Richland Soil & Water

Volunteer of the Year Tree Planting
2024-09-05 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Please join us as we plant a black gum tree in honor of Robert Donaldson, our Volunteer of the Year, at Patriot Park in Lexington. Robert begin volunteering with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District in 2023. It is unusual for such a new volunteer to be named Volunteer of the Year, but Robert has been such a help to the district in such a short time, he is a natural choice. Robert 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. He has helped in other numerous ways with creating and updating many Excel workbooks to provide us with accurate and up-to-date information. He also developed a Precipitation Monitor training power point. Robert said he volunteers with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District because it is a natural extension of his current work with CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network). He spent many years as a manager and consultant doing process improvement projects, many of which included extensive excel spread sheets and PowerPoint presentations and he thought he might be able to help with our process.

Robert has volunteered with SCORE for 22 years. SCORE provides free mentoring to individuals who want to start a small business and to small businesses owners. He has served as a mentor, technology chair and as chapter chair. He has volunteered with COCoRaHS since March 2023 making daily precipitation reports, frost reports and weekly condition reports and volunteers at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.

Robert is retired and a father of three children. Thank you, Robert, for volunteering with the district! Congratulations on being named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year!

Office Closed in Observance of Labor Day
2024-09-02 00:00 - 23:59
Office closed in observance of Labor Day.

Board Supervisor Election Begins
2024-08-28 08:00 - 2024-09-25 16:00 | 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. 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 8/28/2024 until 9/25/2024 during normal business hours.

2. At the Richland SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at the Ohio Area Agency on Aging, on 9/26/2024 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; or

3. Voting absentee from 8/28/2024 until 9/19/2024, 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 9/25/2024 at 4 p.m.

Supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2027. 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 are Jean McClintock and Pamela McKown.

Learn More About the Candidates

Don’t forget to register for the Annual Celebration by September 18, 2024. The Annual Celebration takes place September 25 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-3/.

Board Supervisor Meeting
2024-08-27 09:00, 2024-07-17 09:00, 2024-05-15 09:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
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.

Richland County Fair
2024-08-05 11:00 - 2024-08-09 19:00 | Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Join us behind the Nature Park stage to learn about soil health and how you can take the soil your undies challenge! Look for the undies blowing in the wind at our booth to find out. We’ll also be on the Nature Park stage Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. to show you how you can participate in the soil your undies challenge at home or business. Plus, enter the contest to guess the number of “worms” (gummy worms) in the jar. The contest is open to anyone 8 years and older and the winner gets the jar of gummy worms. The contest is limited to one entry per person.

Also, the Nature Park stage will be teeming with other natural resource, wildlife and environmental programs Monday through Friday afternoons. 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.

Pastures for Profit Grazing School
2024-07-23 18:00 - 21:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and our partners for this special workshop for anyone interested in pasture and grazing management. Those new to livestock and forage management are encouraged to join.

This is a 3-day series.

The Grazing School is July 23 and July 25 at The Longview Center from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Pasture Walk is July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eisenhauer Farm located at 7146 Guthrie Rd in Shiloh, Ohio.

The School fee includes a grazing stick, and USB with course manual. Registration is requested by July 19 and the cost for the series is $30.00 per person.

When you register for Pastures For Profit Grazing School you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Animal Mortality Composting Certification
2024-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
Attend the Animal Mortality Composting Certification if you compost animals. Before you compost dead livestock, you must obtain an Animal Mortality Composting Certification. The certification is a legal requirement per the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 901: 13: 1 – 13. The complete Rule is found at https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/chapter-901:13-1

Presenter: Glen Arnold, Hancock County OSU Extension. Mr. Arnold has specialized in manure nutrient management since 2012. His work has involved subsurface swine manure applications into wheat, side dressing corn with liquid livestock manure on emerged corn or replacing commercial side dress nitrogen with liquid manure on emerged corn.

Pizza, class materials and certificate are provided.

Register by July 8

Cost: $15.00 per person.

Thank you to Crawford and Richland County Farm Bureaus and Hord Livestock for their sponsorships.

When you register for the Animal Mortality Composting Certification you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts Workshop: Long Live Leaves
2024-07-09 18:00 - 20:00 | 1495 w longview avenue, mansfield, oh, 1495 W LONGVIEW AVE, MANSFIELD, Ohio, 44906
Make a lovely clay dish from an impression of a leaf. This workshop’s guest speaker is Kim Hildreth who wears many hats. She has led the Earth Stewardship Celebration steering committee and assisted the Mansfield Shade Tree Commission for 28 years and is employed by the Mansfield Engineering Department where she is responsible for the NPDES Phase 2 Storm Water permit. She will share how trees and leaves are beneficial including the impact trees have on storm water management. All workshop materials are provided.

