Ohio State - Athens County Extension

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Food preservation season is officially here, and our professionals are hosting a series of educational workshops that focus on various food preservation methods.

June 23 | Water Bath Canning
July 7 | Pressure Canning
July 21 | Freezing
July 28 | Drying
Aug. 11 | Making and Preserving Juice

All workshops are virtual (12-12:30 p.m.). Register at the link in the comments or below to sign up:

https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BeOcUNz7QPqmKElslRdO8A?fbclid=IwY2xjawSg_6BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDcm9vZE9nNThYWFV1MXdFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlMx3qrkTbSoKcL3fA0RQptNKqJJ_VjNUYFoLuuguBsPWF9sgv4dTkS5SsVF_aem__X1UiDbtKWHqYMF4XCa9uw #/registration

**If you're unable to make the live session, but want the information—please register for the sessions and a workshop recording will be emailed to you.**

06/18/2026

As rural communities face growing shortages of large animal veterinarians, CFAES and Ohio State ATI are preparing students for careers through early mentorship and hands-on training. To learn more about the programs offered, visit: https://bit.ly/43TFR54

06/18/2026

🌿🌞 Is your herb garden growing like crazy? It might be thyme to start preserving those fragrant flavors for later! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just love fresh herbs in your cooking, drying and freezing are great ways to make your harvest last all year long.
Check out these helpful resources to get started:
👉 Preserving Herbs: Freezing and Drying Fact Sheet
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5360
👉 Herbs All Year – Blog Article
https://u.osu.edu/livehealthyosu/2023/10/17/herbs-all-year/
👉 Savoring Ohio Produce: Onions and Herbs – Free Webinar
https://fcs.osu.edu/programs/healthy-people/food-preservation/food-preservation-webinar-series/may-31-2022-onions-and
Let’s keep those garden goodies going strong all year long! 🌱💚

06/18/2026

🚫🫙 Don’t flip your lid… or your canning jar! 🔄❌
Using the “inversion method” (turning hot, filled jars upside down) may seem like a shortcut—but it’s NOT recommended for safe home canning. ⚠️
✅ Canning lids aren’t designed for open-kettle canning or being flipped upside down
✅ Skipping proper boiling water processing can put your food—and your health—at risk
💡 For safe, delicious results every time, stick with tested recipes and trusted resources!
👉 https://ohioline.osu.edu/tags/food-preservation
Let’s keep preserving the right way! 🫛🍓🥕

06/18/2026

✨ Prepping Canning Jar Lids the RIGHT Way! ✨
Remember when we used to simmer canning lids on the stove, getting everything ready to go? 🍲 Well, times—and lids—have changed!
👉 For the BEST seal on your jars:
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. If none are listed, keep it simple—wash lids in hot, soapy water 🧼, dry them thoroughly, and set aside until you’re ready to can. Easy and effective! ✅
🚫 Quick lid check before you start:
• Skip any lids that are dented or bent
• Toss ones with damaged sealing compound
• And remember: unused lids are typically good for up to 5 years from manufacture 📅
💡 Want to level up your canning game?
Check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation (https://nchfp.uga.edu/) or watch the OSU Extension Food Preservation Team’s webinar for expert tips! 🎥
Let’s make this canning season a safe and successful one! 🫙🌽🍓
# OhioStateUniversityExtension

06/18/2026

🌱🫛 Fresh from Ohio: Pea Picks & Tips You’ll Love! 💚✨
Did you know peas are a cool-season favorite in Ohio (June–July) and packed with nutrition? Here’s how to enjoy them at their best:
✅ Pick the best: Look for bright green, firm pods—skip any that are shriveled or dull.
🥗 Healthy & delicious: Peas are loaded with vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and antioxidants—great for heart health and more!
🧊 Store smart:
• Edible pod peas → up to 3 days in the fridge
• Shelled green peas → up to 7 days fresh
✨ Pro tip: Peas taste sweetest when eaten soon after picking—don’t wait!
❄️ Preserve the harvest:
• Freeze peas to enjoy that fresh flavor all year long!
• Green peas can also be canned and dried.
🔗 Learn more: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5527
💬 Tag a gardener or pea-lover & share how you enjoy yours!

06/18/2026

Are you interested in learning more about prescribed fire in Ohio? If so, considering joining us for an A DAY in the WOODS workshop on Prescribed Fire in Ohio: History and Ecology on Friday, July 10th at Meigs Conservation Area. To learn more please visit the following link. https://go.osu.edu/rxfire2026

Ohio Woodland Stewards ProgramOhio Department of Natural Resources Division of ForestryThe Nature Conservancy in OhioOhio Forestry Association

06/18/2026

Did you know: in Ohio, youth under the age of 16 ALWAYS fish for free. 🎣🙌
All Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. All size and daily limits apply during these two days. 🐟