Rain Gardens
Volume 20, No. 2
Board of Supervisors Bill Conklin Lisa McNamee Steve Robinson Matt Staley Rick Weigand SWCD Personnel Terri Gravatt Brent Nickel Kaylee Port Bob Scheiderer Mark Watkins NRCS Personnel Ron Nieman, DC Robin Sweeney LaRae Baker
Spring 2015
Rain Gardens What is a rain garden? A rain garden is an attractive, depressed area designed to allow rain water and snowmelt to naturally seep into the ground with the help of deep rooted plants.
How do they work? Rain gardens slow and reduce stormwater runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Rain gardens can address excess water, provide habitat for wildlife, and help reduce harmful pollutants by filtering stormwater runoff through the plants’ roots and soil.
What are the benefits?
Pheasants Forever Mike Retterer
Union SWCD 18000 St. Rt. 4 North Suite B Marysville, OH 43040 tel: 937-642-5871 x 3
www.co.union. oh.us/Union-SoilWaterConservationDistrict/
Protects local rivers and streams from stormwater pollution and recharges ground water supply Provides wildlife habitat Reduces lawn maintenance and use of lawn mowers Provides an affordable and attractive natural solution to flooding and water pollution Prevents stormwater from entering and overloading the local sewer system and overflowing into local waterways.
Would you like to receive Conservation News by email on a quarterly basis? Email [email protected] to be included on our list.
UNION SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 The Union SWCD was formed in 1945. It is a legal subdivision of the State of Ohio. A board of five supervisors who are elected for three-year terms governs the district. The supervisors donate their time to serve Union County landowners. The board meets the second Thursday of each month to conduct district business. Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. April through October and at 6:00 p.m. November through March and the public is invited to attend. SERVICES Education: School Presentations - Gave 49 presentations in total on Groundwater Simulator, Enviroscape, Seining/Chemical Water Quality Testing and The Lorax to 1,330 students to discuss topics relating to stormwater, groundwater, and soil conservation. Richwood Lake Fishing Derby – assisted with – 75 participants Shiloh Chapel Bow Camp – assisted with – 150 participants National Hunting & Fishing Day – assisted with – 120 participants Cover Crop Field Day – USDA-NRCS and SWCDs in Logan, Union and Champaign Counties partnered with local ag businesses and interested individuals to hold a Cover Crop Field Day with 70 people in attendance. Hunter Educational Classes – assisted with - 4 classes/30 people Pheasants Forever Youth & Ladies Shoot – 20 participants Pond Clinic - Held annual pond clinic in partnership with OSU Extension. – 10 participants Rain Garden – Assisted Bunsold students to introduce topographic map reading and teaching students how to determine surface water flow. Then assisted students design a new rain garden based on the students learned knowledge of topography at the school. Public Outreach - Represented City of Marysville on steering/planning committees for Central Ohio rain Garden Initiative (CORGI); Assisted in new Town Run Restoration Project; and promoted Backyard Conservation. Wildlife: Wildlife Conflict/Damage Investigations: wildlife conflict/nuisance investigations. 4 deer damage permits issued. Wildlife Assistance: Provided assistance to variety of individuals concerning pheasant rearing, wildlife rescue nformation, “orphaned wildlife”, wildlife exclusion methods, habitat, muskrat/dike damage, Nuisance Trapper Lists, plant ID, etc. Wildlife Habitat Assistance: Landowner discussions for field management/contract requirements. Assist landowners with Native Plant ID’s. Multiple EAB ID requests. Union County Ditch Maintenance Program: Maintained 39 projects with 59.6 miles of ditches by spraying and mowing, and 14.91 miles of subsurface drain pipe along agriculture drainage systems. Also maintained 30 urban subdivision retention basins, and 83 concrete drainage structures which include headwalls, manholes and catch basins. Urban Conservation: Memorandum’s of Understanding – currently with 8 Townships, including Allen, Claibourne, Darby, Dover, Leesburg, Liberty, Millcreek, and York Townships. Subdivision Plat Reviews: 3 subdivision plats were reviewed by staff members. Drainage Complaints/Investigations/Information: 85 incidents were addressed for total of 218 people. Home Site Reviews: 75 site visits to determine proper lot drainage for new homes were performed. Farmland Preservation: Clean Ohio AEDP – Staff member did annual inspections of and reports for farms enrolled in program. Equipment Rentals: One no-till drill was used by 15 people for 1025.6 acres, and the straw blower was used by 9 people. A tree seedling planter and a tree puller were also available for rent. Continued on next page...
