Richland Soil & Water

Board Supervisor Meeting
2026-05-27 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-04-22 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-03-25 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-25 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
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 Memorial Day
2026-05-25 00:00 - 23:59

Native Plant Workshop Plus Sale
2026-05-12 17:00 - 19:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
5:00 to 6:00 p.m: The native plant sale and time to visit with vendors

There are no sales during the 6:00 p.m. workshop.

6:00 p.m: The workshop guest speaker is Rachel Coy-Mecurio of Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist will discuss pollinator habitat establishment and management.

The sale and time with vendors will resume briefly after the workshop.

Natives in Harmony, The Native Yard Project, and Wild Acre will join us for this engaging and educational evening.

Even though the program is free, registration is required for seating.

When you register for the workshop you agree to receive marketing materials from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and photos may be used for promotional purposes.

Area II Envirothon
2026-04-29 08:00 - 13:30
The ENVIROTHON is a high school competition held annually designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest the environment and natural resources. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. In addition, the Envirothon encourages cooperative decision-making and team building. While each student on a team is challenged individually to contribute his or her personal best, the score that counts at the end of the competition is the team score. A team consists of five students, all from the same high school. An adult advisor (or advisors) must accompany the team but is not permitted to assist the team during the competition.

High School students across the state compete each spring on the local level at one of the five Area Envirothons. Richland County is part of Area II which consists of teams from 17 northeastern Ohio counties. The top four teams from each Area Envirothon progress to the state contest in June held in a different part of the state each year. The 2026 Area II Envirothon is hosted by Lake and Geauga Soil and Water Conservation Districts at Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094. The top-scoring Ohio Envirothon team advances to the International Envirothon, hosted by a different state or province each year.

Rain Garden and Rain Barrel Workshop
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Richland County Fairgrounds Nature Park, 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Join us for this workshop to learn about the benefits of Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels. Although the workshop is free, registration is required due to limited seating.

When you register for the workshop 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 during the workshop for marketing and promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Conservation Creation Arts & Craft Workshop: Spring Seeds
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
With spring here, our thoughts turn to getting into the garden. We think getting our hands in the soil, planting seeds, and watching them grow through the summer is one of life’s little pleasures. We’ll help you kick off the garden season by making seed tape so you can perfectly space your plants. All supplies are furnished. Beth Brown, Master Gardener, will discuss her gardening adventures.

If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us within 48 hours of the workshop by calling 419-747-8685 or emailing contact@richlandswcd.net.

This workshop is free due to the generosity of money raised through Richland Gives sponsored by the Richland County Foundation. Learn more at https://richlandgives.mightycause.com/story/7hsc2g.

When you register for the workshop you agree to receive marketing materials from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District. Photos may be used for promotional purposes.

Clear Fork FFA Alumni Tree Seedling Sale
2026-04-11 08:00 - 12:00 | Elzy Milling & Trade, 25 E Ogle St, Bellville, OH 44813 Phone: (419) 886-3840, Bellville, Ohio, 44813, United States
Seedlings are available on a first come, first serve basis. Cash or check only. All sales are final with no guarantee of survival

Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville from 8 am until noon or all seedlings sold

All proceeds from the sale benefits the Clear Fork FFA program.

For more information contact Adam at 419-886-2610, Ext. 2135/staleya@staff.clearfork.k12.oh.us, or Becky at 419-566-0019/becksgh@aol.com.

Pond Fish Order Pick-Up
2026-04-10 08:30 - 10:00 | Richland County Ohio Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Rd., MANSFIELD, 44906
If you ordered products from the pond fish sale, pick up your order today, Friday, April 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Richland County Fairgrounds near the Horse Barn at the East Gate. Place Your Order Here.

Arrive at the Fairgrounds 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Bring enough containers to hold the purchased fish. 5-gallon buckets work well. Each container must have an unscented ply 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. Each container should be filled 1/3 full with water from the pond you are stocking.

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 the loading and unlading of your containers into your vehicle to expedite the delivery process.

