From H2Ohio to habitat stewardship, Ashland SWCD’s 2025 Conservation Chats have you covered - literally
“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” Those are the words of Thomas Huxley.
And at Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District, we’ve taken that advice to heart. Back in 2020, our Ashland SWCD board identified a need for conservation education across the county to increase awareness of key conservation practices and programs. They developed a plan, and since April of 2021, the district has committed itself to increasing our educational outreach on conservation topics to the community, and a key part of that commitment is our monthly Conservation Chats.
With the close of the 2024 calendar year, Ashland SWCD has successfully hosted 45 Conservation Chats on a variety of different topics. Sometimes those topics are directly related to farmers in our county, and something they are topics that connect with a more general population.
Either way, when you come to our Conservation Chats you can be sure that you’re going to hear from industry leaders on that month’s topic as well as information on how our Ashland SWCD staff can help you put the information you learned at that chat into operation at your home or in your farm fields.
And the feedback from participants has been fabulous; many of our attendees come back for multiple events and bring a friend. In fact, this year for the second year, registration for most of our Conservation Chats will be $5/person or FREE when you bring a friend. That sounds like a deal to me!
So what kinds of topics can you expect to learn about at this year’s Conservation Chats? Here’s a look and what our staff members have been working on:
H2Ohio at Work, January 30 at 9 a.m.: We’ll kick off our 2025 series with a hands-on look at what implementing the nutrient management plans developed as part of the 2024 H2Ohio statewide expansion will look like. While enjoying a warm breakfast, farmers will hear from Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) staff as they demonstrate the record-keeping requirements for H2Ohio, and they will also hear from Chris Fennig of MyFarms, the software that management H2Ohio nutrient plans. Registration is FREE to all producers with an active H2Ohio contract; all other producers interested in learning more about the program for potential future enrollment are invited to come as well. And when you bring a friend, you’ll both eat (and learn!) for free. The event will take place in the Ashland County Park District office at Freer Field.
Mud Management, February 11 at 11 a.m.: Spring mud is the bane of a livestock farmer’s existence. Hear first-hand from Jason Workman from Twin Oaks Farm on how he has worked with Ashland SWCD and USDA/NRCS to implement conservation practices on the farm to improve grazing and minimize mud. Josh Britton from NRCS will walk producers through the NRCS funding process and cover what types of projects are available through NRCS. We will also be covering potential new funding options for our area through NRCS, ODA, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) and more. Lunch will be provided. The event will take place at the Pleasant Hill visitor center.
Retailer Round Up, March 6 at 11 a.m.: Richmart Farm and the Wesner family of Jeromesville at this event specifically designed for agricultural retailers and crop consultants. ODA staff as well as representatives from the Ohio Agri Business Association will be on-hand to talk about retailers’ role in the H2Ohio program, reporting requirements, and 4R incentives for helping producers utilize the right nutrient source at the right rate, right time, and right place. A homemade lunch will be provided, and the event is free of charge to all retailers. Others interested in learning more can also attend for $5 each.
We’ve Got You Covered, April 11 at 11 a.m.: Green is their favorite color at Ayers Farms, especially when it comes to cover crops. This program will begin at the Perrysville Community Center where participants will learn more about Ashland SWCD’s cover crop program, including aerial seeding, equipment rental, and our cost-share partnership with MWCD. NRCS cost share options and programs will also be covered. Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation District President Jeff Duling will share his cover crop experience on the farm. Then producers will head out to Ayers Farm for an in-field look at their cover crop program in action.
Canoe Cleaup, May TBD.: Water Quality specialist Cora Crilow is planning a pre-season canoe clean up of the Mohican River. Participants will learn about Ashland SWCD’s water quality sampling program and how they can get involved as well as how to volunteer as a precipitate monitor. Stay tuned for more details!
Growing Wild (Part 1 of 3 in our Habitat Steward series), June 7 at 9 a.m.: The Hazel Willis Woods will play host to this 3-part series that will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. The June installment will include information on rain gardens and gardening for wildlife. Registration will be $10, or register for all 3 events for $25. Better yet, register with a friend for all 3 events for just $40. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided.
Winging It, July TBD: Stay tuned for more details as well work to develop a program highlighting some of the most popular topics we’ve been asked about: developing habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife..
August TBD: Watch for details as we put plans in place for a fun, hands-on day of learning and exploration for area youth before they head back into the classrooms this fall!
Branching Out (Part 2 of 3 in our Habitat Steward series), September 6 at 9 a.m.: The Hazel Willis Woods will play host to this 3-part series that will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. The September installment will include information on invasive species and habitat restoration. Registration will be $10, or register for all 3 events for $25. Better yet, register with a friend for all 3 events for just $40. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided.
Not So Spooky Forest, October TBD: We’ll be heading back to the Hazel Willis Woods for our 3rd annual Not So Spooky Forest event, filled with hands-on education and fun, fall forest & foliage selfies, and even some goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth
Tree Topics (Part 3 of 3 in our Habitat Steward series), November 1 at 9 a.m.: The Hazel Willis Woods will play host to this 3-part series that will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. The November installment will include information on tree care and identification and will include a service project at the Hazel Willis Woods for some hands-on experience. Registration will be $10, or register for all 3 events for $25. Better yet, register with a friend for all 3 events for just $40. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided.
Not the Same Old Crap, December TBD: Ever get tired of the same old crap? Literally? Join Ashland SWCD for a look at what’s new in the world of manure management at the Ohio Theater in Loudonville. You won’t want to miss this super spreader event!
See a topic that sparks your interest? Give us a call at 419-281-7645 for more information or to RSVP!