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.

MWCD Cover Crop Cost Share Applications Due
2024-07-09 09:00 - 16:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) is partnering with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) on the cost share program for producers who plant cover crops.

In 2023, the MWCD cover crop cost share program assisted in getting cover crops planted on 140.73 acres of Richland County farmland. The benefits of planting cover crops include preventing and reducing erosion, improving soil health, increased crop productivity, and farm profitability.

Applications are due by July 9, 2024.

Items of Importance:

The 2024 MWCD Cover Crop program cost share is $12.00 per acre.

The general cap is 200 acres per participant unless cover crops are planted in the Charles Mill or Pleasant Hill Lake watersheds.

The 200-acre cap applies across multiple counties if the landowner is signing up in multiple counties.

This program cannot be enrolled in another program to receive funding for the same cover crop such as the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or H2Ohio.

There are no exceptions to the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) seedling dates and rates. If a mix is going to be planted, the earliest seeding date of the species within the mix is the date that it must be planted by such as radishes.

Wheat is allowed and can be harvested.

2024 Cover Crop Application

MWCD Assessment Area

To get more information contact Matt Wallace by phone at 419.747.8687 or email.

Family Fun on the Farm Festival
2024-06-29 12:00 - 16:00 | 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, OH 44843, 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, Ohio, 44843, United States
Join us, Malabar Farm State Park and a host of partners for this family-friendly, outdoor festival. This free annual festival is open to the public and has many hands-on kids activities focused on natural resources and where food comes from. Try your hand at archery, take a wagon ride, or plant a seedling, plus more. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/861689491623501.

Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) reserves the right to take photos during Family Fun on the Farm Festival for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Special Board Supervisor Meeting
2024-06-25 08:00 - 08:30 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
This special board meeting is for general purposes, open to the public, and held in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258. Prior to the meeting, please contact Matt Christian, Director, if you wish to attend.

Cancelled - Women for the Land Learning Circle
2024-06-15 09:00 - 14:00 | Shady Lane Alpaca Farm, 3073 Gass Road, MANSFIELD, Ohio, 44904
Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and our partners for this special workshop for anyone interested in pasture and grazing management. Those new to livestock and forage management are encouraged to join. Lunch and a grazing stick are provided.

Registration is requested by June 11 and the cost is $10.00 per person.

When you register for the Field Day you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Field Day for Plain Growers
2024-06-14 09:00 - 14:00
Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and our partners for this special workshop for anyone interested in pasture and grazing management. Those new to livestock and forage management are encouraged to join. Lunch and a grazing stick are provided.

Please note the location has changed to 5 East Main Street, Shiloh.

When you register for the Field Day you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Field Day for Plain Growers
2024-06-14 09:00 - 14:00
Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and our partners for this special workshop for anyone interested in pasture and grazing management. Those new to livestock and forage management are encouraged to join. Lunch and a grazing stick are provided.

Please note the location has changed to 5 E Main Street, Shiloh, OH 44878.

Registration is requested by June 11 and the cost is $10.00 per person.

When you register for the Field Day you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Native Plant Workshop and Sale
2024-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Learn more about Richland Soil and Water Conservation District’s commitment to native plants and enjoy a program on Ohio Tall Grass Prairies by Guy Denny, Ohio Department of Natural Resources retired Chief of Natural Prairies and Preserves Division. He has authored the books, Peatlands of Ohio and the Southern Great Lakes Region and The Prairie Peninsula. His talk is titled “Ohio Tall Grass Prairies.”

Purchase native plants from Natives in Harmony after Guy’s program. The Native Yard Project will also be available. The workshop is free, but we ask you to register by May 6 for 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.

Rain Barrel and Rain Garden Workshop
2024-04-30 18:00 | Mansfield Richland County Public Library, 43 W. Third Street, MANSFIELD, Ohio, 44903
If you are interested in pollinators, gardens, conservation, or nature: look no further! Join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library to learn more about rain barrels, rain gardens, their benefits and how they are beneficial. Information on how to purchase a rain barrel through Richland Soil and Water Conservation District will be available. The workshop is free and open to the public. Learn more about rain gardens and rain barrels at https://richlandswcd.net/residential/programs/

District Director Application Deadline
2024-04-19 16:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
We are seeking an individual to lead our customer-focused team in a fast-paced office environment for the District Director position. Job and application details may be found here.

