Progress 04/01/24 to 03/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:* Central State University Extension Program specialists and Leaders and other extension staff; * Researchers from the EvansAllen Program and the McIntire Stennis Program; * Administrators associated with the 1890 Land Grant Programs at Central State University; * Farmers and foresters from Ohioincluding small, disadvantaged farmers. * 4-H Program participants and program administrators. * Immediately surrounding community groups in Wilberforce and other areas. * Community groups from the urban and ruralareas of Ohio. * Resource conservationists - professional and community groups. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue construction of the Farm Research Facility, completing (Phase 1 -building core/shell) and (Phase 2 - 10k sq. ft. interior build-out). In addition, (Initial Phase 3 - 30k sq. ft. interior build-out) will be started (contingent on NIFA prior approval). CSU-LGplans to al;so initiate and finish aestheticupgrades in Jenkins Hall, a project to improveclassrooms, faculty/staff offices, support spaces and common-use student spaces throughout the building (contingent on NIFA prior approval).
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
On July 17, 2023, ground was broken for the construction of the Farm Research Facility (FRF) ... a40,000 sq. ft. facility to be constructed in three phases: Phase 1 = 40k sq. ft. Building Core/Shell. On schedule to be completed in April 2025. Phase 2 = 10k sq. ft. Interior Build-Out. On schedule to be completed in July 2025. includes seven faculty/staff offices, a core research lab, lobby, first floor restrooms, and elevator. Phase 3 = 30k sq. ft. Interior Build-Out. To be completed in multiple phases. InitialPhase willinclude completion of Design Development for the first floor (currently 50% complete), and the construction of a chemical storage room,cold storage unit, andthree research labs Food Safety Microbiology Lab Molecular Biology & Tissue Culture Lab Ag Precision Lab In February/March 2025, CSU-LG intends tosubmit a Prior Approval Request for the ... Phase 3 - Initial Phase(mentioned above) Jenkins Hall - aesthetic upgrades project. This planned work will encumber the remaining funds ofthe 2019-2023 and close the cycle. It will also begin utilizing available funds of the current 5-year cycle.
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Progress 04/01/23 to 03/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Central State University Extension Program specialists and Leaders and other extension staff; Researchers from the Evans Allen Program and the McIntire Stennis Program. Administrators associated with the 1890 Land Grant Programs at Central State University Farmers and foresters from Ohio including small, disadvantaged farmers. 4-H Program Participants and program administrators Immediately surrounding community groups in Wilberforce and other areas Community groups from the urban and rural areas of Ohio. Resource conservationists -professional and community groups. Changes/Problems:Challenges faced in completing objectives/goals are as follows ... Construction of the Research Facility was delayed due to challenges in acquiring competitive contractor bids. Central Ohio's construction market is booming with several multi-billion-dollar projects creating unprecedented skilled trade labor shortages. This demand not only limited the number of contractors willing to provide bids but increased the costs of the work being bid on. Additionally, a lack of staff at CSU/LG to initiate funded facility projects has contributed to delays in spending down the available funds. However, in the past 12 months, CSU/LG has both on-boarded several full-time personnel to address the management and administration of construction/renovation projects and has identified a state agency (Ohio Facilities Construction Commission) to assist with this work. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Farm Research Facility Continue construction of the core/shell and a 10,000-sf build-out that includes office/conference space and a core research laboratory. Identify funding for the remaining 30,000-sf build-out. Farm Storage Facility Begin and complete the project construction phase, test the installed systems, and occupy the building. Jenkins Hall Improvements Work with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to review the scope of work and solicit RFQ's for design consultants. Request NIFA approval to enter the design phase. Complete the design phase.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Farm Research Facility: On July 17, 2023, ground was broken for the construction of the Farm Research Facility (FRF) core/shell and the 10,000-sf buildout. Since then, extensive sitework excavation has been completed, including the creation of a new water feature (lake) required for site water retentionof the Research Development Complex (RDC). This feature will serve all forthcoming development shown on the RDC Master Plan that was updated in December 2023. Construction of the FRFhas also progressed consistently. To date, the foundations, structural steel frame, roof, and precast concrete panels constituting the building's exterior skin are all in-place. The sanitary and storm water sewer line installations are also complete. Farm Storage Facility: The design phase for the Farm Storage Facility(FSF) is complete. This 17,581 sf facility, also located within the RDC is designed to house the equipment utilized by LG's research/extension programs. The FSF design includes conference/office space and will serve as an education hub forstudentand community stakeholders. The construction document phase is also completed,contractor bids tabs are calculated and theproject is ready to enter the construction phase upon receipt of NIFA's approval. Jenkins Hall: Facilities Grant funds have been identified and allocated for a building-wide renovation of Jenkins Hall. The project scope of work has been identified, notated, disseminated/approved by the facility end-users, namely faculty and staff. The aforementioned work is preparatoryfor the proceedingstep ofonboarding of a professional designconsultant to assist with the design/construction phases.
