Richland Soil & Water

Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day
2025-07-04 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)

Free First Monday at Kingwood Center
2025-07-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Enjoy summer with us at beautiful Kingwood Center! Admission is free and we’ll have a fun kids activity and information about us.

Photos may be taken and used for promotional purposes.

Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts Workshop: Sweet Smelling Flowers
2025-07-08 18:00 - 20:00 | 1495 w longview avenue, mansfield, oh, 1495 W LONGVIEW AVE, MANSFIELD, Ohio, 44906
Create a beautiful and aromatic air freshener with air dry clay, dried flowers and essential oils. All workshop materials are provided.

Susan Heady, a Master Garden Volunteer at Secrest Arboretum, is the guest speaker. She will talk about edible flowers/plants and share information about Secrest Arboretum.

When you register for this workshop you are agreeing to receive information from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) like the quarterly e-newsletter. Richland SWCD reserves the right to take photos during the Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts workshop for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Liberty Park Summer Fest
2025-07-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Liberty Park, 579-595 Grace St., Mansfield, Ohio, 44905
Join us for a fun afternoon at Liberty Park and play stormwater cornhole! You’ll learn how to help manage stormwater while having fun. Plus, check out Sam’s worm bin and pick up information.

Photos may be taken and used for promotional purposes.

Pollinator Festival
2025-07-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Gorman Nature Center, 2295 Lexington Ave., Mansfield, OH, 44907, United States
Join us for this free, annual festival hosted by the Richland County Park District to learn about pollinators, their benefits and how you can help them. We’ll have a fun children’s activity and information on our programs and services.

Photos may be taken and used for promotional purposes.

Board Supervisor Meeting
2025-07-30 09:00 - 10:00
Board Supervisor meetings are open to the public and held in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258. Please contact Director Matt Christian, before the meeting if you wish to attend.

Richland County Fair
2025-08-04 11:00 - 2025-08-08 19:00 | Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Join us behind the Nature Park stage in the exhibit area to learn about how you can manage stormwater. Managing stormwater isn’t just for professionals; everyone can do their part even in small ways. Plus, guess the number of raindrops in the jar for a chance to win a Rain Barrel or planter of native plants.

Bring kids to the Nature Park Tuesday of Fair Week from 11 am to 2 pm to participate in a Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win one of three fabulous prizes!

While at the Nature Park, stroll through the native plant beds and cool off under the shade of the trees. Enjoy live entertainment at 7 p.m. each evening. Make sure to stop in the exhibit space to visit us and our partners for fun and educational activities and information.

Photos may be taken throughout the Fair for promotional purposes and becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Board Supervisor Election Begins
2025-08-13 08:00 - 2025-09-11 12:30 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
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 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. There is one open seat. Eligible voters shall be at least eighteen years of age at the time of the official election and own or occupy land with the boundaries of Richland County.

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.

2. At the Richland SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at the Ohio Area Agency on Aging, on 9/11/2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; or

3. Voting absentee from 8/13/2025 until 9/10/2025, 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 at 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.

Leonard Fox is the nominee.

Learn More About the Candidate

Don’t forget to register for the Annual Celebration by September 4, 2025. The Annual Celebration takes place September 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Area Agency on Aging. More information about the Celebration and registration at https://richlandswcd.net/event/annual-celebration-4/

Volunteer of the Year Tree Planting
2025-08-20 10:00 - 10:30
Please join us as we plant a Green Gable Black Gum tree in honor of Elaine Oswald, our Volunteer of the Year, at Liberty Park in Mansfield near the ball field. Elaine has volunteered with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District since 2016. Elaine serves the district as a precipitation monitor and provides daily reports of rain and snow amounts on the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District website. Elaine said she volunteers with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District 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 the mother of an adult son. We appreciate Elaine volunteering her time and talent to the District. Please join us at the tree planting to honor Elaine on being named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year!

Board Supervisor Meeting
2025-08-27 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-09-24 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-22 09:00 - 10:00
Board Supervisor meetings are open to the public and held in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258. Please contact Matt Christian, Director, before the meeting if you wish to attend.

Office Closed in Observance of Labor Day
2025-09-01 00:00 - 23:59

Pancakes & Pollinators
2025-09-03 12:00 - 13:30 | The Ohio State University at Mansfield, 1760 University Dr, MANSFIELD, 44906
We hope to see you as we celebrate pollinators! Pick up great information and don’t miss out on the pancakes and OSU at Mansfield’s own maple syrup. Delish!

Annual Celebration
2025-09-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Ohio Area Agency on Aging District 5, 2131 Park Avenue West, MANSFIELD, Ohio, 44906
Join us for the Annual Celebration at the Ohio Area Agency on Aging District 5, located at 2131 Park Avenue West, Mansfield.

11:30 am: Lunch Buffet

Noon: Program with District updates and Cooperator and Volunteer of the Year recipients announced.

Board Supervisor Voting is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Celebration is open to the public. The cost is $25.00 per person and reservations are requested by September 4 at noon. Reserve your ticket below. A convenience fee will be added to your purchase at checkout.