Species and Cost:

2-4″ Bluegill: $1.25 each

2-3″ Largemouth Bass: $1.50 each

2-4″ Hybrid Bluegill: $1.25 each

2-3″ Perch: $1.25 each

2-4″ Redear Shellcracker: $1.25 each

4-5″ Channel Catfish: $1.25 each

8-10″ White Amur: $18.00 each

Fathead Minnows: $10.00 per 100 (100 minimum order; order in multiples of 100)

Nature’s Pond Conditioner (1 gal.): $91.00 each

Nature’s Pond Conditioner (5 gal.): $400.00 each

Optimal Fish Food (small pellet, 40% protein): $51.00 (40 lbs.)

Plastic Bag and String: $1.25 each

Sales Tax (7%)

Minimum order of $30.00

Pond Fish Orders Due
2026-04-02 08:00 - 16:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
Orders for the annual pond fish sale are due today. The fish and pond products are supplied by Fender’s Fish Hatchery.

Orders must be picked up Friday, April 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Richland County Fairgrounds near the Horse Barn at the East Gate.

Arrive at the Fairgrounds between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

Bring enough containers to hold the purchased fish. 5-gallon buckets work well. Each container must have an unscented ply 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. Each container should be filled 1/3 full with water from the pond you are stocking.

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 the loading and unlading of your containers into your vehicle to expedite the delivery process.

Please note that a convenience fee is added to online and credit card orders. Order online or with Order Form.

2-4″ Bluegill: $1.25 each

2-3″ Largemouth Bass: $1.50 each

2-4″ Hybrid Bluegill: $1.25 each

2-3″ Perch: $1.25 each

2-4″ Redear Shellcracker: $1.25 each

4-5″ Channel Catfish: $1.25 each

8-10″ White Amur: $18.00 each

Fathead Minnows: $10.00 per 100 (100 minimum order; order in multiples of 100)

Nature’s Pond Conditioner (1 gal.): $91.00 each

Nature’s Pond Conditioner (5 gal.): $400.00 each

Optimal Fish Food (small pellet, 40% protein): $51.00 (40 lbs.)

Plastic Bag and String: $1.25 each

Sales Tax (7%)

Minimum order of $30.00

Clear Fork FFA Alumni Tree Seedling Sale
2026-03-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Elzy Milling & Trade, 25 E Ogle St, Bellville, OH 44813 Phone: (419) 886-3840, Bellville, Ohio, 44813, United States
Seedlings are available on a first come, first serve basis. Cash or check only. All sales are final with no guarantee of survival

Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville from 8 am until noon or all seedlings sold

All proceeds from the sale benefits the Clear Fork FFA program.

For more information contact Adam at 419-886-2610, Ext. 2135/staleya@staff.clearfork.k12.oh.us, or Becky at 419-566-0019/becksgh@aol.com.

Tree Seedling Information:

American Chestnut Seedlings12-18″5/pack$25/packWhite Flowering Dogwood Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packChinese Chestnut Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packJapanese Tree Lilac Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packPaw Paw Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packOhio Buckeye Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packFraser Fir 7-12″7/pack$15/packRed Mulberry Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packCommon Lilac Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packButterfly Bush Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packBlack Elderberry Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packNorway Spruce Seedlings10-18″10/pack$15/packArborvitae Seedlings7-12″10/pack$15/packWhite Pine Seedlings8-14″10/pack$15/packRed Oak Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packPersimmon Seedlings6-12″10/pack$15/packSwamp White Oak Seedlings6-12″10/pack$15/packTulip Poplar Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packBalsam Fir Seedlings5″-10″10/pack$15/packBlack Walnut Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packWhite Oak Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packSugar Maple Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packRedbud Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/pack

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata): large, fast-growing deciduous tree of the beech family. Extremely rare due to chestnut blight. Can grow upwards of 100 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter.

White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Flowering dogwood prefers an acidic, well-drained soil that contains a significant amount of organic matter. It can be planted in full sun but performs best in partial shade. The tree should be mulched to keep the soil moist and cool. It does not tolerate poorly drained soil, drought or pollution. Tree size: 30 to 40 feet with a greater spread.

Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima): Grows 40-60’ tall. Spreads 40-60’. Slow to medium growth rate: 4-7’ over 3-4 years. Acidic, well-drained soil. Full sun. Edible nuts.Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata); Grows 20-30’ tall. A large shrub or small tree with stiff, spreading branches. Spreads 15-25’. Medium growth rate: 9-12’ over 6-8 years. Likes a loose, well-drained soil. Needs full sun for best flowering. Fragrant, white flowers are extremely showy in early to mid-June. Flowers are 6-12” long and 6-10” wide panicles. Pruning should be done after flowering.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): Shade tolerant, adapted to fine and course textured soils; blooms in mid-Spring. Slow growth rate. Maturity height is 25 feet.

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra): Found primarily as an understory tree in the eastern half of Ohio, where the soils are more alkaline in pH. A native of the Midwestern and Great Plains states, trees found in the open may reach 60’ tall by 30’ wide, but as a native understory, it is often half that size. As a member of the Horse chestnut Family, it is related to other Horse chestnuts and Buckeyes.

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri): Is widely used as a Christmas tree. Best in full sun. Trees grow poorly in heavy clay soils. The species is severely damaged by a non-native insect, the Balsam wooly adelgid (Adelges piceae). Mature height: 30’ to 50’. Spread 10 to 25’.

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra): Grows 30-50’ tall. Spreads 30-40’. Medium to fast growth rate. 10-12’ over 4-6 years. Plant in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade. Fruits are red turning dark purple. Edible fruit is used in jams and pies. Also relished by birds. Plant away from walks and driveways since fruit will stain the surfaces.

Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Grows 8-15’ tall. An upright, irregular shaped shrub. Spreads 6-12’. Medium growth rate. Likes a soil supplemented with peatmoss or leaf mold. Needs full sun for best flowering. Fragrant, lilac-purple flowers are extremely showy in early to mid-May. Flowers are 4-8” long. Removal of old blooms and pruning should be done shortly after flowering.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): Grows 3-8’ tall. Arching habit. Spreads 3-6’.Medium to fast growth rate. Moist, well-drained soil. Clay soils need amended with peatmoss. Full sun for best flowering and to attract the most butterflies. Grows like a perennial in our climate. Will die back to the ground in the winter. Lilac to purple flowers. Nectar attracts adult butterflies

Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Grows 5-12’ tall. Quite variable in size depending on habitat. Multi-stemmed shrub. Often broad and rounded in shape with arching branches. Fast growth rate. Transplants well. Does best in moist soil but will tolerate dry soil.Partial shade. Purple-black fruit in August-September. Fruit is good for jellies, wine and attracting birds.

Norway Spruce (Picea abies): One of the faster growing spruces. Extremely attractive, pyramidal evergreen with strong, distinctive sweeping branches all the way to the ground. Shiny green, 1/2-1″ long flat needles. Grows on most sites except where soil is water soaked. Height: 80-100′.

White Cedar (American Arborvitae) (Thuja occidentalis): Can reach a height of 60 inches at maturity and have a spread of 15 inches. It grows best in moist, neutral pH soil but can adapt to other soil types, including clay, wet, rocky, and dry. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate light shade.

White Pine (Pinus strobus): A shade tolerant native tree, does best in full sunlight. Fast-growing, grows well in a wide range of soil types. Soft light, green needles in clusters of five. Height: 80′.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra): Bristle-tipped leaves turn red in the fall. The leaves have 7 to 11 waxy lobes. A good street tree tolerates pollution and compacted soil. Grows to 60′ to 75′, 45′ spread.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): Tough and adaptable grows rapidly, and its deep tap root gives it good drought resistance. Seedlings planted in good soil and a sunny location can begin fruiting in about 6-8 years. In addition to its fruit-bearing potential, the American Persimmon can make an attractive mid-size yard tree. Height: 30-70’.

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor): The Swamp White Oak tree reaches 100 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It grows best in full sun with moist to wet, deep, acidic soil. Its two-layer root system allows it to thrive in areas that are flooded in spring but dry in summer.