Tree Seedling & Related Products Sale: 128 people purchased 6300 seedlings during 2014 sale. Fish Sales: 10 people purchased a total of 1258 fish fingerlings during the 2014 fall fish sale. Camp Scholarships: Don Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund: 2 students were sponsored to attend 4-H Camp by the scholarships funded by Dave Cook, Dean Cook and the Union SWCD. College Scholarship: John Rockenbaugh Memorial Conservation Scholarship: The second John Rockenbaugh Memorial Conservation Scholarship for $500 was awarded to one high school senior in 2014. MARKETING Union SWCD Website: May be found at www.co.union.oh.us/Union-Soil-Water-Conservation-District/. Darby Watershed Website: May be found at www.darbywatershed.com 4 newsletters were web published with 2 newsletters also being published plus had a variety of articles and photo stories in newspapers, magazines, and circulars. Displays - 2 displays; Richwood Independent Fair and National Hunting/Fishing Day CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS The following are some of our technical accomplishments of the past year:
Grassed Waterways – 10,160 Feet installed Ponds– 3 pond site investigations were performed Agricultural Easement Inspections – 4 Subsurface Drain –296,330 feet installed CRP – MCM Assessment/Review and Landowner Meetings – 64 Field Visits/65 Landowner Meetings
THANKS: The Union SWCD Board of Supervisors would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their continued support in 2014: Union County Commissioners; Union County Engineer; Union County Auditor; OSU Extension; Union County Health Department; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; USDA Farm Service Agency; ODNR Divisions of Soil & Water Resources, Forestry, and Wildlife; Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission, National Association of Conservation Districts; City of Marysville, The Scotts Company, Union County Ag Association, Union County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Darby Township Trustees, Union County Farm Bureau, Land Heritage Trust of Union County, Marysville Journal-Tribune; Richwood Gazette; Plain City Advocate, Associate Supervisors Suzi Clarridge, Steve Drumm, Matt Furer, Jim Mitchell, and Joe Wiley; Affiliate Members: Cook Real Estate; Dean Cook Nationwide Insurance Agency; Ohigro, Inc.; Parrott Implement Company; Smart Oil LLC and Smith’s Marathon Distributing.
2015 AFFILIATE MEMBERS: Union SWCD thanks the following businesses for their continued support in 2015: Gold Memberships: Cook Real Estate– Gold Membership – (51 year affiliate member) Parrott Implement Company - Gold Membership – (45 year affiliate member) Silver Memberships: Ohigro, Inc. – Silver Membership – (41 year affiliate member) MJS Oil, Inc., dba Smith Distributing – Silver Membership – (30 year affiliate member) Dean Cook Nationwide Insurance Silver Membership – (22 year affiliate member) Smart Oil LLC - Silver Membership – (2 year affiliate member)
Wild About Wildlife Brent Nickel, Union SWCD Wildlife Specialist. [email protected]
Spring Wildlife, Habitat, Interests and Concerns
Backyard Wildlife Habitat A fun, easy project for the family is to create habitat in your very own back yard. It can be as simple as reducing the amount of lawn that you mow. Even uncut lawn grasses like fescue and bluegrass can provide cover benefits to many small animals. Simple shelters made of log piles, firewood stacks, and brush provide needed safe places to hide from predators. Consider designating an area for a bird and butterfly garden and when choosing plants for the area try to choose natives. Native plants usually provide the best sources of food and cover and generally support more species of wildlife. Many pollinators are attracted to very specific species of plants, such as the Monarch Butterfly. Monarch Butterflies need milkweeds to lay eggs and for the caterpillar to develop into a butterfly. Take some time this spring to plan out a beneficial habitat project for your favorite species and be rewarded with great wildlife watching throughout the year.
Tallgrass Truths—Revealed! Native Warm Season Grasses in Spring Unlike the familiar Cool Season grasses which begin to green in March—and again in the fall, Native Warm Season Grasses (NWSG) are on a far different schedule. Do not expect last year’s unkempt-looking NWSG residue to green-up until July. NWSG makes 70 percent of its robust growth after July 1st—the “warm season”. It’s namesake.
What’s In-Season See what is currently “In-Season” at this website: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/huntingandtrappingregulations Fishing Regulations: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/fishingregulations “Hunting With Permission” forms and Hunting Regulations and Fishing Regulations are available at our office. Hunting and Fishing Licenses are now available for 2015-2016 Seasons
Share Your Love for the Outdoors Take A Kid Fishing Weather will be warming soon and the skim of ice will soon be a memory. Spring fishing affords many opportunities for nice catches of Crappie, White Bass, Bluegill and larger species such as Saugeye, Walleye and Catfish. So string up and extra pole and take a youngster with you when you head out to your favorite hole to wet a line. Teach them to tie a fishing knot, let them play in the bait box or minnow bucket, make a game of packing out litter and show them how much fun a few hours wetting a line can be. Take pictures and display them. It’s amazing what kids can remember from photos. Most of all, have fun and create memories! Secure the future of Fishing for Tomorrow. Take a Kid Fishing
Don’t Forget Your Best Friend
* For USDA Farm Bill grassland practice contracts, the annual Ground Nesting & Brood-rearing Season begins on March 1st and runs through July 15th. Mowing is Prohibited during this period of nesting, egg-laying, brooding, nestling development, and fledging of grassland birds.