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Progress 04/01/22 to 03/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Central State University Extension Program specialists and Leaders and other extension staff; Researchers from the Evans Allen Program and the McIntire Stennis Program. Administrators associated with the 1890 Land Grant Programs at Central State University Farmers and foresters from Ohio including small, disadvantaged farmers. 4-H Program Participants and program administrators Immediately surrounding community groups in Wilberforce and other areas Community groups from the urban and rural areas of Ohio. Resource conservationists -professional and community groups. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Allocate funds to a portion of the construction of the CSU Research Facility Renovate spaces in CENS, Jenkins, and McLin to provide library support for Research Scientists and Student Research Assistants and research Technicians
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Conducted cultural survey of land for farm storage facility Received approval from NIFA to engage a contractor for the workand entered into formal agreement with Adeena Corporation
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Progress 04/01/21 to 03/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:All students at Central State University (CSU) and in particular students in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (AGRI-STEM) areas from the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) and students following the option of Agricultural Business from the College of Business. Central State University Extension Program specialists and Leaders and other extension staff; Researchers from the Evans Allen Program and the McIntire Stennis Program. Administrators associated with the 1890 Land Grant Programs at Central State University Farmers and foresters from Ohio including small, disadvantaged farmers. 4-H Program Participants and program administrators Immediately surrounding community groups in Wilberforce and other areas Community groups from the urban and rural areas of Ohio. Resource conservationists -professional and community groups. Changes/Problems:Related work suffered slow completion because of COVID-19 pandemic. The person from the Finance office assigned by the University to assist with all the construction on Campus left the University, impacting negatively the coordination of the work from the Land Grant Office and the Finance Office which was assigned managing the construction of FFR. The SHPO review and approval for the FFR also took time. We will be planning additional spaces to be incorporated in FFR for research, extension and instruction. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Under the objective :Acquisition of Laboratory and Field Equipmentand Library Support: Renovate spaces in CENS, Jenkins, and McLin to provide library support for Research Scientists and Student Research Assistants and research Technicians Renovate laboratories in CENS and upgrade furniture We plan to receive permission from NIFA for constructing FFR and seek approval from NIFA for the contractor work. We also plan to expand the FFR for incorporating additional spaces and facilities for research and extension along with spaces for associated instruction.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Design and Construction of Facilities for Farm Research (FFR) Communicated with NIFA for the required approval for engaging a contractor for the work. We received communication from NIFA indicating pending items needed before approval of the FFR storage facilities. The items required and the corresponding status are outlined below:: Approval from the Xenia Township Trustee to construct facilities at the FFR location: Such approval will be sought only after the contract work has been assigned and when details of the structure are submitted. An Environmental Assessment for the FFR location: This has been received for FFR without any additional queries. Approval by the State Historical Preservation Officer for the FFR location: This has been received and a request for NIFA for constructing FFR has been submitted. No funds have been released by NIFA yet for the construction. Lease and Furnishing of Space in the REACH Center in Xenia This project has been completed. Acquisition of Laboratory and Field Equipment and Library Support The equipment sets for Water Resources Management area have been received. The electrical work is near completion. It was realized that the electrical connection details initially given were different from what is indicated in the equipment manual. The contract details are being worked on at the time of developing this report. Acquisition of Land around CSU Campuses in Wilberforce and Dayton In view of the focus on completing FFR, we did not acquire land or properties during this period. Completion of Previously Identified Objectives We entered into contract with Ellerton Enterprises LLC to complete urgently needed drainage work in the Botanical and Community Vegetable Garden. All work related to the Garden is now complete. The work on Emery Hall is now complete.