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera): Found throughout all of Ohio, the Tulip Tree is named for the appearance of its showy flowers and the silhouette of its large leaves, both of which resemble tulips. It frequents moist woodlands and edges of fields, especially on downslopes where water drains. Quickly reaches a height of 80‘.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea): Short, flat, bright green needles. Prefers moist, acidic soil. Slow growth rate. Mature height: 70’. Mature Spread: 20.’

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra L.): Usually matures in 150 years. It thrives in deeper, well drained, neutral soils. It is shade intolerant and must have direct sun to grow optimally. Can grow up to 150’ tall and over 8’ in diameter.

White Oak (Quercus alba): Grows well in all but very wet soils, in all open exposures. Large spreading tree, dark gray, brownish bark. Blooms in May, Fruit in autumn. All oaks provide excellent wildlife benefits. Height: 60-80′. Height in 10 years 8-10’.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Plant in well-drained soils. Maple is extensively planted for timber, as a shade tree, and for maple syrup. Large shade tree has dark green foliage turning from yellow to orange to fiery red in the fall. Height: 100′. Height in ten years 14-16’ tall.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Medium growth Features somewhat heart-shaped leaves 2–6″ in length, emerging a reddish color, turning dark green as summer approaches and then yellow in the fall. Can grow up to 20’ to 30’.

Clear Fork FFA Alumni Tree Seedling Sale
2026-03-27 08:00 - 17:00
Seedlings are available on a first come, first serve basis. Cash or check only. All sales are final with no guarantee of survival.

Locations: Richland County Fairgrounds Nature Park: 9 am to 4 pm or all seedlings sold

Planktown Market in Shiloh: 8 am to 1 pm or all seedlings sold

Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville: 8 am to 5 pm or all seedlings sold

Saturday March 28 at Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville from 8 am until noon or all seedlings sold

All proceeds from the sale benefits the Clear Fork FFA program.

For more information contact Adam at 419-886-2610, Ext. 2135/staleya@staff.clearfork.k12.oh.us or Becky at 419-566-0019/becksgh@aol.com.

Tree Seedling Information:

American Chestnut Seedlings12-18″5/pack$25/packWhite Flowering Dogwood Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packChinese Chestnut Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packJapanese Tree Lilac Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packPaw Paw Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packOhio Buckeye Seedlings12-18″7/pack$15/packFraser Fir 7-12″7/pack$15/packRed Mulberry Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packCommon Lilac Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packButterfly Bush Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packBlack Elderberry Seedlings12-18”7/pack$15/packNorway Spruce Seedlings10-18″10/pack$15/packArborvitae Seedlings7-12″10/pack$15/packWhite Pine Seedlings8-14″10/pack$15/packRed Oak Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packPersimmon Seedlings6-12″10/pack$15/packSwamp White Oak Seedlings6-12″10/pack$15/packTulip Poplar Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packBalsam Fir Seedlings5″-10″10/pack$15/packBlack Walnut Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packWhite Oak Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packSugar Maple Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/packRedbud Seedlings12-18″10/pack$15/pack

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata): large, fast-growing deciduous tree of the beech family. Extremely rare due to chestnut blight. Can grow upwards of 100 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter.

White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Flowering dogwood prefers an acidic, well-drained soil that contains a significant amount of organic matter. It can be planted in full sun but performs best in partial shade. The tree should be mulched to keep the soil moist and cool. It does not tolerate poorly drained soil, drought or pollution. Tree size: 30 to 40 feet with a greater spread.

Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima): Grows 40-60’ tall. Spreads 40-60’. Slow to medium growth rate: 4-7’ over 3-4 years. Acidic, well-drained soil. Full sun. Edible nuts.Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata); Grows 20-30’ tall. A large shrub or small tree with stiff, spreading branches. Spreads 15-25’. Medium growth rate: 9-12’ over 6-8 years. Likes a loose, well-drained soil. Needs full sun for best flowering. Fragrant, white flowers are extremely showy in early to mid-June. Flowers are 6-12” long and 6-10” wide panicles. Pruning should be done after flowering.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): Shade tolerant, adapted to fine and course textured soils; blooms in mid-Spring. Slow growth rate. Maturity height is 25 feet.