Training and Testing seasons are upon us and most dog related hunting seasons won’t be back until early fall. So take advantage of any local training groups and keep your best friend in shape and sharp on their skills. Most wildlife areas are open for training and exercising now until May 1. Dogs may not be trained or exercised on state public hunting areas May 1 through August 31, except on designated dog training areas. Keep an eye out for testing and trial days and come out and watch some amazing dogs show off their talents.
Ticks In Ohio
Recommendations to PONDer
Tick season is quickly approaching and you should take the time to learn about Ohio’s tick species and how to protect yourself. American Dog Ticks, Blacklegged ticks and Lone star Ticks can all pose a threat to outdoorsmen and women. Read More About Ohio’s Ticks Here: Ticks In Ohio
Look now for any unwanted curly-leaf pondweed, filamentous algae, duckweed, and watermeal in ponds. If there is a history of their presence, they will likely be there again… When to Apply Aquatic Herbicides, A-15-05
Injured—or what appears to be Helpless Wildlife? Call or contact the Ohio Wildlife Center – 614-793-WILD (9453) – then follow their every instruction!
http://www.ohiowildlifecenter.org/dnn/
Up the Crick... Using resources today, conserving for tomorrow. Kaylee Port, Water Resource Specialist
[email protected]
Union County Rain Barrel Community Project We are teaming up with Scott's Miracle Gro® and Dutch Mill Green House to offer rain barrels to Union County residents at whole sale prices. Community members can choose between two colors, for $79 each. That’s $40 off retail prices. They are offered for pre-sale throughout the month of April. Visit Dutch Mill Green House’s website www.dutchmillgreenhouse.com starting April 1st to purchase. Pick up on May 14th and 15th during regular business hours.
Why Rain Barrels? It’s economical; Rain barrels save homeowners money on water bills and conserve water and energy by storing rainwater to use for landscaping plants or vegetables. Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of water usage in summer months. A one inch rain storm can produce nearly 700 gallons of runoff from the average roof. A rain barrel will save most home owners over 1300 gallons of water during peak summer months. It’s good for the environment; reduces storm water runoff impacts on local water quality, stream bank erosion and flooding.
NRCS Update Dig a Little, Learn A lot As temperatures finally go UP this spring, take a minute to look DOWN at the ground and investigate the SOIL. What does the soil look like? How does the soil feel? Does rain sink into the ground quickly? Answering these questions during planting can pay off later during harvest. "It doesn’t matter what kind of landowner you are - a small farmer, large farmer, organic grower or even homeowners and gardeners - you can easily examine your soils. Take a quick look and you can learn a lot," says State Agronomist Mark Scarpitti. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the conservation arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, launched "Unlock the Secrets of the Soil" in an effort to focus attention on soil health. According to State Conservationist Terry Cosby, "Prime farmland makes up 73 percent of Ohio’s 11 million acres of cropland. That’s a heck of a lot of good agricultural land and a huge responsibility. The well-being of future Ohioans hinges on how well we protect and improve the foundation of agriculture, healthy soil." To start a soil health assessment, you’ll need your eyes, your nose, your hands, and a garden spade or shovel. LOOK - Look for plant residue or a living plant canopy or cover. Dig a hole and look at the soil structure. Healthy soil looks like chocolate cake with lots of air holes and organic matter. And of course you should see earthworms—our wonderful soil engineers! SMELL - Healthy soil has the distinct sweet, earthy aroma of geosmin, a by-product of soil microbes called actinomycetes. TOUCH - Soil should crumble easily exposing long straight plant roots. Long roots reach nutrients and water they need to grow to produce the food we love to eat. Why should we care about soil health? Cosby explains that healthy soil actually has a direct impact on many larger issues that affect life as we know it. Healthy soil can improve and regulate water, sustain plant and animal life, filter pollutants, cycle nutrients, and support buildings. Healthy soils hold more water, which can make the difference between crop survival and failure during a drought. Healthy soils also resist runoff and erosion, naturally suppress weeds and pests, and sustain other natural resources. "If your soil looks like it needs attention, give us a call. Conservation experts in every Ohio county can help you develop a soil health improvement plan and introduce you to conservation programs designed to off-set a portion of the cost of carrying out the plan," explains Cosby. "Improving soil health takes time, so the sooner you start the process, the sooner you’ll reap the rewards provided by healthy soils." Remember, healthy soils produce healthy crops and a healthy environment. So grab a spade and dig a little. You can learn a lot! Visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/health/
Don’t Forget… Union SWCD is hosting its Annual Tree and Shrub Sale The sale will be held on April 18, 2015 from 9 AM until 11 AM. Trees are available on a first come first served basis. Cash and checks are accepted, but please wait until time of purchase to write out any checks. Included in this newsletter is an order form to be used on the day of the sale.
