Design: About

Stroll down memory lane through the pages of Reminisce. Volunteers scan and edit photos dating back to the 1960s and you will find thousands of historical photos documenting the history of Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and Richland County with respect to the District’s involvement. If you have photos you wish to share with us from 1943 to the present or can provide us with dates or a description for some of the photos, please contact us. We appreciate you helping to fill in the missing pieces.

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

Email general inquiries to Contact@richlandswcd.net or call 419-747-8686.

Board Supervisors

Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors are publicly elected by a special general election. The Board of Supervisors create an annual and long-term plan of operation that protects the District’s mission and vision and are interested, conservation-minded, local leaders who promote conservation of the county’s natural resources through education, planning and technical assistance which are key to the success of the District. Supervisors are elected to a three-year term as a public official and serve without pay. Supervisors advocate for the District, attend and participate in monthly board meetings, assist with District programs and services and attend area and state meetings.

The Board meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 9:00 a.m. and meetings are open to the public. If there is a date or time change, we will provide it. The public is encouraged to contact Matt Christian, Director, for scheduling their time at the meeting and to obtain the District Board packet of action items. Please contact Matt for details.

2025 Board Supervisor Election Information

The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission will cause an election of Supervisors of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for one open position to be held in accordance with Chapter 940 of the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals who own or occupy land within the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 years of age or older may vote for Supervisor.

There are three ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:

1. At the Richland SWCD office, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Suite 205 B, Mansfield, from 8/13/2025 until 9/10/2025 during normal business hours; or

2. At the Richland SWCD Annual Celebration, 9/11/2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 p.m. at the Area Agency on Aging Hawkins Corner Room, 2131 Park Avenue West, Ontario; or

3. Voting absentee from 8/13/2025 until 9/01/2025, by requesting the ballot application and election ballot from the Richland SWCD office at the following address 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Suite 205 B, Mansfield, by calling 419-747-8686, or email election@richlandswcd.net. Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 9/10/2025 at 4 p.m.                                    

Supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2028. The Board of Supervisors create an annual and long-term plan of operation that protects the District’s mission and vision and are interested, conservation-minded, local leaders who promote conservation of the county’s natural resources through education, planning and technical assistance which are key to the success of the District. Supervisors are elected to a three-year term as a public official and serve without pay. Supervisors advocate for the District, attend and participate in monthly board meetings, assist with District programs and services and attend area and state meetings.

Candidates TBD

How to Become a Board Supervisor

• OAC Rule 901:13-3-01: Nominations (successor elections)
• OAC Rule 901: 13-3-02: Candidate, Voter, and Ballot Eligibility (successor elections)
• OAC Rule 901:13-3-03: Note of Elections (successor elections)
• OAC Rule 901:13-3-04: Election Conduct (successor elections)
• OAC Rule 901:13-3-05 | Election challenge (successor elections)

Past Board Supervisors

Staff