CFAES Give Today
OSU Extension

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES
July 7, 2016 - 3:54pm -- staubach.9@osu.edu

It’s Summer!  What did you do today? My friends and I went to the Ohio State University Extension, Innovation Station in Hamilton County at Mt. Airy Forest. 

Ohio State University Extension, Hamilton County provides the annual Innovation Station program to youth ages 5-12.  The project-based activities provided youth with agricultural, technological, nutritional and horticultural experiences.  Gardening, Alpaca’s and Rockets, Oh My!  Innovation Station provides fun and educational venues connecting youth with natural resources, healthy eating options, physical activity, and project based learning through rocket science, gardening and the importance of water for our bodies.  Youth from the various schools and recreational facilities learn about agriculture in an urban setting.  Being geographically landlocked in the urban core often limits students’ accessibility and understanding that agriculture involves more than just ‘cows and plows’. As a result many students do not have knowledge of agriculture as it relates to food systems resulting in low levels of interest in agricultural sciences as a field of study or as a career.  Did you know that careers in agriculture make up one of the largest industries and the source of long-term employment in the county. Careers in agriculture supply us with a multitude of food products and alternative energies, among many other important resources for sustaining our country and contribution to the world economy.

Students pose outside the OSU Extension Office in Hamilton County

Students Pose at the OSU Extension office in Hamilton County

Drum Major and Students at the OSU Extension Office in Hamilton County

Drum Major dancing with the students.

President Michael Drake and County Extension Director Deb Carney

President Michael Drake walks and talks with County Extension Director Deborah Carney.