SWCD Equipment for Sale and Rent The following items are available for sale: Marking flags… Soil Survey Narratives… Topographic Quadrangles… Pond Warning Signs… Soil Survey Aerial Maps… Fish Fingerlings… Tree Seedlings…
$10 per 100 flags, available year round $15 each or free online, available year round $6 each, available year round $7 each, available year round Free Prices vary, sale held in Fall Prices vary, sale held in April
Straw Blower For Rent The Union Soil and Water Conservation District has purchased a Model 20 Tailgate Mulcher on a 6’ x 12’ trailer to rent to the public. The Tailgate Mulcher is electric start, will blow straw about 40 ft. and can spread an average of 120 straw bales per hour. It will rent for $75/ day and $100 for a weekend. This type of blower is typically used for new lawns, new seeding establishment and for waterway and pond bank grass establishment. Please contact Union SWCD at 937-642-5871 ext. 106 to get more information or to schedule.
The following equipment is available for rent (subject to schedule and availability): John Deere 1590 No-Till Drill (15-foot) Tree Puller Straw Blower (tailgate mulcher) Tree Planter
$100 minimum charge plus $10/acre 100 HP tractor min. with 2 hydraulic outlets $100 per day, $150 per weekend 2 hydraulic outlets req. $75 per day, $100 per weekend $40 per day, $125 for out of county use, must be contiguous
All equipment must be scheduled through the Union SWCD office at 937-642-5871 during regular business hours for delivery Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please contact Brent Nickel at ext 112 to schedule.
Union SWCD Seeks 2015 Affiliate Members The Union SWCD is presently seeking Affiliate Members for 2015. Affiliate members are businesses or individuals that assist and support the SWCD by making contributions which go towards soil and water conservation/natural resource education efforts. Such efforts include displays, pond clinics, tours, camp scholarships, and school presentations. All affiliate members will be listed in the Union SWCD Annual Report, Annual Meeting Program, Quarterly Newsletters and on the SWCD website. This year the following affiliate memberships are available: Diamond Membership -$500 or more; Platinum Membership – $250-$499; Gold Membership - $100-$249; Silver Membership – $50-$99. For more information, please contact the Union SWCD at 937/642-5871 x113, or by visiting the office located at 18000 SR 4, Suite B, Marysville, Ohio.
2015 UNION SWCD TREE AND SHRUB SALE The main sale date for 2015 will be Saturday, April 18 at the Union County Agricultural Center’s Buckeye Meeting Room located at 18000 State Route 4 North, Marysville, Ohio. The sale will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Any remaining seedlings will be sold the following week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., in the Union SWCD office located in Suite B of the same building. All stock is sold on a first come, first served basis. No orders may be placed prior to the sale. All stock are seedlings only. Please make selections below, and bring completed form with you on the day of the sale. Orders will be totaled at the sale, after ensuring that all species desired are still available. No credit cards will be accepted for payment.
# Packets _____ _____ _____
EVERGREENS (25 trees per packet) $16/pkt. Norway Spruce, 9-15” $16/pkt. White Pine, 6-14” $16/pkt. White Spruce, 9-15”
TOTAL _______ _______ _______
_____ _____ _____ _____
HARDWOOD PACKETS (5 trees per packet) $7.00/pkt. Chinkapin Oak, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Bur Oak, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Sycamore, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Red Maple, 6-12”
_______ _______ _______ _______
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____
URBAN PACKETS (5 trees per packet) $7.00/pkt. White Flowering Dogwood, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Common Paw Paw, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. American Elderberry, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. American Plum, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Bald Cypress, 6-12”
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
_____
ACCESSORIES_____ $10/bundle Marking Flags (100 in bundle)
_______ TOTAL:
___________
Please include email address if you would like to be included in our newsletter mailing list. __________________________________________________________________________ *(See more information on tree species at our website under Sales & Rentals.)
Upcoming Events April 1, 2015 - Rain Barrel Sale begins online at Dutch Mill Green House www.dutchmillgreenhouse.com April 9, 2015 - Union SWCD Board Meeting - 7:00 PM Ag Center - Conservation Mtg. Room April 18, 2015 - Union SWCD Annual Tree Sale - 9:00 AM to 11:00AM Buckeye Mtg. Room April 18-19, 2015 - Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season April 20 through May 17, 2015- Spring Wild Turkey Season May 2-3, 2015 ARE FREE FISHING DAYS On May 2 and 3, 2015, all Ohio residents are invited to take the opportunity to experience Ohio’s fantastic fishing without purchasing a fishing license. May 14-15, 2015 - Rain Barrel pick up at Dutch Mill Greenhouse During normal business hours May 14, 2015 - Union SWCD Board Meeting - 7:00 PM Ag Center - Conservation Mtg. Room May 25, 2015 - Offices Closed - Memorial Day Holiday June 11, 2015 - Union SWCD Board Meeting - 7:00 PM Ag Center - Conservation Mtg. Room July 3, 2015 - Offices Closed - Independence Day Holiday
Would you like to receive Conservation News by email on a quarterly basis? Email [email protected] to be included on our list. The Union Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibit discrimination in their programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial status.
