By Andi Anderson
Visitors to the Farm Science Review, held September 16–18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, can experience a unique outdoor classroom at the Gwynne Conservation Area.
Managed by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), this 67-acre site serves as a “living lab,” showcasing conservation practices and natural resource education for people of all ages.
A short shuttle ride from the main show grounds, the Gwynne offers forests, wetlands, a stream, tallgrass prairie, forage plots, and a pawpaw orchard. Throughout each day, visitors can join expert-led presentations, wagon rides, and demonstrations that highlight land, water, and woodland management.
Interactive programs fill the schedule. Guests can take part in a pond walkabout to study aquatic plants, learn to identify trees and invasive species, or explore forage demonstration plots.
The Central Ohio Fly Fishers will host a one-hour fly fishing session on Tuesday morning, giving attendees the chance to practice casting techniques. Later, visitors can hike to the pawpaw orchard for a lesson in pawpaw propagation, finishing with a pawpaw ice cream tasting led by the North American Pawpaw Growers Association.
Other highlights include an electrofishing demonstration to assess aquatic life, sessions on tick safety, and presentations on aquaculture and aquaponics opportunities in Ohio.
A new forestry education series aims to help high school students prepare for the FFA Forestry Career Development Event, covering tree identification, forest measurements, insect and disease recognition, timber stand improvement, and chainsaw troubleshooting.
The Gwynne also offers talks on pollinator gardens, soil management, woodland restoration, and native plant benefits. Visitors can learn to spot invasive pests like the spotted lanternfly and hear updates on endangered species recovery, such as efforts to protect the rusty patched bumble bee.
CFAES educators hope participants leave with knowledge they can apply in their own communities, from improving pastures to protecting wildlife habitats. The Gwynne Conservation Area combines science and experience, inspiring every visitor to care for the land and water around them.
Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach
Categories: Ohio, Education