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

Board Supervisor election information below will be updated as details are available.

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. Voters will cast a ballot for one open Board Supervisor position.

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, which will take place at the Ohio Area Agency on Aging, District 5 located at 2131 Park Avenue West, Ontario on 9/11/2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; or

3. Voting absentee from 8/13/2025 until 9/10/2025, 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 4:00 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.

Leonard Fox is the nominee.

Learn More About the Candidates

Earth Stewardship Celebration Award Ceremony
2025-09-12 11:30 - 12:00
Join us, our partners and dignitaries as we celebrate the year’s projects completed by community members, organizations, businesses and government with the goal of making where we live, work and play a little better. The Earth Stewardship Celebration is an opportunity for residents, churches, nonprofit/community organizations, businesses, school and government agencies to renew their commitment to our community by scheduling and conducting a litter clean up, beautification project, tree planting, and/or recycling drive moving us toward a more sustainable community and environment. The award ceremony will be held at the Gazebo in downtown Mansfield.

Community Preparedness Fair
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Avita Ontario, 715 Richland Mall, Ontario, Ohio, 44906
Get ready for an action-packed day! Join us for this event hosted by Richland County EMA in partnership with Avita Ontario and the Ontario Center. The Fair will be outside in the Avita West parking lot. We’ll have a fun activity and information about our services and programs

Rain Garden and Rain Barrel Workshop
2025-10-01 17:00 - 18:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
In this free workshop, learn about Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels and their benefits including managing stormwater. One rain barrel and one rain garden native seed packet will be given away. You must be present to win. Please register for the workshop due to limited seating.

When you register for this workshop you are agreeing to receive information from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) like the quarterly e-newsletter. Richland SWCD reserves the right to take photos during the Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts workshop for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Office Closed in Observance of Columbus Day
2025-10-13 00:00 - 23:59

Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts Workshop: Aw, Nuts!
2025-10-14 17:00 - 20:00 | South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Ave, Mansfield, Ohio, 44903
Squirrels aren’t the only one’s who like acorns! In this workshop, participants will make a needle-felted ornament using the top of an acorn under the direction of Jean McClintock of Shady Lane Alpaca Farm. All workshop materials are provided. A representative from Secrest Arboretum will join us with samples of oak leaves and acorns grown at the Arboretum to help you identify oak trees.

This workshop will be held at Mansfield’s South Park in the log cabin. Members of the Richland Early American Center for History ( R.E.A.C.H.) who maintain and operate the 1800’s historical village located in the park will open the buildings at 5:00 p.m. for anyone who wants to tour them. The program and workshop will begin after the tour of the buildings.

Please note: Please dress for the weather. The buildings are not heated. Baseboard heaters will be used for the workshop but the log cabin may be chilly. Public restrooms are available at a nearby building. A convenience fee is added at checkout.

When you register for this workshop you are agreeing to receive information from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) like the quarterly e-newsletter. Richland SWCD reserves the right to take photos during the Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts workshop for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

County-Wide Common Milkweed Seed Pod Collection
2025-10-15 08:00 - 2025-10-31 16:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
Thank you for joining the county-wide Milkweed Seed Pod Collection. Drop your Common Milkweed Seed Pods off at the Richland SWCD office, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Suite 205B, Mansfield in the green and yellow bin located outside the office door.

Here are a few guidelines for this year’s collection:

We are collecting only Common Milkweed Seed pods because of the instability of other species. If you are unsure of the species, do not put them in the bin. Do not drop off pods that are damp or wet because it can cause mold and damage all the pods collected.

The amount of Common Milkweed Seed pods collected will be capped at 30 gallons due to the time required to remove the seeds from the pods. If the 30 gallon amount is reached, the bin will be removed and we will no longer be able to accept anymore pods.

Inside the bin, will be a large paper bag. Do not keep your pods in the bag you used to bring them to the drop off location. Instead, please add all common milkweed seed pods collectively in the large paper bag. Please do not rubber band pods together. They can damage the equipment used to remove the seeds from the pods and we will be held liable.

Thank you for helping with this year’s milkweed seed pod collection and helping the monarch butterfly!

More information about the collection may be found here: Programs | Richland Soil & Water (richlandswcd.net)

Office Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
2025-11-11 00:00 - 23:59

Board Supervisor Meeting - Cancelled
2025-11-26 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-24 09:00 - 10:00

Office Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
2025-11-27 00:00 - 2025-11-28 23:59

Office Closed for Staff Professional Development
2025-12-03 08:00 - 16:00

Special Board Supervisor Meeting
2025-12-10 09:00 - 11:00
This Special Board Supervisor Meeting is being held due to where the Christmas Holiday falls. Board Supervisor meetings are open to the public and held in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258. Please contact Matt Christian, Director, before the meeting if you wish to attend.

Office Closed at Noon Christmas Eve
2025-12-24 10:00 - 16:00

Office Closed in Observance of Christmas
2025-12-26 00:00 - 23:59
For immediate assistance, please contact Matt Christian, Director, at 419-544-2139.

Office Closed at Noon New Year's Eve
2025-12-31 12:00 - 16:00