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Progress 04/01/20 to 03/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students at Central State University, mainly in Science, Teachnology, Engineeering, Agriculture and Matheatics (STEAM) areas. Faculty researchers and associated staff at Central State University. Extension specialists and associated staff at Central State University. Administrators associated with the 1890 Land Grant Programs at Central State University Farmers and forester from Ohio including small, disadvantaged farmers. Program Participants and program administrators Immediately surrounding community groups in Wilberforce and other areas Community groups from the urban and rural areas of Ohio. Resource conservationists -professional and community groups. Collaborating institutions, including the Ohio State University and Federal and State agencies. Changes/Problems:The work was slowed down by COVID-19. Accessing contractors and the rate at which the work was done got slowed down during the pandemic. Many activities have to continue during the next phase of the grant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The following activities are planned: We will mainly concentrate on activities related to FFR design and construction. Purchase and installation of equipment for the Water Resources Management Area. Completion of Emery Hall repairs. Emergency repairs to completed projects will be undertaken.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1: Design and Construction of Facilities for Farm Research (FFR). The initial investigations for constructing the FFR in the property along US 42 across the campus were started. The criteria document was developed for the construction of FFR which would initially contain storage spaces for farm equipment. The location and siting of the FFR in relation to campus master plan was developed. The document contained the following: Criteria Documents Program Of Requirements Room Data Sheets University Master Plan Document Conceptual Floor Plan Zoning Applicable Codes / Standards / Accreditations Phase 1 Environmental Report 00090 County Zoning Map And Information Greene County - Water & Sewer Tap Fees And Costs 2019 The possible contractors proposals were reviewed, and qualifications assessed. Goal 2: Lease and Furnishing of Space in the REACH Center in Xenia The leasing was disallowed, and the needed furniture was purchased and installed. Goal 3: Acquisition of Laboratory and Field Equipment and Library Support. The Water Resources Management (WRM) area equipment needs in the hydraulics/hydrology area were assessed and preliminary assessment of possible equipment suppliers was conducted. Goal 4: Acquisition of Land around CSU Campuses in Wilberforce and Dayton. We purchased a property at 1523 US 42, Wilberforce, OH 45385 at a cost of $67,000 - parcel # M36000200391002900. This property of 0.73 acres, has a 2039 sq.ft building that, after property modifications, can be utilized for research and extension activities related to setting up experimental farms. The facility could also house appropriate teaching and training spaces. The property is conveniently located between the experimental farm plots and the CSU Botanical and Community Vegetable Garden (BCVG), which will enable transfer of equipment and supplies for the two service areas from a convenient location. The new location will avoid too many crossings across US 42, resulting in safer working conditions for research staff, students and other stakeholders. Goal 5: Completion of Previously Identified Objectives The Jenkins Hall chiller installation work was completed during this period. The Emery Hall repair work continued during this year.
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Progress 04/01/19 to 03/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience: Undergraduate students at Central State University, mainly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (STEAM) areas. Faculty researchers and associated staff at Central State University. Extension specialists and educators Administrators associated with the 1890 Land Grant Programs at Central State University Farmers and foresters from Ohio including small, disadvantaged farmers. Wilberforce's residents and community groups Community groups from the urban (Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Sandusky, Springfield, Toledo, and Troy) across Ohio. Resource conservationists -professional and community groups. K-12 school groups for field trips Seed to Bloom and REAP residential camp program participants from middle and high schools in the region Changes/Problems:Major problems include the following: Delays from NIFA in approving the award. CSU has just received approvals from NIFA of the revised budget sent to them following the guidelines given. The disruptions caused by Coronavirus Pandemic. Currently, the campus is operating under restricted conditions and the University is expecting work done electronically to the best extent possible. However, the filed staff are working diligently to maintain and operate facilities completed using Facilities Grant support. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The University is planning to have an opening ceremony for the Botanical and Vegetable Community Garden (BVCG). This has been interrupted by the Corona Virus. The Communications Specialist is planning to disseminate information on BVCG to the public. The following plans for dissemination have been developed: We began planting flowers and maintaining the beds so the garden would be appealing to the public. Mr. Milt Thompson, the Director of Facilities is arranging to mow and weed whack in the garden area. We are planting the garden boxes for the summer. The garden has not been open to the public because of COVID-19. We also cancelled plans to have community members maintain garden plots to grow produce for their households. We have only planted annual flowers and vegetables to provide color for the garden for those passing by and for the public once it opens. We plan to use part of the garden for a healing area for students returning to campus this fall. Gardening is an activity of the soul and we want to engage students to interact with the garden area. The garden will remain closed until CSU campus opens. We are planning to erect a kiosk at the parking lot entrance to the garden that will contain safety protocols for visitors for a COVID-19 response. Plans for the garden. We are working on signage for the garden. There will be a large sign on State Route 42 to draw attention to the garden. A smaller sign will be on Wilberforce Switch Road on the fence that will include the garden hours. Signs inside the garden will state the rules and hours of operation. A kiosk will be erected to announce upcoming events. Five interpretive signs will be in the garden for