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra): Found primarily as an understory tree in the eastern half of Ohio, where the soils are more alkaline in pH. A native of the Midwestern and Great Plains states, trees found in the open may reach 60’ tall by 30’ wide, but as a native understory, it is often half that size. As a member of the Horse chestnut Family, it is related to other Horse chestnuts and Buckeyes.

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri): Is widely used as a Christmas tree. Best in full sun. Trees grow poorly in heavy clay soils. The species is severely damaged by a non-native insect, the Balsam wooly adelgid (Adelges piceae). Mature height: 30’ to 50’. Spread 10 to 25’.

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra): Grows 30-50’ tall. Spreads 30-40’. Medium to fast growth rate. 10-12’ over 4-6 years. Plant in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade. Fruits are red turning dark purple. Edible fruit is used in jams and pies. Also relished by birds. Plant away from walks and driveways since fruit will stain the surfaces.

Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Grows 8-15’ tall. An upright, irregular shaped shrub. Spreads 6-12’. Medium growth rate. Likes a soil supplemented with peatmoss or leaf mold. Needs full sun for best flowering. Fragrant, lilac-purple flowers are extremely showy in early to mid-May. Flowers are 4-8” long. Removal of old blooms and pruning should be done shortly after flowering.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): Grows 3-8’ tall. Arching habit. Spreads 3-6’.Medium to fast growth rate. Moist, well-drained soil. Clay soils need amended with peatmoss. Full sun for best flowering and to attract the most butterflies. Grows like a perennial in our climate. Will die back to the ground in the winter. Lilac to purple flowers. Nectar attracts adult butterflies

Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Grows 5-12’ tall. Quite variable in size depending on habitat. Multi-stemmed shrub. Often broad and rounded in shape with arching branches. Fast growth rate. Transplants well. Does best in moist soil but will tolerate dry soil.Partial shade. Purple-black fruit in August-September. Fruit is good for jellies, wine and attracting birds.

Norway Spruce (Picea abies): One of the faster growing spruces. Extremely attractive, pyramidal evergreen with strong, distinctive sweeping branches all the way to the ground. Shiny green, 1/2-1″ long flat needles. Grows on most sites except where soil is water soaked. Height: 80-100′.

White Cedar (American Arborvitae) (Thuja occidentalis): Can reach a height of 60 inches at maturity and have a spread of 15 inches. It grows best in moist, neutral pH soil but can adapt to other soil types, including clay, wet, rocky, and dry. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate light shade.

White Pine (Pinus strobus): A shade tolerant native tree, does best in full sunlight. Fast-growing, grows well in a wide range of soil types. Soft light, green needles in clusters of five. Height: 80′.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra): Bristle-tipped leaves turn red in the fall. The leaves have 7 to 11 waxy lobes. A good street tree tolerates pollution and compacted soil. Grows to 60′ to 75′, 45′ spread.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): Tough and adaptable grows rapidly, and its deep tap root gives it good drought resistance. Seedlings planted in good soil and a sunny location can begin fruiting in about 6-8 years. In addition to its fruit-bearing potential, the American Persimmon can make an attractive mid-size yard tree. Height: 30-70’.

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor): The Swamp White Oak tree reaches 100 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It grows best in full sun with moist to wet, deep, acidic soil. Its two-layer root system allows it to thrive in areas that are flooded in spring but dry in summer.

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera): Found throughout all of Ohio, the Tulip Tree is named for the appearance of its showy flowers and the silhouette of its large leaves, both of which resemble tulips. It frequents moist woodlands and edges of fields, especially on downslopes where water drains. Quickly reaches a height of 80‘.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea): Short, flat, bright green needles. Prefers moist, acidic soil. Slow growth rate. Mature height: 70’. Mature Spread: 20.’

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra L.): Usually matures in 150 years. It thrives in deeper, well drained, neutral soils. It is shade intolerant and must have direct sun to grow optimally. Can grow up to 150’ tall and over 8’ in diameter.