Board of Supervisors Bill Conklin Lisa McNamee Steve Robinson Matt Staley Rick Weigand SWCD Personnel Terri Gravatt Brent Nickel Kaylee Port Bob Scheiderer Mark Watkins NRCS Personnel Ron Nieman, DC Robin Sweeney LaRae Baker
Spring 2015
Rain Gardens What is a rain garden? A rain garden is an attractive, depressed area designed to allow rain water and snowmelt to naturally seep into the ground with the help of deep rooted plants.
How do they work? Rain gardens slow and reduce stormwater runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Rain gardens can address excess water, provide habitat for wildlife, and help reduce harmful pollutants by filtering stormwater runoff through the plants’ roots and soil.
What are the benefits?
Pheasants Forever Mike Retterer
Union SWCD 18000 St. Rt. 4 North Suite B Marysville, OH 43040 tel: 937-642-5871 x 3
www.co.union. oh.us/Union-SoilWaterConservationDistrict/
Protects local rivers and streams from stormwater pollution and recharges ground water supply Provides wildlife habitat Reduces lawn maintenance and use of lawn mowers Provides an affordable and attractive natural solution to flooding and water pollution Prevents stormwater from entering and overloading the local sewer system and overflowing into local waterways.
Would you like to receive Conservation News by email on a quarterly basis? Email [email protected] to be included on our list.
UNION SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 The Union SWCD was formed in 1945. It is a legal subdivision of the State of Ohio. A board of five supervisors who are elected for three-year terms governs the district. The supervisors donate their time to serve Union County landowners. The board meets the second Thursday of each month to conduct district business. Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. April through October and at 6:00 p.m. November through March and the public is invited to attend. SERVICES Education: School Presentations - Gave 49 presentations in total on Groundwater Simulator, Enviroscape, Seining/Chemical Water Quality Testing and The Lorax to 1,330 students to discuss topics relating to stormwater, groundwater, and soil conservation. Richwood Lake Fishing Derby – assisted with – 75 participants Shiloh Chapel Bow Camp – assisted with – 150 participants National Hunting & Fishing Day – assisted with – 120 participants Cover Crop Field Day – USDA-NRCS and SWCDs in Logan, Union and Champaign Counties partnered with local ag businesses and interested individuals to hold a Cover Crop Field Day with 70 people in attendance. Hunter Educational Classes – assisted with - 4 classes/30 people Pheasants Forever Youth & Ladies Shoot – 20 participants Pond Clinic - Held annual pond clinic in partnership with OSU Extension. – 10 participants Rain Garden – Assisted Bunsold students to introduce topographic map reading and teaching students how to determine surface water flow. Then assisted students design a new rain garden based on the students learned knowledge of topography at the school. Public Outreach - Represented City of Marysville on steering/planning committees for Central Ohio rain Garden Initiative (CORGI); Assisted in new Town Run Restoration Project; and promoted Backyard Conservation. Wildlife: Wildlife Conflict/Damage Investigations: wildlife conflict/nuisance investigations. 4 deer damage permits issued. Wildlife Assistance: Provided assistance to variety of individuals concerning pheasant rearing, wildlife rescue nformation, “orphaned wildlife”, wildlife exclusion methods, habitat, muskrat/dike damage, Nuisance Trapper Lists, plant ID, etc. Wildlife Habitat Assistance: Landowner discussions for field management/contract requirements. Assist landowners with Native Plant ID’s. Multiple EAB ID requests. Union County Ditch Maintenance Program: Maintained 39 projects with 59.6 miles of ditches by spraying and mowing, and 14.91 miles of subsurface drain pipe along agriculture drainage systems. Also maintained 30 urban subdivision retention basins, and 83 concrete drainage structures which include headwalls, manholes and catch basins. Urban Conservation: Memorandum’s of Understanding – currently with 8 Townships, including Allen, Claibourne, Darby, Dover, Leesburg, Liberty, Millcreek, and York Townships. Subdivision Plat Reviews: 3 subdivision plats were reviewed by staff members. Drainage Complaints/Investigations/Information: 85 incidents were addressed for total of 218 people. Home Site Reviews: 75 site visits to determine proper lot drainage for new homes were performed. Farmland Preservation: Clean Ohio AEDP – Staff member did annual inspections of and reports for farms enrolled in program. Equipment Rentals: One no-till drill was used by 15 people for 1025.6 acres, and the straw blower was used by 9 people. A tree seedling planter and a tree puller were also available for rent. Continued on next page...
