home Ownership, Habitat for Humanity and USDA Rural Development programs. The next series of classes begins in October.
SNAP-Ed:
OSU Wayne County Extension offers Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed), a free nutrition education and obesity prevention program serving low-income adults and youth. SNAP-Ed facilitates voluntary adoption of healthy food and physical activity choices.
Extension has been helping all Ohioans build better lives, businesses and communities since 1914! Visit or call for more detailed information and volunteer opportunities: wayne.osu.edu or 330-264-8722.