Advancing Employment and Income Opportunities

Local Government Leadership Academy

Interactive Website on Shipwrecks

Enhancing Agriculture and the Environment

Lucas County Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program in Partnership with Metroparks of the Toledo Area

Invasive Insects

Why Trees Matter

Preparing Youth for Success

4-H Youth Development Program

4-H Foundation Grant on Bicycle Safety

4-H Residential Camp

Real-Money, Real World

2008 Horse Camp

Strengthening Families and Communities

Expanded Food and Nutrition Program

Dining with Diabetes

Local Government Leadership Academy

Twenty four elected and appointed officials as well as local board and commission members received certificates of completion from the seventh annal 10-week Toledo Local Government Leadership Academy.

The presenting partnership included Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce, the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund, and the Ohio State University Extension.

The curriculum includes duties and responsibilities of elected officials, ethics of public officials, conducting effective meetings, technology in local government, and more.

Since 2002, as a direct result of the ten-week course, 148 total participants have increased their overall knowledge in local government by 82% according to class evaluations.

For more information contact: Joe Lucente

Interactive Website on Shipwrecks

A new highly-interactive website entitled "Shipwrecks and Maritime Trails of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail"will enable all Ohio citizens and others to learn and experience the plethora of shipwreck history, and Lake Erie's rich maritime heritage.  The two-year research project conducted by Dave Kelch and Joe Lucente of the Ohio State University Sea Grant College Program was created with approximately $10,000 in grants from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and the ODNR Office of Coastal Management.

For more information contact: Joe Lucente

Lucas County Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Twenty-nine individuals were trained as Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV), bringing Lucas County MGVs up to 159 individuals.  The year the MGVs volunteered nearly 6,300 hours back into the community on Extension's Horticulture Hotline at the Extension office, the Toledo Botanical Garden, and the Toledo Zoo; as part of the Speakers' Bureau giving presentations throughout the county; and at events like the Home and Garden Show, Flower Day at Farmer's Market, and Earth Day. The value of the hours is $113,715 (Points of Life Foundation).

In 2008 the MGVs offered a lecture series that was very popular, with 64 people attending.  Other community based programming reached 800 people on topics of emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, gardening for the health of it, and diagnostics.

Samples from residents were up 40%, with an additional 1,450 inquires made via the telephone, e-mail, or at events.  MGVs also assisted with a tree inventory for Springfield Township, and they continue to be a community resource on many plant issues.

For more information contact: Barbara Northrup

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program

Lucas County Extension partnered with the Metroparks of the Toledo Area to offer the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) training in Lucas County, with 20 participants in our initial class.  Participants were engaged in natural resources and environmental conservation training, and are required to volunteer 40 hours through the two sponsoring agencies.  The volunteers have enthusiastically adopted an acre at Oak Openings Metroparks as part of their group project, and are currently working on several volunteer opportunities.  This program has provided OSU Extension and the Metroparks a chance to build and strengthen their relationship.

Invasive Insects

The gypsy moth and emerald ash borer are not going away.  The office saw an increase in the number of gypsy moth calls from residents this summer.  While populations were noticeably higher this year, the gypsy moth fungus was successful in killing later-instar caterpillars.  Several areas have applied to the state for treatment in 2009.  OSU Extension worked with residents in Springfield Township, and the City of Sylvania to apply to the state on their behalf.

The wallets of residents with ash trees in the county are being hit hard.  The cost of removing a dead or dying ash tree may be from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars.  Many residents are trying to protect their trees themselves with annual insecticide treatments, or are hiring arborists to provide the service.

Host preference studies, insecticide trials, and economic work on the value of our urban forests are being explored by scientists from Ohio State University right here in Lucas County.  The loss of the entire tree species will cost residents of Lucas County millions of dollars when factoring in treatments, removal, disposal, and replacement costs.

For more information contact: Lee Richter

Why Trees Matter

This year Extension has chose Why Trees Matter as one of its signature programs, and is encouraging counties to offer training.  With the enormous loss of ash trees in the county, it is imperative that trees be replanted, especially in our urban areas.  In Lucas County, OSU Extension has worked with the City of Toledo, along with Springfield, and Monclova Townships to determine the value of the trees primarily between the street and the sidewalk, using iTree software.  These figures include the beneficial services of trees that impact the water you drink, the air you breathe, and the bills you pay for utilities.  Research studies have determined that trees have social, economic, and ecological benefits in sustainable communities.  Extension will continue to work across the county on Why Tree Matter programs, and communicate the importance of trees in Lucas County.

4-H Youth Development Program

1,755 boys and girls from Lucas County participated in the 4-H Youth Development Program which included the 4-H mini-garden program, special interest, and short term programs, and in-school programs.  4-H clubs were led by 73 advisors/activity leaders and enrolled 296 youth.

For more information contact: Jackie Bailey

4-H Foundation Grant on Bicycle Safety

Received $500 to conduct bicycle safety programs in the community.  Program was taught at Lake Erie Academy and South Toledo Boys Club.  Over 150 youth have taken part in the program.

4-H Residential Camp

Forty six campers, teen counselors, and adult leaders participated in Lucas County's Annual 4-H Residential Camp.  Counselors were recruited from various high schools in the city.  In addition to getting good hands-on experience working with campers during the camp, they also went through a series of in-depth training.

Real Money, Real World

Research indicates that highly interactive, reality-based courses in money management that provide intensive and applied instruction in personal finance are more effective in developing financially competent teens.  Over 55 youth attended the pilot program for Real Money, Real World.  This OSU Extension program was conducted at the YMCA Chance for Change.  Youth were introduced to information on different jobs, knowledge on taxes taken from your pay check, day-care costs, and managing your money.  This program gives young people the opportunity to make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those they will make as adults.

For more information contact: Jackie Bailey

2008 Horse Camp

Twenty nine 4-8 members and advisors participated in Lucas County's Saddle Horse Advisory Council's horse camp at Harry Hughes.  Activities included a scavenger hunt, trail riding, karaoke, ground roping challenge, and two-man relay races.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

High unemployment and financial stress have increased the importance of sound food dollar budgeting, and timely tips on preparing healthy meals.  EFNEP staff teach basic nutrition education to limited income resource clients.  A total of 479 families participated in a series of 7-12 nutrition education classes.  Pre- and post- dietary evaluations revealed over 90% had a positive change in their food practices.  Participants reported these comments:

"After seeing how much sugar is inside of soda, cereal, and juice drinks, I have been very careful about what I eat and drink.  In 2 weeks, I have managed to drop 4 pounds of be very conscious of my health."

"When I am done with this class, I am going to make my son his first breakfast in 14 years.  I learned how to feed myself and my family healthier. Thank you."

For more information contact: Susan Zies

Dining with Diabetes

According to the American Diabetic Association, the costs to care for a diabetic is approximately $13,000 per person/per year, when compared to $2,500 for someone without the disease.  During the past year, over 25 Lucas County residents participated in a Dining with Diabetes educational program.  This has a potential economic impact of $262,500 for the 25 diabetic program participants.

Helping Families in Tough Times

During the past year, families have contacted Lucas County OSU Extension and received information on budgeting, goal setting, home buyer education for potential new home buyers, and ways to stretch the food dollar to help make ends meet.  Residents have received financial information in the form of self-study programs, FactSheets, workshops, and via accessing the Extension website.  Participants reported,

"I never realized how much my credit cards were costing me.  I plan to pay cash and not buy on impulse, and hope to start a savings account."

For more information contact: Susan Zies