Tree Seedling & Related Products Sale: 128 people purchased 6300 seedlings during 2014 sale. Fish Sales: 10 people purchased a total of 1258 fish fingerlings during the 2014 fall fish sale. Camp Scholarships: Don Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund: 2 students were sponsored to attend 4-H Camp by the scholarships funded by Dave Cook, Dean Cook and the Union SWCD. College Scholarship: John Rockenbaugh Memorial Conservation Scholarship: The second John Rockenbaugh Memorial Conservation Scholarship for $500 was awarded to one high school senior in 2014. MARKETING Union SWCD Website: May be found at www.co.union.oh.us/Union-Soil-Water-Conservation-District/. Darby Watershed Website: May be found at www.darbywatershed.com 4 newsletters were web published with 2 newsletters also being published plus had a variety of articles and photo stories in newspapers, magazines, and circulars. Displays - 2 displays; Richwood Independent Fair and National Hunting/Fishing Day CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS The following are some of our technical accomplishments of the past year:
Grassed Waterways – 10,160 Feet installed Ponds– 3 pond site investigations were performed Agricultural Easement Inspections – 4 Subsurface Drain –296,330 feet installed CRP – MCM Assessment/Review and Landowner Meetings – 64 Field Visits/65 Landowner Meetings
THANKS: The Union SWCD Board of Supervisors would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their continued support in 2014: Union County Commissioners; Union County Engineer; Union County Auditor; OSU Extension; Union County Health Department; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; USDA Farm Service Agency; ODNR Divisions of Soil & Water Resources, Forestry, and Wildlife; Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission, National Association of Conservation Districts; City of Marysville, The Scotts Company, Union County Ag Association, Union County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Darby Township Trustees, Union County Farm Bureau, Land Heritage Trust of Union County, Marysville Journal-Tribune; Richwood Gazette; Plain City Advocate, Associate Supervisors Suzi Clarridge, Steve Drumm, Matt Furer, Jim Mitchell, and Joe Wiley; Affiliate Members: Cook Real Estate; Dean Cook Nationwide Insurance Agency; Ohigro, Inc.; Parrott Implement Company; Smart Oil LLC and Smith’s Marathon Distributing.
2015 AFFILIATE MEMBERS: Union SWCD thanks the following businesses for their continued support in 2015: Gold Memberships: Cook Real Estate– Gold Membership – (51 year affiliate member) Parrott Implement Company - Gold Membership – (45 year affiliate member) Silver Memberships: Ohigro, Inc. – Silver Membership – (41 year affiliate member) MJS Oil, Inc., dba Smith Distributing – Silver Membership – (30 year affiliate member) Dean Cook Nationwide Insurance Silver Membership – (22 year affiliate member) Smart Oil LLC - Silver Membership – (2 year affiliate member)
Wild About Wildlife Brent Nickel, Union SWCD Wildlife Specialist. [email protected]
Spring Wildlife, Habitat, Interests and Concerns
Backyard Wildlife Habitat A fun, easy project for the family is to create habitat in your very own back yard. It can be as simple as reducing the amount of lawn that you mow. Even uncut lawn grasses like fescue and bluegrass can provide cover benefits to many small animals. Simple shelters made of log piles, firewood stacks, and brush provide needed safe places to hide from predators. Consider designating an area for a bird and butterfly garden and when choosing plants for the area try to choose natives. Native plants usually provide the best sources of food and cover and generally support more species of wildlife. Many pollinators are attracted to very specific species of plants, such as the Monarch Butterfly. Monarch Butterflies need milkweeds to lay eggs and for the caterpillar to develop into a butterfly. Take some time this spring to plan out a beneficial habitat project for your favorite species and be rewarded with great wildlife watching throughout the year.
Tallgrass Truths—Revealed! Native Warm Season Grasses in Spring Unlike the familiar Cool Season grasses which begin to green in March—and again in the fall, Native Warm Season Grasses (NWSG) are on a far different schedule. Do not expect last year’s unkempt-looking NWSG residue to green-up until July. NWSG makes 70 percent of its robust growth after July 1st—the “warm season”. It’s namesake.
What’s In-Season See what is currently “In-Season” at this website: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/huntingandtrappingregulations Fishing Regulations: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/fishingregulations “Hunting With Permission” forms and Hunting Regulations and Fishing Regulations are available at our office. Hunting and Fishing Licenses are now available for 2015-2016 Seasons
Share Your Love for the Outdoors Take A Kid Fishing Weather will be warming soon and the skim of ice will soon be a memory. Spring fishing affords many opportunities for nice catches of Crappie, White Bass, Bluegill and larger species such as Saugeye, Walleye and Catfish. So string up and extra pole and take a youngster with you when you head out to your favorite hole to wet a line. Teach them to tie a fishing knot, let them play in the bait box or minnow bucket, make a game of packing out litter and show them how much fun a few hours wetting a line can be. Take pictures and display them. It’s amazing what kids can remember from photos. Most of all, have fun and create memories! Secure the future of Fishing for Tomorrow. Take a Kid Fishing
Don’t Forget Your Best Friend
* For USDA Farm Bill grassland practice contracts, the annual Ground Nesting & Brood-rearing Season begins on March 1st and runs through July 15th. Mowing is Prohibited during this period of nesting, egg-laying, brooding, nestling development, and fledging of grassland birds.
