Award Recipients

Congratulations Elaine Oswald, 2025 Volunteer of the Year!

Elaine has volunteered with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District since 2016. She volunteers as a precipitation monitor and provides daily reports of rain and snow amounts on our website that is reported in real-time and used by the public, other volunteers, gardeners, community developers, elected officials and many more. Elaine said she volunteers with us because she has always been interested in conservation of our natural resources and felt monitoring precipitation was an easy way to participate. She holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and geology. As part of her education, she studied soils and is an avid gardener.

Elaine is retired and has an adult son.

Each volunteer of the year picks a public location for a tree to be planted in their honor and Elaine chose Liberty Park due to all the interest in revitalization of the Park. In August, a Green Gable Black Gum tree was donated by the District and planted. The Mansfield Park staff helped with the planting and will maintain the tree in the coming years.

Richland SWCD plants a tree in honor of the volunteer of the year because Elaine and other volunteers are committed to soil and water health and a tree provides long-lasting benefits. In addition to providing shade and adding beauty to an area, trees reduce the amount of stormwater runoff which helps reduce erosion and pollution in our waterways. Native trees are adapted to our climate, require less watering, and their strong roots help hold soil in place.

Black Gum trees are native to the Eastern United States including Ohio, other than in the drier counties in the northwestern part of the state. A Black Gum tree also goes by the name Tupelo. Each fall the tree will be bathed in beautiful scarlet and orange hues. Although hardly noticed by humans, the flowers and fruit are a good source of nectar for bees and food for birds. As it grows, it will contribute to the beauty of the park to be enjoyed by Leonard and Kathy, their family, our community, and future generations. 

Watch this video edited by intern Daniel Karger to learn more about Elaine and her contribution to Richland SWCD. Thank you, Elaine, for all you do for the district!

The 72-member volunteer team has contributed more than 2,000 hours since January 1, 2025, which has saved the General Fund approximately $66,000. Volunteers contribute high quality data that is used to track soil and water health in Richland County’s eight watersheds, plus assist with office tasks, at community events and with photography.

Congratulations The Ohio State University at Mansfield, 2025 Cooperator of the Year!

The Ohio State University at Mansfield was established as a regional campus of The Ohio State University, a Land Grant institution, in 1958 and occupies a 644-acre area campus shared with North Central State College.

The EcoLab at The Ohio State University at Mansfield campus is an umbrella term inclusive of all the outdoor assets on campus.  Among other features, the Ecolab consists of a maple research sugarbush complete with maple syrup production, woodland and wildlife management showcase areas, Right-of-Way Pollinator demonstration plots, vernal pools, hiking trails with interpretive signage, and the Grant and Mary Milliron Research Wetlands and Classroom.

The EcoLab was established to provide a range of course work and research experiences for students interested in careers in forestry, water, biology and wildlife.  Balancing internal teaching and research priorities while embracing the external community through outreach and leisure recreation is an overarching goal.

The EcoLab provides educational workshops and programs to the public. and fosters partnerships with public and private entities on a range of natural resource and environmental topics.

The Ohio State University at Mansfield is driven by a moral sense of responsibility to carefully and creatively steward campus resources.

Thank you for being commendable stewards, The Ohio State University at Mansfield!

Watch this video to learn more about The Ohio State University at Mansfield’s stewardship activities.

Cooperator of the Year Award Recipients 1964-Present