When ODA did spot compliance checks at greenhouses in March they were found to be abiding by the law with only a few minor infractions. The need to communicate frequent updates relating to the standard by newsletter and e-mail continues. Some custodians had never heard of the regulation relating to public applicators or the need to be licensed to apply pesticides in schools. This information has changed the attitudes of several of the custodians who have now made calls to the Extension office for further information. Together we reviewed basic pest life cycles, environmental controls, and the least toxic pesticides to solve problems.
Training still needs to be reinforced as new people are hired.
The Lorain County Master Gardeners are taking on teaching leadership roles at the Schoepfle Arboretum by coordinating plant information sheets and conducting programs on herb gardening, seed starting, and garden care. Several Master Gardeners have been working with the Oberlin Early Childhood Center teaching about honeybees, earthworms, recycling and using what grows. Sea Grant Three artificial reef research projects continued during 2000. Underwater video assessment of the new Cleveland Stadium artificial reefs will be used to determine fish concentration compared to non-reef locations. A smallmouth bass tagging project will provide data on fish movements to and from reefs and will also yield angler and life-history information.