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 Leonard N. Fox, 2023 Volunteer of the Year!

Leonard began volunteering with Richland SWCD in 2016. He serves the district as a precipitation monitor and reports daily rain and snow amounts in real-time on the Richland SWCD website. He said, “Being a farmer, you are always interested in the weather. Rainfall is important for so many reasons including crop growth.” Leonard enjoys volunteering with the district because he said the precipitation monitor program is easy to use and he is pleased the data helps the county and can be used nationally.

Leonard also volunteers with the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce and participates in the Knights of Columbus. Leonard enjoys beekeeping, hunting, fishing, spending time with family at their farm and at the lake in the summer months. He planted butterfly-friendly plants and milkweed plots to help Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Each fall he collects the milkweed pods and donates them to Richland SWCD for distribution. He is semi-retired from Schumacher Farms, Inc. where he is part owner. He and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters, Theresa and Michele, sons-in-law Jeremy and Michael, and four grandsons Xavier, Calvin, Sam, and Jack.

Richland SWCD plants a tree in honor of the volunteer of the year because Leonard 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.

Each volunteer of the year picks a public location for the tree planting and Leonard chose Seltzer Park in Shelby, near the gazebo and playscape, because his grandchildren enjoy playing on the playscape.

A Black Gum tree was planted in Leonard’s honor in August. 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. 

The Shelby Park staff, Mayor Schag, and others assisted in the tree planting. Jerry Marshall, Shelby Park Supervisor, and his staff will care for the Black Gum in coming years.

Leonard received the Richland SWCD Forestry Award in 2014. Between 2012 and 2014 he developed a forestry management plan to help meet his goals for his woodland. He improved forty acres of woodlands with grapevine removal and culling of mediocre trees. By following his Forest Stand Improvement Plan, Leonard allowed the profitable trees room to grow which improved the woodlands value. 

Thank you for all you do for the district, Leonard! Watch this video our intern, Austin Michael, created about Leonard and the tree planting.

The 52-member volunteer team has contributed more than 1,800 hours since September 1, 2023, which has saved the General Fund approximately $52,200. Volunteers contribute high quality data that is used to track soil and water health in Richland County’s eight watersheds.

Congratulations William R. Flanegan, Jr., 2023 Cooperator of the Year!

William received the 2023 Cooperator of the Year award for his work at the Nature Park located at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Over a 10-year period, the life-long, master gardener has transformed and maintained the landscaping into a beautiful green area adorned with native plants.  He has coordinated the work at the Nature Park with help from other volunteers including his wife, Tonya, Howard Harriman, Linda Bixler, Barb Keller, Vickie Eichof, Doug Versaw, Jim Kulig, Carol Sheppard, and Randy Hanlon.

If you go to the Nature Park on most Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. from March through November, you will find Bill and other volunteers mowing, planting, watering, dividing plants, installing landscape art, putting up Nature Park signs, and enjoying each other’s company.  They are happy to point out pollinators who land on a plant and share their knowledge about the plants. Spotting a pollinator never gets old.

Bill’s love for native plants was inspired by a book he read by Doug Tallamy, “Bringing Nature Home.” Now he inspires others to use native plants for the benefits they provide like having a strong root structure which helps prevent soil erosion, being acclimated to our climate so they require less watering and helping pollinators and other wildlife.

Other projects Bill has been involved in at the nature park include removing non-native species, reconstruction of a wall and providing plant identification. Have you ever planted a dead tree upside down on purpose? Bill has and he is unapologetic. He said, “These are bird attractors and for some reason they just feel safe perching in them. We also planted some dead Black Locust trees upside down to display contorted root systems. I love watching people’s reactions to this oddity. I think it is natural “art”.”

William is also devoted to educating the public and fellow volunteers about the importance of planting native plants. He invites groups to the Nature Park to learn more about native plants and conducts an annual program highlighting the native plants during the Richland County Fair.

Watch this video about William, created by intern Austin Michael.

Thank you for being a commendable steward, William!

Cooperator of the Year Award Recipients 1964-Present

1964: Chester Hampton
1965: Lee Oswalt
1966: Jack Gatton
1967: Al Schumacher
1968: John Winger
1969: Chester Mowry
1970: Ralph Winters
1971: Leonard Krietemeyer
1972: Ken & Robert McConkie
1973: LaVaughn Oswalt
1974: Harry Benson
1975: Tom Kranz
1976: John Simmons
1977: Bob Kissel
1978: Jim Zimmer, Sr.
1979: John Scherer
1980: John Ramsay
1981: Bill Bierly
1982: Carl Mowry
1983: Owen Galloway
1984: Howard Doner
1985: Ken Nixon
1986: Jim & John McCarron
1987: Floyd McFarland
1988: Leonard Krietemeyer
1989: Ted Hickerson
1990: Howard & Dean Cook
1991: Gene & Steve Spoerr
1992: Dr. Charles Young
1993: Bill & Charlie Briner
1994: Dean Swigart
1995: Ed Huff
1996: Kenneth Ernst
1997: Van Ross Wade
2004: John Culler
2005: Grant Milliron
2006: Ivan Ulmer
2007: Robert Niese
2008: Fred & Lynn Cooke
2013: John & Martha Sherer
2014: David Burley
2015: Charles &Diane Winger
2016: Walter, Regina, Peter, Cathy Berg—Berg Farms
2017: John Akers & Beer Farms
2018: Jay Miller
2019: Winfield Meek
2020: Eisenhauer Family Farm
2021: Kingwood Center Gardens
2022: Roger Baird

2023: William R. Flanegan, Jr.

