Enter Madison County 4-H volunteers, who began monitoring the Gwynne bluebird boxes again.  The efforts of these young people will be discussed during a session by Titchenell titled "Bluebird bios:  Nest boxes, trail monitoring and dealing with sparrows," on Tuesday, Sept. 18^th, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Farm Science Review. 

            "They successfully brought nesting bluebirds back to the Gwynne, (which is) a wonderful accomplishment," Titchenell said.  "This talk will tell that story and teach landowners how to bring bluebirds to their land.

            "It is for anyone interested in bluebirds, putting up a single bluebird nest box or creating a bluebird nest box trail."

            This is just one of numerous programs planned for the Gwynne Conservation Area during Farm Science Review's three-day run, Sept. 18-20.  There will be 25 speakers from Ohio and Indiana providing talks on 30 different topics, including:

*  white-tailed deer management,

*  quail habitat management,

*  feral swine damage and disease threats,

*  bees and pollinators,

*  Asian carp,

*  flying squirrels,

*  water gardens, aquatic plants and algae,

*  stream stewardship,

*  harmful algal blooms,

*  farm nutrient loss and water quality,

*  maple syrup production,

*  invasive plant species,

*  local food systems,

*  tree and wood identification,

*  leasing land for energy development, and more.

            "If Farm Science visitors are looking for natural resources and conservation information, they should definitely make a trip out to the Gwynne," Titchenell said.  "We will have forestry, wildlife and aquatic professionals available all three days to answer questions.

            "We also offer shuttle rides through the many demonstration areas at the Gwynne.  Some of these shuttle rides are guided, so participants can sit back and learn while enjoying a peaceful ride through woodlands, tree plantings, grasslands and streams."

            There will be two daily demonstrations.  At 10:30 a.m. each day the JAWZ grabbing tool, a piece of equipment designed for the removal of plants, especially unwanted invasive species, will be demonstrated.  Each day at noon, the Central Townships Joint Fire District will demonstrate how a dry fire hydrant works.

            "As always, we will have our Natural Resources Information Center filled with exhibits and displays on woodland, water and wildlife conservation, as well as multiple experts on hand," Titchenell said.

            Students interested in a career outdoors will find the Gwynne a valuable stop.  They can talk with experts working in forestry, wildlife and fisheries jobs around the state, and visit with career counselors from Ohio State's School of Environment and Natural Resources to learn about college majors and available classes, she said.

            "We have so much going on during the three-day Review that people are guaranteed to enjoy themselves if they make a trip out to the Gwynne," Titchenell said.  "They can pick up a shuttle at the west end of Friday Avenue to take them over to the Gwynne, and the same shuttles are available to take them back to the main grounds when they are ready."

            For more information about the Gwynne Conservation Area as well as main ground events and activities during Farm Science Review, visit http://www.gwynne.osu.edu.   

            Farm Science Review is sponsored by Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, OSU Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.  It attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition, and gardening and landscape.  Pre-show tickets are $5 at the OSU Extension Butler County office.  Tickets are also available at local agribusinesses.  Tickets are $8 at the gate.  Children 5 and younger are admitted free.  Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 18^th -19^th and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sept. 20^th.      

News Release written by Kyle Sharp.

News Release submitted by Cindy Meyer.