NATURALIST SERIES
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Eric Barrett
Associate Professor
Ohio State University Extension
Canfield
Abstract
OSU Extension started a partnership with our Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists and Mill Creek MetroParks to expand public programming relating to natural resources. The idea was to bring nature to life through innovative topics and presentations relating to ‘hot topics’ around nature and wildlife and to build public awareness of nature in the Mahoning Valley. Innovative and engaging were requirements for program topics and speakers. One of the first programs featured composer and naturalist, Lisa Rainsong, who mesmerized the public by connecting the sounds of nature to music composition. Another exciting example was inviting a geologist who helped explain what Ohio looked like during the ice age, and helped the public see the connection between dinosaurs and birds of today. With targeted publicity and program efforts for each engaging session, attendance grew to average nearly 70 for each program during the first year. As the pandemic took many presentations online, the program continued to grow to an average of over 141 per session. As a result of the series, OSU Extension’s ability to connect the public to nature increased, as did participation in the annual Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Program which trains individuals to be effective volunteers at local parks and nature centers. Since it’s inception in 2017, 34 public programs have been offered with total participation of 2,290 nature lovers. This presentation will share the partnership development aspects of the program, the ideas for generating exciting topics along with innovative speakers, tips for marketing and promotions, as well as the impacts of increasing programming relating to natural resources.
Authors: Eric Barrett, Kristen Eisenhauer
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Eric Barrett Associate Professor, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44406
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Kristen Eisenhauer Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44406