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.
2017 Volunteer of the Year Ginnie Baker
A Sunset Red Maple tree was planted in recognition of Ginnie on November 9, 2017, at the bench near the Main Street blue bridge and the Richland B&O trail in Bellville, for her contribution as a Precipitation Monitor. She was one of the original Rain Gauge Volunteers and joined the program again when it was re-instated in 2013. She consistently reported rain and snow amounts and was so enthusiastic about the program that she installed two gauges at opposite ends of her property. Ginnie passed away last October, but her partner, John Workman, who she recruited to help as a Precipitation Monitor, has continued to volunteer in her memory. Thank you, Ginnie!
To see photos from the Tree Planting, go here.
Congratulations Candy Brenner, 2016 Volunteer of the Year!
A native Dogwood tree was planted in honor of Candy at Gorman Nature Center on December 6, 2016, for her contribution as a Lake Monitor and Historical Photo Archivist. Candy assists with special events and projects. She was one of our first volunteers in 2014. She willingly helps wherever she can, takes pride in her work and provides valuable feedback. Due to Candy's involvement with the District, other individuals have joined the volunteer team. The District is appreciative of everything Candy does to support its mission and conservation in Richland County. Thank you, Candy!
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
We hope you’ll consider joining our valued team of volunteers and appreciate your interest.
Precipitation Monitors: Thursday, October 11 from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. at our office at the Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Suite 205B, Mansfield, OH 44906. Volunteers report rainfall and snowfall amounts on our website. We provide the gauge. Volunteer needs access to the internet. Contact Theresa at 419.747.8685 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Please register by October 10.
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.
Photographers
Take natural resource and conservation photos throughout Richland County
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..
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.