Training and Testing seasons are upon us and most dog related hunting seasons won’t be back until early fall. So take advantage of any local training groups and keep your best friend in shape and sharp on their skills. Most wildlife areas are open for training and exercising now until May 1. Dogs may not be trained or exercised on state public hunting areas May 1 through August 31, except on designated dog training areas. Keep an eye out for testing and trial days and come out and watch some amazing dogs show off their talents.
Ticks In Ohio
Recommendations to PONDer
Tick season is quickly approaching and you should take the time to learn about Ohio’s tick species and how to protect yourself. American Dog Ticks, Blacklegged ticks and Lone star Ticks can all pose a threat to outdoorsmen and women. Read More About Ohio’s Ticks Here: Ticks In Ohio
Look now for any unwanted curly-leaf pondweed, filamentous algae, duckweed, and watermeal in ponds. If there is a history of their presence, they will likely be there again… When to Apply Aquatic Herbicides, A-15-05
Injured—or what appears to be Helpless Wildlife? Call or contact the Ohio Wildlife Center – 614-793-WILD (9453) – then follow their every instruction!
http://www.ohiowildlifecenter.org/dnn/
Up the Crick... Using resources today, conserving for tomorrow. Kaylee Port, Water Resource Specialist
[email protected]
Union County Rain Barrel Community Project We are teaming up with Scott's Miracle Gro® and Dutch Mill Green House to offer rain barrels to Union County residents at whole sale prices. Community members can choose between two colors, for $79 each. That’s $40 off retail prices. They are offered for pre-sale throughout the month of April. Visit Dutch Mill Green House’s website www.dutchmillgreenhouse.com starting April 1st to purchase. Pick up on May 14th and 15th during regular business hours.
Why Rain Barrels? It’s economical; Rain barrels save homeowners money on water bills and conserve water and energy by storing rainwater to use for landscaping plants or vegetables. Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of water usage in summer months. A one inch rain storm can produce nearly 700 gallons of runoff from the average roof. A rain barrel will save most home owners over 1300 gallons of water during peak summer months. It’s good for the environment; reduces storm water runoff impacts on local water quality, stream bank erosion and flooding.
NRCS Update Dig a Little, Learn A lot As temperatures finally go UP this spring, take a minute to look DOWN at the ground and investigate the SOIL. What does the soil look like? How does the soil feel? Does rain sink into the ground quickly? Answering these questions during planting can pay off later during harvest. "It doesn’t matter what kind of landowner you are - a small farmer, large farmer, organic grower or even homeowners and gardeners - you can easily examine your soils. Take a quick look and you can learn a lot," says State Agronomist Mark Scarpitti. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the conservation arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, launched "Unlock the Secrets of the Soil" in an effort to focus attention on soil health. According to State Conservationist Terry Cosby, "Prime farmland makes up 73 percent of Ohio’s 11 million acres of cropland. That’s a heck of a lot of good agricultural land and a huge responsibility. The well-being of future Ohioans hinges on how well we protect and improve the foundation of agriculture, healthy soil." To start a soil health assessment, you’ll need your eyes, your nose, your hands, and a garden spade or shovel. LOOK - Look for plant residue or a living plant canopy or cover. Dig a hole and look at the soil structure. Healthy soil looks like chocolate cake with lots of air holes and organic matter. And of course you should see earthworms—our wonderful soil engineers! SMELL - Healthy soil has the distinct sweet, earthy aroma of geosmin, a by-product of soil microbes called actinomycetes. TOUCH - Soil should crumble easily exposing long straight plant roots. Long roots reach nutrients and water they need to grow to produce the food we love to eat. Why should we care about soil health? Cosby explains that healthy soil actually has a direct impact on many larger issues that affect life as we know it. Healthy soil can improve and regulate water, sustain plant and animal life, filter pollutants, cycle nutrients, and support buildings. Healthy soils hold more water, which can make the difference between crop survival and failure during a drought. Healthy soils also resist runoff and erosion, naturally suppress weeds and pests, and sustain other natural resources. "If your soil looks like it needs attention, give us a call. Conservation experts in every Ohio county can help you develop a soil health improvement plan and introduce you to conservation programs designed to off-set a portion of the cost of carrying out the plan," explains Cosby. "Improving soil health takes time, so the sooner you start the process, the sooner you’ll reap the rewards provided by healthy soils." Remember, healthy soils produce healthy crops and a healthy environment. So grab a spade and dig a little. You can learn a lot! Visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/health/
Don’t Forget… Union SWCD is hosting its Annual Tree and Shrub Sale The sale will be held on April 18, 2015 from 9 AM until 11 AM. Trees are available on a first come first served basis. Cash and checks are accepted, but please wait until time of purchase to write out any checks. Included in this newsletter is an order form to be used on the day of the sale.
