The AHA! Children’s Museum has opened its garden for the summer, launching a weekly hands-on program focused on youth gardening and outdoor learning.
“Little Hands…Big Harvest” is every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and is designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and an early appreciation for gardening. The program is led by Master Gardeners and 4-H gardening project member Amelia Walters, in partnership with Ohio State University Extension of Fairfield County, the Fairfield County Master Gardener Volunteers and Fairfield County 4-H.
Participants can learn gardening basics from local experts, take part in planting and harvesting activities, and explore the garden together. Children may also take home fresh, in-season vegetables.
The program is free with AHA! admission or membership.
Stay hydrated
As the weather gets warmer, it is extra important to stay hydrated. When you sweat more from the heat or outdoor activities, your body loses more water. Drinking enough fluids helps you feel your best, inside and out.
Water is needed for many things your body does every day. It keeps your joints moving, helps you digest food, carries nutrients through your body, and keeps your temperature normal. Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired, dizzy, or give you a headache and can potentially affect concentration, energy levels, mood, and physical performance.
How Much Water Do You Need?
A general rule is to drink about 8 cups (64 ounces) of water a day. But you may need more if you are active, spending time outside, or sweating a lot. Generally, about 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 cups for men. However, keep in mind that fluid requirements vary with age, body size, activity level, climate, and overall health.
Signs You May Need More Water:
If your urine is light yellow or clear, that is usually a sign you are well hydrated.
Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated:
Set reminders – Use a phone alarm or hydration app to remind you to drink throughout the day.
Start and end your day with water – A glass in the morning and evening helps keep you on track.
Use frozen fruit as ice cubes. This keeps your drink cool and adds flavor without sugar.Staying hydrated helps your body work properly and can even boost your mood and energy. This summer, make hydration a healthy habit—your body will thank you!
Sources: OSU Extension and OSU Ross Heart Hospital
Free Farm Pesticide Disposal Collection Events
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will be sponsoring three collection events for farmers to dispose of unwanted pesticides. This year, the collections are available in Athens, Crawford, and Miami counties on the following days and locations:
Aug. 3 – Crawford County Fairgrounds, 808 Whetstone Street, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Aug. 24 – Miami County Fairgrounds (North Gate), 650 North County Road 25A, Troy, Ohio 45373, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Aug. 27 – Albany Independent Fairgrounds (Athens County), 5201 Washington Road, Albany, Ohio 45710, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
The pesticide collection and disposal services are free of charge, but only farm chemicals will be accepted. Paint, antifreeze, solvents, and household or non-farm pesticides will not be accepted.
These collections help farmers safely dispose of pesticides that can be harmful to people and the environment if improperly discarded. Putting pesticides in trash bins is not only illegal, but can be detrimental to humans, animals, and Ohio’s waterways. In 2025, ODA’s collected nearly 74,000 lbs. of pesticide products.
Please note ODA’s collection events move locations every year. The three sites listed above are the only ODA-sponsored disposal spots in 2026. The pesticide collections are sponsored by ODA in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To pre-register, or for more information, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614) 728-6987.
Upcoming events
Preparing for Summer 4-H Judging Success
When: Jun. 22, 2026- 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: OSU Extension-Fairfield County | 831 College Ave | Lancaster, OH
Join the Fairfield County Fashion and Nutrition Board to learn how to prepare for summer judging. Board members will share:
Learn how to prepare for judging the do’s and don’ts of interviews, insight about portfolios, boards, binders and more. Register at: go.osu.edu/FNBclinic
Questions: Call 740-653-5419
Food Preservation Classes offered virtually by OSU Extension
Join us for this summer’s Home Food Preservation webinar series, “Let’s Preserve It!”
When: Tuesdays 12-12:30 p.m.
Webinars are free, register required go.osu.edu/fpwebinars
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Tips on staying hydrated this summer and warning signs of dehydration
Reporting by Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