self-guided education. Small signs will be placed by the plants with common and Latin names for educational purposes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The approvals from NIFA to continue our proposed efforts have been received. Now this will involve extending the project period through 03/31/2022, allowing for the disruptions caused by the Coronoa virus pandemic. The following are the newer project lines for the different objectives: Facilities for Farm Research (FFR)- We are accruing sufficient funds to design and construct a larger building. The allocations will be saved for constructing a larger building. Jenkins and McLin Facility Improvements NIFA approved the Jenkins Chiller project and the project has been completed. The chillers were installed as planned and building HVAC conditions have improved. The furnishings for laboratories, class rooms and other areas have been finalized and the purchase/installation got delayed because of the COVID-19 situation. We expect to work on this when the campus returns in August. Botanical and Community Vegetable Garden We are planning for invasive plant removal in the wooded area. We have a number of understory plants that are on the Ohio Invasive Specie List and need to be removed. In the fall we will be planting bulbs so the garden will have a sea of color in the spring and throughout the growing season. Other plantings being considered are pollinator-friendly areas, Ohio native plants, and an African-American Heritage garden. Plans are being considered to pave the parking lot and walking paths to increase accessibility for those with special needs. We need to install security for the garden as well as internet access for the security and programming needs. Activities that are planned will include: K-12 school groups to utilize the garden for field trips. The ANR Extension Associate (Clare Thorn) is planning programming to match Ohio science standards for each grade level. We are planning to engage CSU agricultural education students to help teach during these events. CSU faculty to utilize garden for teaching Community gardens that will be made available to local Wilbeforce residents. Gardening classes will be offered in the garden for people to learn about new plants and produce to grow as well as care and maintenance of their own woodland or landscape. A Master Junior Gardener chapter will be formed to engage local children in learning and interaction in the garden. The chapter will be open to the community as well as faculty and staff. The garden will be used for the Seed to Bloom and REAP residential camp programs Extension educators will be able to use the garden for workshops and trainings for gardening, woodland management, and landscaping The garden will be used for healing, meditation, and reflection for the public--including students, faculty, staff, residents, and anyone who stops by.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Completion of Budget Revisions Requested by NIFA. Per award notification of 03/21/2019 which stated: "FY 2018 funds in the amount of $1,298,851 are being withheld pending receipt and approval of a revised budget removing the unallowable cost of objective II (Lease and Furnishing of the REACH Center in Xenia, Ohio) to an allowable cost category or to a new objective. In addition, all funds are withheld pending receipt and approval of selected contractors, equipment and other expenses associated with this project." Summary of the revised budget was sent to NIFA in the narrative sent that excluded the Leasing of Reach Facilities in Xenia. The summary of the revised budget was sent to NIFA and was approved as per Amendment 20. Design and Construction of Facilities for Farm Research (FFR). Resources were set aside for the construction of modules of buildings for FFR. It was realized that we urgently needed space to park the tractors and other farm implements that we have already purchased. Morton Buildings contractor was approached for designing and constructing 9,600sq.ft. facility to park the tractors and service them. Preliminary drawings to obtain a quote for design and construction were obtained. It was realized that the water and sewer systems needed for the building have to be installed. Two groundwater drilling companies were contacted to preliminarily to develop plans for the water system for the FFR. Boone Water systems submitted a quote for 15 gpm system that was considered inadequate. It was also realized since sewer facilities are not available at the proposed location that we should consider a septic system for drainage. The conditions near the proposed tractor parking servicing facility also might require tile drainage. It was decided to consolidate the resources over a few years to construct modules for the FFR. Lease and Furnishing of Space in the REACH Center in Xenia As instructed by NIFA leasing space was dropped off from the budget and only furnishing the spaces to be used by the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) was purchased and installed. The space is functional with CEP conducting training and outreach programs at the REACH Center. Acquisition of Laboratory and Field Equipment and Library Support Because of the delays at NIFA due to transitioning to Kansas City, approvals for items under different goals got delayed and the planning and purchasing of needed laboratory and field equipment could not proceed. Acquisition of Land around CSU Campuses in Wilberforce and Dayton The following properties were purchased with NIFA approval: A property on 1206 Shorter Road in Wilberforce, OH near Campus. Total land extent is 1.765 acres with a 4186 sq.ft multi unit residential building in poor condition. A property on 1523 E US 42, Wilberforce, OH across Campus. Land area extent 0.73 acres with house of extent 2013 sq.ft needing repairs. Completion of Previously Identified Objectives 1) Renovation of Emery Hall, Emery Hall work has been completed. Furniture purchase and installation and internet data drop, phone connection work have been completed. At the time of reporting preparations are under way for research and extension staff to move in to the facility. 2) Botanical and Community Vegetable Garden. The Botanical and Community Vegetable Garden (BVCG) work has been completed. Dr. Alcinda Folck, Agricultural Natural Resources (ANR) Specialist from the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) has been made responsible to operate the BVCG. 3) Jenkins Hall Improvement The Chiller replacement in Jenkins Hall is now complete and the building HVAC conditions have improved. The quote from APG for providing furniture to Jenkins Hall has been approved by NIFA and actual purchase has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect this step to be completed upon opening of campus for students and staff.
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