The District is grateful for our dedicated volunteers who share their time and talent with us. We strive to attract and retain quality, committed individuals who want an interesting and unique volunteer experience, while having fun and supporting conservation.
Volunteers Receive 2018 Awards
Congratulations to volunteers for receiving the 2018 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National and Northeast Regional Earth Team Chief's Office Awards! Through the partnership between NRCS and Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD), Richland SWCD volunteers also serve as Earth team volunteers. Both organizations collaborate on local projects while utilizing a passionate group of volunteers to stretch valuable resources. Each volunteer task helps paint a picture of how land use affect Richland County's eight watersheds. In 2018, volunteers donated service hours valued at $45,270.00. Thank you, Volunteers!
A Redbub tree was planted in recognition of Mark Meinzer on November 16, 2019, in the Gorman Nature Center entrance median for his contributions as a Precipitation and Stream Monitor and help wtih special events. Mark joined the volunteer program in 2015. Mark's wife, Nancy, was an original Rain Gauge volunteer, and he has since taken over reporting rain. As a stream monitor, Mark monitors 7 sites, which is a huge commitment due to the time it takes to monitor so many sites. Mark also readily volunteers whenever we need help. He has even brough new volunteers to the District. Mark served in the United State Navy as an electronic technician from 1966-1973. He is a Vietnam veteran, having been abovard a ship that was deployed in a supporting role twice during his assignment. Mark is active in his churdh, St. Peter's, and has been a member of the Johnny Appleseed Square Dance Club for 13 years. Thank you, Mark!
Now Recruiting Watershed Investigators!
Watershed investigators volunteer their time to help manage our eight Richland County watersheds. Each tasks helps paint a picture of how land use affects our watersheds. Quality data is collected through testing and making observations. This valuable data is vital for mapping and reporting and will be used to gauge long-terms trends in watershed health. This data will also help identify threatened environmental areas in the county when planning future land use. Training is provided to ensure quality reporting.
- Lake Monitors
- Photographers
- Precipitation Monitors
- Stream Monitors
- Data Management
Additional opportunities include:
- Office Assistance
- Photo and Video Editing
- Special Events
If you are interested in volunteering with the District, please call the District at 419-747-8686, fill out our application online, or download and return the application to:
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District
C/O Community Relations Coordinator
1495 W. Longview Ave., Suite 205B
Mansfield, OH 44906
- Submit Volunteer Application Online
- Download Volunteer Application
- Download Volunteer Release Form
- Download Volunteer Equipment Borrow Form
We hope you’ll consider joining our valued team of volunteers and appreciate your interest.
Volunteer Training
Precipitation Monitor Volunteer Training: watch for the next group training date. If you enjoy keeping track of when it rains or snows, you'll enjoy this volunteer opportunity. As a Precipitation Monitor you will measure and record rain and snowfall at your home or business. The data is used to gauge long-term trends in watershed health and land use practices. We'll train you and provide the equipment; you just need access to the internet. Your data is shared with the public on the Water Data Map. This is a great citizen-science opportunity that doesn't require a lot of time and provides valuable data.
Lake Monitors
Take an active role in water quality. Record water quality data on Clear Fork, Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Lakes. The data is used to document changes in lake conditions and the information will be used to assist with watershed management efforts.
Precipitation Monitors
Precipitation Monitors collect and record rain and snow fall at home or work. The data that you collect is vital to identifying geographic locations of rain fall and snow fall in respect to the watershed you are recording precipitation from. Our network of volunteer data shows the amount of surface water your watershed collects annually. This information is used to assist communities by estimating the amount of precipitation during an event that may cause flooding reactions to your receiving streams and rivers.
Stream Monitors
Stream Monitors collect data from designated streams from the stream banks in Richland County's eight watersheds. We provide the equipment and training. Volunteers needs access to the internet to post the data on our website. Quality data will be used to gauge long-terms trends in stream health. Click here for a copy of the Stream Monitor Volunteer Training.
Data Management
Data that is collected is entered into computer spreadsheets and software (Microsoft Excel, primarily) that is easily managed and shared.
Access to the internet is needed for many watershed investigator opportunities.
The District is involved with a number of special events throughout the year such as the Pond Fish Sale, Land Judging competition, and Annual Celebration. Extra help is always appreciated.
Photographers
Take photos at Richland SWCD special events and natural resource, conservation and agriculture photos throughout Richland County.