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Autumn 2025 Solutions
Winter 2026 Puzzles
Highlights from Richland SWCD”s 2025 Annual Celebration!
By Theresa Sutter
We held our annual celebration on September 11, bringing together partners, volunteers, elected officials and community members to share the District’s mission and the past year’s accomplishments. The celebration included recognition of outstanding contributions, highlights of the District’s impact and the re-election of Leonard Fox to our Board of Supervisors.
The Ohio State University at Mansfield was awarded the Cooperator of the Year award for their work at the EcoLab. In addition to their efforts being recognized by the District, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Ohio Senator Mark Romachuk, Ohio Representative Marilyn John, Richland County Commissioners and Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry provided proclamations, commendations and certificates of accomplishment.
The award was accepted by Dr. Jason Opal, Dean and Director at The Ohio State University, and accompanied by Cynthia Callahan, Associate Dean of Student Enrichment and Professor of English and Gabriel Karns, Assistant Professor School of Environment and Natural Resources and EcoLab Director.
The EcoLab at The Ohio State University at Mansfield campus is an umbrella term inclusive of all the outdoor assets on campus. Among other features, the Ecolab consists of a maple research sugarbush complete with maple syrup production, woodland and wildlife management showcase areas, Right-of-Way Pollinator demonstration plots, vernal pools, hiking trails with interpretive signage and the Grant and Mary Milliron Research Wetlands and Classroom.
The EcoLab provides educational workshops and programs to the public. It also fosters partnerships with public and private entities on a range of natural resource and environmental topics.
Dr. Jason Opal said The Ohio State University at Mansfield is intentional and forthright about their moral and ethical responsibilities to take care of the campus.
Congratulations to the Ohio State University at Mansfield on receiving this distinguished award and for being a good steward and example to others about responsible land management and education.
Volunteers help monitor streams, lakes and precipitation. They volunteer at workshops, community events, photography and in the office. So far this year, 72 volunteers have donated over 2,000 hours and saved the general fund approximately $ 69,000. Thank you, volunteers!
We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all volunteers, but each year we recognize an exceptional individual who has gone above and beyond to help us achieve our mission. We’re thrilled to announce this year’s Volunteer of the Year recipient is Elaine Oswald.
Elaine has volunteered with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District since 2016. She volunteers as a precipitation monitor and provides daily reports of rain and snow amounts on our website that is reported in real-time and used by the public, other volunteers, gardeners, community developers, elected officials and many more. Elaine said she volunteers with us 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.
Her contribution to the District was also recognized at the Annual Celebration by the Richland County Commissioners, Ohio Senator Mark Romanchuk, Ohio Representative Marilyn John and Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry.
Congratulations and thank you for volunteering with us, Elaine!
Highlights from the 2025 Land Judging and District 2 Forestry Contests.
By Matt Wallace
On September 12 Richland SWCD and the Richland County office of the United States Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) co-hosted the 2025 Land Judging Contest. Jordan Miller, Soil Conservationist from USDA-NRCS, and I oversaw the contest.
This year we had four schools participate in the contest, which was held at Malabar Farm State Park, with a total of 47 students competing in the contest. The top students from each school will continue onto the District 2 Land Judging Contest with the opportunity to move onto the State Land Judging Contest.
On September 18, Richland SWCD hosted the 2025 District 2 Forestry Contest for the first time since 2008. 150 students from a multitude of schools competed in equipment identification, chainsaw part identification, tree identification, timber cruising, general knowledge, timber stand improvement, as well as tree and forest problem identification. The top team will go on to the State Forestry Contest held later this month at the Hocking College campus. The District 2 contest was held at the picturesque Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Pleasant Hill State Park with the assistance of the Park Manager, Aaron Miller, and his staff. Without their assistance this contest would not have been as successful as it was. We thank the MWCD staff for all of their assistance, and we look forward to working with them on this contest again next year.
Download and play our word puzzles for some interactive newsletter fun! We have a word search for little conservationists and a crossword for those of you who want more of a challenge.
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.
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 3 ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:
1.) At the SWCD office, 1495 W. Longview Avenue; Suite 205-B, Mansfield, from 8/14/2025 until 9/11/2025 during normal business hours; or
2.) At the SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at Area Agency on Aging- Hawkins Center located at 2131 Park Avenue West, Ontario on 9/11/2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM ; or
3.) Voting absentee from 8/14/2025 until 9/4/2025, by requesting the ballot application and election ballot from the SWCD office at the following address 1495 W. Longview Ave; Suite 205-B, Mansfield, OH 44906, by calling 419-747-8686, or email election@richlandswcd.net. Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 9/11/2025 at 8:30 AM.
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.
Nominees are:
Our Calendar of Events is packed with exciting opportunities to learn, connect and get involved. Click to see what’s in store!
Download and play our word puzzles for some interactive newsletter fun! We have a word search for little conservationists and a crossword for those of you who want more of a challenge.
Spring 2025 Answers
New Summer Puzzles
Download and play our word puzzles for some interactive newsletter fun! We have a word search for little conservationists and a crossword for those of you who want more of a challenge.
Winter 2025 Answers
Spring 2025 Puzzles
Curious about what we have planned for 2025? Our Calendar of Events is packed with exciting opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved. Click to see what’s in store for this year!
January and February Events
For our full list of upcoming events – including Board Supervisor meetings – go to our calendar by following the link at the bottom of this page.
Our Full Calendar of Events
As we step into 2025, our team is excited to share goals and resolutions that will guide our efforts throughout the year.
As we step into 2025, our team is excited to share goals and resolutions that will guide our efforts throughout the year. Each team member has set their sight on impactful initiatives designed to protect natural resources, support local landowners, enhance community engagement, and promote environmental stewardship. These resolutions reflect our shared commitment to making a positive difference in our county and beyond. Here’s a look at just some of what we aim to accomplish this year.
In 2025 Matt hopes to strengthen our district’s impact by fostering new partnerships and growing existing programs that protect our natural resources.
In 2025 Zoe hopes to organize two impactful events focused on promoting stormwater management and environmental stewardship, with a particular emphasis on engaging MS4 communities.
In 2025 Sam is going to continue to focus on commercial stormwater permits. This includes catching up on our backlog of commercial pipeline inspections. In 2024 we inspected over 40 pipeline projects that had previously been issued stormwater permits. Most of these projects are in remote locations that aren’t always easily accessible or easy to find.
In 2025 Jordan is going to revamp the Rain Garden and Rain Barrel presentation for the annual Rain Garden and Rain Barrel workshop.
In 2025 Matt would like to host an Agriculture Pollution Abatement Program (APAP) hog manure workshop to teach proper manure application techniques and promote sustainable farming practices.
In 2025 Theresa wants to learn more about social media and embrace her creative side.
In 2025 Rachel would like to offer a landowner class in Richland County related to treating invasive species in perennial landscapes.