SWCD Equipment for Sale and Rent The following items are available for sale: Marking flags… Soil Survey Narratives… Topographic Quadrangles… Pond Warning Signs… Soil Survey Aerial Maps… Fish Fingerlings… Tree Seedlings…
$10 per 100 flags, available year round $15 each or free online, available year round $6 each, available year round $7 each, available year round Free Prices vary, sale held in Fall Prices vary, sale held in April
Straw Blower For Rent The Union Soil and Water Conservation District has purchased a Model 20 Tailgate Mulcher on a 6’ x 12’ trailer to rent to the public. The Tailgate Mulcher is electric start, will blow straw about 40 ft. and can spread an average of 120 straw bales per hour. It will rent for $75/ day and $100 for a weekend. This type of blower is typically used for new lawns, new seeding establishment and for waterway and pond bank grass establishment. Please contact Union SWCD at 937-642-5871 ext. 106 to get more information or to schedule.
The following equipment is available for rent (subject to schedule and availability): John Deere 1590 No-Till Drill (15-foot) Tree Puller Straw Blower (tailgate mulcher) Tree Planter
$100 minimum charge plus $10/acre 100 HP tractor min. with 2 hydraulic outlets $100 per day, $150 per weekend 2 hydraulic outlets req. $75 per day, $100 per weekend $40 per day, $125 for out of county use, must be contiguous
All equipment must be scheduled through the Union SWCD office at 937-642-5871 during regular business hours for delivery Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please contact Brent Nickel at ext 112 to schedule.
Union SWCD Seeks 2015 Affiliate Members The Union SWCD is presently seeking Affiliate Members for 2015. Affiliate members are businesses or individuals that assist and support the SWCD by making contributions which go towards soil and water conservation/natural resource education efforts. Such efforts include displays, pond clinics, tours, camp scholarships, and school presentations. All affiliate members will be listed in the Union SWCD Annual Report, Annual Meeting Program, Quarterly Newsletters and on the SWCD website. This year the following affiliate memberships are available: Diamond Membership -$500 or more; Platinum Membership – $250-$499; Gold Membership - $100-$249; Silver Membership – $50-$99. For more information, please contact the Union SWCD at 937/642-5871 x113, or by visiting the office located at 18000 SR 4, Suite B, Marysville, Ohio.
2015 UNION SWCD TREE AND SHRUB SALE The main sale date for 2015 will be Saturday, April 18 at the Union County Agricultural Center’s Buckeye Meeting Room located at 18000 State Route 4 North, Marysville, Ohio. The sale will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Any remaining seedlings will be sold the following week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., in the Union SWCD office located in Suite B of the same building. All stock is sold on a first come, first served basis. No orders may be placed prior to the sale. All stock are seedlings only. Please make selections below, and bring completed form with you on the day of the sale. Orders will be totaled at the sale, after ensuring that all species desired are still available. No credit cards will be accepted for payment.
# Packets _____ _____ _____
EVERGREENS (25 trees per packet) $16/pkt. Norway Spruce, 9-15” $16/pkt. White Pine, 6-14” $16/pkt. White Spruce, 9-15”
TOTAL _______ _______ _______
_____ _____ _____ _____
HARDWOOD PACKETS (5 trees per packet) $7.00/pkt. Chinkapin Oak, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Bur Oak, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Sycamore, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Red Maple, 6-12”
_______ _______ _______ _______
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____
URBAN PACKETS (5 trees per packet) $7.00/pkt. White Flowering Dogwood, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Common Paw Paw, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. American Elderberry, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. American Plum, 6-12” $7.00/pkt. Bald Cypress, 6-12”
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______
_____
ACCESSORIES_____ $10/bundle Marking Flags (100 in bundle)
_______ TOTAL:
___________
Please include email address if you would like to be included in our newsletter mailing list. __________________________________________________________________________ *(See more information on tree species at our website under Sales & Rentals.)
Upcoming Events April 1, 2015 - Rain Barrel Sale begins online at Dutch Mill Green House www.dutchmillgreenhouse.com April 9, 2015 - Union SWCD Board Meeting - 7:00 PM Ag Center - Conservation Mtg. Room April 18, 2015 - Union SWCD Annual Tree Sale - 9:00 AM to 11:00AM Buckeye Mtg. Room April 18-19, 2015 - Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season April 20 through May 17, 2015- Spring Wild Turkey Season May 2-3, 2015 ARE FREE FISHING DAYS On May 2 and 3, 2015, all Ohio residents are invited to take the opportunity to experience Ohio’s fantastic fishing without purchasing a fishing license. May 14-15, 2015 - Rain Barrel pick up at Dutch Mill Greenhouse During normal business hours May 14, 2015 - Union SWCD Board Meeting - 7:00 PM Ag Center - Conservation Mtg. Room May 25, 2015 - Offices Closed - Memorial Day Holiday June 11, 2015 - Union SWCD Board Meeting - 7:00 PM Ag Center - Conservation Mtg. Room July 3, 2015 - Offices Closed - Independence Day Holiday
Would you like to receive Conservation News by email on a quarterly basis? Email [email protected] to be included on our list. The Union Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibit discrimination in their programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial status.