White Oak (Quercus alba): Grows well in all but very wet soils, in all open exposures. Large spreading tree, dark gray, brownish bark. Blooms in May, Fruit in autumn. All oaks provide excellent wildlife benefits. Height: 60-80′. Height in 10 years 8-10’.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Plant in well-drained soils. Maple is extensively planted for timber, as a shade tree, and for maple syrup. Large shade tree has dark green foliage turning from yellow to orange to fiery red in the fall. Height: 100′. Height in ten years 14-16’ tall.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Medium growth Features somewhat heart-shaped leaves 2–6″ in length, emerging a reddish color, turning dark green as summer approaches and then yellow in the fall. Can grow up to 20’ to 30’.

Area II Envirothon Team Registration and Release Forms Due
2026-03-27 08:00 - 16:00
The ENVIROTHON is a high school competition held annually designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest the environment and natural resources. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. In addition, the Envirothon encourages cooperative decision-making and team building. While each student on a team is challenged individually to contribute his or her personal best, the score that counts at the end of the competition is the team score. A team consists of five students, all from the same high school. An adult advisor (or advisors) must accompany the team but is not permitted to assist the team during the competition.

High School students across the state compete each spring on the local level at one of the five Area Envirothons. Richland County is part of Area II which consists of teams from 17 northeastern Ohio counties. The top four teams from each Area Envirothon progress to the state contest in June held in a different part of the state each year. The 2026 Area II Envirothon is hosted by Lake and Geauga Soil and Water Conservation Districts at Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094. The top-scoring Ohio Envirothon team advances to the International Envirothon, hosted by a different state or province each year. For more information go to envirothon.org.

In Ohio, Envirothon is sponsored by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Natural resource and environmental specialists from many agencies, organizations, colleges, universities, park districts and businesses devise the Envirothon questions and staff the various testing eco stations.

The Area II Envirothon is financed through monetary donations and donations of services and products from individuals, organizations, and businesses.

The Ohio Envirothon is financed by grants and donations from businesses and through contributions to the Don Riehl Memorial Envirothon Fund. Many local businesses provide donations, services, and products in support of Area and Ohio Envirothons.

2026 Area II Envirothon

The 2026 Area II Envirothon will be held April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094.

Forms for the competition may be found on this page: https://richlandswcd.net/residential/programs/.

Important Dates

March 27, 2026: Team registration and release forms are dueApril 29, 2026: Area II Envirothon held at the Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.June 1 to 3, 2026: Ohio Envirothon held at Franciscan University of Steubenville, 1235 University Blvd., Steubenville, OH 43952

Pond Clinic
2026-03-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Steve Fender of Fender’s Fish Hatchery will answer pond questions from new and established pond owners. Pond information will be provided. Even thought the Clinic is free, please register below. Light refreshments will be provided

Order fish by April 2 for your pond for April 10 pick-up at the Richland County Fairgrounds at 8:30 am

Click here to order fish and pond supplies

Click here for pond information

When you register for this 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 during the Clinic for marketing and promotional purposes. Photography becomes the property of Richland SWCD.

Office Closed in Observance of President's Day
2026-02-16 00:00 - 23:59

Galentine's Day Conservation Creation Workshop
2026-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44906, United States
Celebrate Galentine’s Day by creating a beautiful woodland-themed resin jewelry pendant with Abigail Kent of Emerald Bee Creations and Kingwood Center Gardens. Learn about woodland stewardship with Katie Gerber of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and North Central Ohio Women Owning Woodlands. Enjoy light refreshments while creating and learning during this special evening.

The workshop will be held in the King Ballroom at Kingwood Center Gardens. Tickets required.

The workshop is presented by Richland Soil and Water Conservation District, Kingwood Center Gardens and North Central Ohio Women Owning Woodlands.

When you register for the workshop you agree to receive marketing materials from the partner organizations and photos are their property to use for promotional purposes.

Office Closed for Staff Professional Development
2026-02-10 08:00 - 16:00

Board Supervisor Meeting
2026-02-04 09:00 - 11:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States

Winter Salt Week: Salt Monitoring 101
2026-01-30 13:00 - 14:00
To register for this free livestream, please click on this link 2026 livestream links – Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026 or on the Register for Salt Monitoring button below.