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 August Board Meeting has been changed to August 30. Typically, the Board meets the third Wednesday of every month at 9:00 a.m. and meetings are open to the public. The public is encouraged to contact Erica Thomas, Director, for scheduling their time at the meeting and to obtain the District Board packet of action items. Please contact Erica for details.

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) 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 8/9/2023 until 9/6/2023 during normal business hours or 9/7/2023 from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon; or

2. At the Richland SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at the Kehoe Center located at 175 Mansfield Avenue, Shelby  on 9/7/2023 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ; or

3. Voting absentee from 8/9/2023 until 8/31/2023, 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 9/7/2023 at 12 noon.                                    

Supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2026. 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.

Nominees are Brian Alt, Rick Novak, and Greg Timberlake

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

Aaron L. Lockhart, 1949-1958, Jefferson Township
Kenneth Nixon, 1949-1954, Madison Township
Harvey Snyder, 1949-1952, Worthington Township
Warren Smith, 1949-1951, Butler Township
Lewis Rinehart, 1949-1952, Sandusky Township
William Wareham, 1952-1960, Jackson Township
Robert Walker, 1953-1957, Springfield Township
Carl Baker, 1953-1961, Weller Township
Lee Oswalt, 1955-1960, Franklin Township
David Field, 1958-1958, Perry Township
Robert Davidson, 1958-1958, Troy Township
Derald Darling, 1959-1967, Worthington Township
Freeman Swank, 1959-1971, Jefferson Township
Earl Hetrick, 1961-1969, Springfield Township
Chester Jones, 1961-1969, Plymouth Township
John Hattery, 1962-1964, Weller Township
Richard Lehnhart, 1965-1970, Monroe Township
Dale Cook, 1968-1978, Mifflin Township
Tom Kranz, 1970-1972, Cass Township
Leo Fair, 1970-1978, Butler Township
John Winger, 1971-1972, Mifflin Township
Ralph Winters, 1971-1972, Monroe Township
Kenneth Ernst, 1973-1993, Cass Township
James McCarron, 1973-1982, Franklin Township
Richard Forbes, 1973-1997, Worthington Township
Harvey Yost, 1973-1982, Franklin Township
Jack Meyers, 1979-1980, Jefferson Township
Robert McConkie, 1982-1992, Jefferson Township
John Scherer, 1982-1987, Sharon Township
D.Charles Winger, 1983-Present, Mifflin Township
Ed Huff, 1988-1993, Butler Township
Dale Broeske, 1992-1998, Perry Township
John Culler, 1993-1999, Monroe Township
Dale Hulit, 1993-2002, Weller Township
Ken Burrer, Jr., 1998-Present, Bloomingrove Township
LaVaughn Oswalt, 2000-2002, Butler Township
Bob Winbigler, 1999-Present, Worthington Township
Jerry Schumacher, 2003-Present, Sharon Township
Roger Cook, 2003-Present, Mifflin Township
Wayne Weirick, 2005-Present, Troy Township
Bob Winbigler, 2004-2015, Worthington Township
Chris Powell, 2011-2014, Mifflin Township
Matt Cook, 2012-2018, Mifflin Township, Rocky Fork Watershed
Jim McKinney, 2012-2015, Plymouth Township
Mike Switzer, 2010-2016, Monroe Township, Rocky Fork Watershed
Brian Alt, 2015-Present, Jackson Township, Black Fork Watershed
Vincent (Skip) Malaska, 2016-2018, Madison Township, Rocky Fork Watershed
Barbara Zaugg Joudrey, 2016-2018, Springfield Township, Clear Fork Watershed
Fred Cooke, 2017-Present, Plymouth Township, Black Fork Watershed
Kyle Bailey, 2018-2019, Jackson Township, Black Fork Watershed
Lanny Hopkins, 2018-Present, Jackson Township, Black Fork Watershed
Dave Krichbaum, 2018-2021, Jackson Township, Black Fork Watershed
Aaron Dearth, 2019-2021, Jefferson Township, Clear Fork Watershed
Jean McClintock, 2022-Present, Troy Township, Clear Fork Watershed
Rob McConkie, Jr., 2021-Present, Jefferson Township, Clear Fork Watershed

Staff