Pond Fish Sale Pick Up
2024-04-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Pick Up at Richland County Fairgrounds Horse Barn.

Only pre-ordered and pre-paid orders received by April 17 will be filled. Please arrive for pick up between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.

Please bring enough containers to hold the purchased fish. Five-gallon buckets work well. General rule of thumb: one container per 100 small fish, one container per 1,000 minnows, one container per 4-5 amurs.

Each container must have an unscented poly liner (30 gallon trash bag). The bags are necessary to hold oxygen to keep the fish alive during transport. Do not use a lid; use a twist tie or twine to close the bag.

Fill the container one-third full with pond water the fish will be put in. Please help with loading and unloading your container in and out of your vehicle. This will help expedite the delivery process.

Board Supervisor Meeting
2024-04-17 09:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Board Supervisor meetings are open to the public and held in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258 . Please contact Erica Thomas, Director, before the meeting if you wish to attend.

Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts Workshop: Horray for Herbs! (Re-Scheduled Date)
2024-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
This workshop was originally scheduled for April 2, but due to the weather forecast and concern for safety, we re-scheduled it.

Are you ready for spring?! In this workshop, we’re going to nudge the season along by planting a trio of oregano, chives and parsley seeds. Our guest speaker, Christine Libby from Alta Florist & Greenhouse, has many years of personal and professional experience growing and using herbs. All workshop materials are provided. Registration requested by April 10.

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.

Pond Fish Sale Order Deadline
2024-04-11 08:00 - 16:00
Orders for our pond fish sale are due April 11. Choose from Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Fathead Minnows, Channel Catfish, Hybrid Bluegill, Redear Bluegill, and White Amurs. Click on this link to order fish, pond conditioner, Optimal Fish Food, plastic bags and twist ties.

Pick up is at the Richland County Fairgrounds Horse Barn April 19 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Please bring enough containers to hold the purchased fish. Five-gallon buckets work well. Each container must have an unscented poly liner (30 gallon trash bag). The bags are necessary to hold oxygen to keep the fish alive during transport. Do not use a lid; use a twist tie or twine to close the bag. Fill the container one-third full with pond water the fish will be put in. General rule of thumb: one container per 100 small fish, one container per 1,000 minnows, one container per 4-5 amurs. Please help with loading and unloading your container in and out of your vehicle. This will help expedite the delivery process.

Office and County Offices Closed for Solar Eclipse
2024-04-08 00:00 - 23:59 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States

Special Board Supervisor Meeting
2024-04-02 13:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
The Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258 to discuss succession planning. Contact Erica Thomas, Director, before the meeting if you wish to attend.

Raising Richland Community Garden Summit
2024-03-14 17:00 - 20:00
Join us and a host of vendors, exhibitors, and partners for this fun and educational evening about topics related to gardening at Kingwood Center Gardens. Adult and children programs available.

Photos may be taken at our table for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Pond Clinic
2024-03-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Headwaters Outdoor Education Center, 151 Home Road, Mt. Gilead, OH, 43338, United States
Get ready for pond season by attending the Pond Clinic hosted by Morrow and Richland Soil and Water Conservation Districts at Headwaters Education Center, 151 Home Road, Mount Gilead. The Clinic is for new and established pond owners.

Steve Fender of Fender’s Fish Hatchery is the guest speaker. Topics covered include pond management, aquatic vegetation control, fish stocking, fish management, aeration systems, plus much more.

We will also have information available about our upcoming fingerling fish sale. Orders are due by April 11 and pick up is April 19 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Richland County Fairgrounds Horse Barn.

The pond clinic is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available. Registration is not necessary, but helpful for planning purposes.

When you register for the Pond Clinic you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Board Supervisor Meeting
2024-03-12 09:00 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Board Supervisor meetings are open to the public and held in the Richland SWCD Conference Room 258. Please contact Erica Thomas, Director, before the meeting if you wish to attend.

Precipitation Monitor Volunteer Training
2024-02-27 14:00 - 15:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
Join the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District’s award-winning volunteer team by becoming a Precipitation Monitor. Volunteers record rain and the liquid equivalent of snow on the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District website. Equipment provided. Volunteers must have access to the internet. Register, if possible.

When you register for volunteer training and orientation you agree 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 for promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Children's Story Time
2024-02-15 10:30 - 11:30 | Lucas Branch of the MRCPL, 34 W. Main Street, Lucas, Ohio, 44843
For Valentine Week, join Richland Soil and Water Conservation District at the Lucas Branch of the Richland County Public Library to read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and learn why trees are important to us through this heart-warming story. We will also make a tree-themed Valentine’s Card.
