Ohio Woodland Stewards Program

Join the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program and the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District for our Invasive Plant ID and Control class on June 23, 2026 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, Molyet Village Community Center.

Whether you manage a few acres of woods or a larger property, non-native, invasive plants often move in and set up shop, outcompeting native plants, reducing wildlife habitat, and impacting the health and resiliency of your forest.

The program will begin with dinner and a presentation covering invasive species ecology, followed by hands-on identification using live plant samples. We’ll conclude with a guided walk through campus to identify invasive species in the field, discuss management and control strategies, and demonstrate effective treatment methods. This class involves walking on uneven ground. Please dress appropriately.

For more details on this hands-on evening class visit and register before June 18 at https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/events/invasive-plant-id-and-control.

Pictured here are two people at an invasive species removal event in May hosted by Richland Soil & Water Conservation District.

Photo Credit: Richland Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Ohio Woodland Stewards Program received the Distinguished Multidisciplinary Team Extension Award at the 2026 CFAES Awards. 🏆

With forests covering a third of our state, the work of this program is key to Ohio’s environmental and economic health. About 86% of these woodlands are managed by over 340,000 family forest owners, and the Ohio Woodland Stewards team provides the important education and technical training needed to manage these lands sustainably.

Please join us in celebrating the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program for its outstanding commitment to forest stewardship!

Ohio State University Extension | School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University

Crabapple trees are fairly common throughout Ohio. While there is only one species native to the state, the non-native ones are not generally considered invasive.

These fruit-bearing trees produce apples that are less than 2 in. in diameter in late summer. They have lots of branches and produce white or pink showy five-petal flowers in the spring.

Learn more about crabapple trees from Jim Downs, our forestry field specialist, in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNbk8cvQxUI

The School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) at The Ohio State University seeks a Forestry Extension Program Director to provide leadership for a statewide program.

This role will collaborate closely with a team of Extension professionals, faculty, and industry partners to advance education and outreach that supports forest landowners in managing and applying silvicultural practices to Ohio’s forest resources. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with forestry field experience and expertise in invasive species management and/or an understanding of how a changing climate will shape forest management into the future.

As this is an Extension position, the ideal candidate will enjoy engaging diverse stakeholder groups, developing adult-focused educational programming, and supporting private woodland owners, land managers, and forestry professionals throughout Ohio.

Learn more and apply at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Continuing-Education-Consultant_R148542-1.

Elm zigzag sawfly is a non-native species that was detected in Ohio in 2023. Join The Ohio State University’s Kayla Perry with the Department of Entomology on Friday, April 24 at 10AM to 12PM as she highlights what is known about the biology of elm zigzag sawfly. She will provide updates on options for management and discuss potential impacts for native elm species.

Register at https://go.osu.edu/zigzag26.

Happy Earth Day! We the Earth!

Caring for the environment is not only about science or action — it is also about connection. What place matters to you? What would you say to it if you could?

From pawpaws and foraging to “love letters” written to the land, School of the Environment and Natural Resources PhD student Keely Fisher explores the emotional side of environmental research - sharing how her work investigates the powerful relationship between love, stewardship, and the ways we connect to the natural world.

Listen to this "In Other Words" Podcast episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6lcVlLjX2E.