The presenters are Lauren Eaton and Paige Vichiola-Silva. They will share their monitoring experiences on the Farmington River in Connecticut and the Rouge River in Michigan before fielding participant questions and discussion topics.

Winter Salt Week: Engineering Solutions
2026-01-29 13:30 - 14:30
To watch this free livestream, you must first register at Engineering Solutions – Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026 or click on the Register for Engineer Solutions button below.

The presenters are Connie Fortin, Bolton & Menk and Wilf Nixon, The Professional Snowfighter’s Association. Discover how innovative engineering can dramatically reduce the need for winter salt. This webinar will highlight design approaches—such as optimized grading, drainage, and material choices—that set the stage for safer, more efficient winter maintenance. We’ll also explore the growing role of smart sensors and connected infrastructure in tracking conditions in real time. Finally, learn how AI-driven storm management tools can support crews in making faster, more precise decisions that keep surfaces safe while minimizing salt use.

Winter Salt Week: Smart Salting Contracts
2026-01-28 13:30 - 14:30
To watch this free livestream, register at Smart Salting Contracts – Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026 or click the Register for Smart Salting Contracts button below.

The presenters are Martin Tirado, Snow & Ice Management Association and Jim Turcan, Cornerstone Partners, Horticultural Services Co.

Knowing how to ask for best practices can be difficult. If you aren’t an industry professional, you likely feel out of your league when deciphering terms like deicing vs anti-icing, pre-treatment vs pre-wet. What chemical deicers should you ask for or steer away from? Learn the basics about industry best practices and valuable resources that are available to support you to get the services you need and reduce liability at your property.

Board Supervisor Meeting Date Change
2026-01-28 09:00 - 10:00

Winter Salt Week: Salt Wise Stories
2026-01-27 13:30 - 14:30
To watch this free livestream, you must register first at Salt Wise Stories – Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026 or click on the Salt Wise Stories button below. The presenters are Phill Sexton, Wit Advisers and Aron Rodman, Extra Mile Snowplowing.

Hear directly from winter maintenance practitioners who have made the shift to smarter salting. In this webinar, they’ll share how they built the business case for change—reducing costs, improving efficiency, and protecting local waters. You’ll learn how they retooled their operations, from equipment upgrades to staff training, and what results they’ve seen on the ground. These leaders now pay it forward by educating peers, supporting contractors, and inspiring communities to adopt Salt Wise practices of their own.

Winter Salt Week: Freshwater Salinization
2026-01-26 13:30 - 14:30
To watch the free livestream, you need to register first at Freshwater Salinization – Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026 or by clicking on the Register for Freshwater Salinization button below. The presenters are Dr. Megan Rippey, Virginia Tech and Dr. Stan Grant, Virginia Tech.

Get the big-picture view of freshwater salinization and why it’s emerging as a critical water-quality challenge across the country. We’ll break down the major drivers, the ecological and infrastructure impacts, and the trends scientists are tracking in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Then we’ll zoom in on a real-world case study from the Occoquan Reservoir, where researchers and managers are grappling with the complex mix of land use, weather patterns, and human behavior that fuels rising chloride levels. This case will illustrate both the challenges and the practical management strategies communities can use to protect their drinking water supplies.

Office Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Day
2026-01-19 00:00 - 23:59

Get Organized! Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts Workshop
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Longview Center, 1495 W Longview Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, United States
Start the year off on the right foot by getting organized. Mod podge a pretty napkin to a recycled can to hold office, makeup or anything else that needs put in a place. All supplies are furnished. A representative from Richland County Solid Waste Management Authority will provide a program on recycling in Richland County.

This workshop is free due to the generosity of money raised through Richland Gives sponsored by the Richland County Foundation. Learn more at https://richlandgives.mightycause.com/story/7hsc2g.

When you register for the workshop you agree to receive marketing materials from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and photos may be used for promotional purposes.

Office Closed in Observance of New Year's Day
2026-01-01 00:00 - 23:59

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