CANFIELD – The Ohio State University Extension Mahoning County has announced several upcoming events.

— Gardeners of all experience levels are invited to kick off the growing season at the 2026 Spring Garden Workshop Saturday, April 25from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The full-day workshop will be held at the Mahoning County Extension Office, 490 S. Broad St..

Designed to inspire and educate, the workshop features two keynote presentations, a variety of hands-on and informational breakout sessions, door prizes, and opportunities to connect with local gardening experts and Master Gardener Volunteers. Topics range from plant selection and soil health to sustainable landscaping practices and garden art.

The morning keynote, “Easy Perennials and Annuals to Add Color to Your Landscape,” will be presented by Pam Bennett, Extension Educator and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Director. The afternoon keynote, “Top Trees and Shrubs for Northeast Ohio,” will be led by Paul Snyder, Operations Manager at Secrest Arboretum, highlighting resilient and regionally adapted woody plants.

Attendees will select three breakout sessions from options including growing plants from seed, rain gardens, soil health, succulents, pruning basics, creating wildlife-friendly spaces, and creative garden art projects. A hot lunch, educational handouts, session proceedings, and an optional make-and-take item are included with registration.

Registration is $45 per person and includes all sessions and materials. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. No refunds will be issued.

To register and view full workshop details, visit go.osu.edu/springworkshop2026.

— OSU Extension Mahoning County, in partnership with Flying High, will host a Free Garden Speaker Series designed to educate community members on gardening techniques and food preparation using homegrown ingredients. The series will take place throughout the spring and summer months at 100 Broadway Ave. in Youngstown.

Each session will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will provide participants with hands-on learning opportunities focused on growing, maintaining, and utilizing garden produce. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample simple dishes prepared with ingredients highlighted in each session.

The 2026 session topics include:

— April 30 – Stir-Fry Garden

— May 14 – One-Pot Garden (Container Gardening)

— June 25 – Healthy Soulful Garden

— July 23 – Grow Your Own BBQ Seasonings

— Aug. 13 – Pickling Garden Favorites

The program is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to dress for outdoor conditions, as sessions will be held rain or shine. Seating will be provided. In the event of severe weather, cancellations will be announced by 10 a.m. on the Mahoning County Extension Facebook page.

Advance registration is required by calling 330-533-5538.

This series aims to support community education by teaching practical gardening skills, promoting healthy eating habits, and encouraging the use of fresh, locally grown foods.

For information about OSU Extension Mahoning County programs, visit the Mahoning County Extension website at Mahoning.osu.edu/events.

— Community members and sewing enthusiasts are invited to shop, donate, and support local youth during the annual Fabric Frenzy, hosted by Ohio State University Extension Mahoning County.

Fabric Frenzy features a large selection of fabric and sewing-related supplies available to the public in exchange for a donation that benefits Mahoning County 4-H youth development programs. The event gives community members an opportunity to find quality sewing materials while helping support educational programming for local youth.

Community members can donate fabric and sewing supplies between May 1 and May 22, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Donations may include fabric, notions, patterns, yarn, sewing tools, and other craft materials in good condition.

The public is then invited to shop the collected materials during the Fabric Frenzy sale:

— Friday, May 29, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

— Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. to noon

The event will take place at the Extension Office located at 490 S. Broad St., Canfield.

Proceeds from the donation-based sale will directly support Mahoning County 4-H youth programs, which provide hands-on learning opportunities in leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

For information, contact the Mahoning County Extension Office at 330-533-5538.

— Community members are invited to attend a free, hands-on Urban Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop designed to help homeowners and gardeners care for and improve the health of their fruit trees. This educational clinic is hosted by Ohio State University Extension Mahoning County in partnership with Hope for Newport.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Hope for Newport, located at 420 Clearmont Dr., Youngstown.

Participants will learn essential pruning techniques to promote healthy growth, increase fruit production, and extend the life of fruit trees. The clinic will include both instruction and live demonstrations, making it ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Workshop highlights include:

— Introduction to pruning basics and essential tools

— Proper techniques for pruning newly planted fruit trees

— Strategies for maintaining established fruit trees

— Open question-and-answer session with an expert

The session will feature live demonstrations led by Chevy Motswaledi, OSU Extension Educator, who will guide attendees through practical, easy-to-follow pruning methods.

Attendees are encouraged to come ready to learn, ask questions, and gain confidence in managing their own home orchards.

This event is free and open to the public.

For information or to register, contact OSU Extension Mahoning County.

— Ever wonder what you can learn from a skull? Join Ohio State University Extension for an engaging and educational program, Skulls Tell It All, on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mahoning County Extension Office, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield.

This fascinating session will explore the secrets hidden in the skulls of Ohio’s mammals. Participants will learn how skull features reveal insights into animals’ diets, mating habits, and lifestyles — offering clues that can help identify wildlife and understand their behaviors in the natural world.

The program will be led by Stephanie Hughes, an OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, who brings hands-on knowledge and passion for local wildlife education.

The cost to attend is $5 per person, or participants may register for the full series for $30. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 330-533-5538. Payment options include cash, check, or credit card. Please note that refunds are not available.

This program is perfect for nature enthusiasts, families, educators, and anyone curious about the wildlife that calls Ohio home.

For information or to register, contact the Mahoning County Extension Office at 330-533-5538.