Like most people, radio stations, diner conversations and forecasters, the talk of late has been about the dreaded wet weather we have been experiencing. Even when the sun does come out, we have a long ways to go before the fields dry up. Although it may feel good to vent, complaining doesn’t change the situation. [...]
Many soil and water conservation offices have been busy working with high school students who compete in the area Envirothons. For those unfamiliar with the Envirothon, it is an environmental education competition that tests high school students’ knowledge of soil, forestry, aquatic ecology, wildlife and current environmental issues. Envirothon. In Ohio, the Envirothon is sponsored [...]
I love those moments when I am talking with someone about a natural resources issue and I actually see the light bulb turn on. I had one of those moments several summers ago on a camping trip with one of my close friends, and recollect it proudly on rainy days like these. We were about [...]
This year, we have seen a tremendous amount of water due to snow melt and several 2- to 4-inch rainfall events.
As I write this, it’s raining. Again. And the weather forecast shows little clouds with raindrops and lightning bolts almost every day this week. But you don’t need me to remind you that we had some wet and wild weather this past winter and spring. And a drive through the countryside shows the toll it’s [...]
If you have a serious case of cabin fever, like I do, you will be glad to read that the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council is kicking off the pasture walk series at the end of the month. This is the second year for this group to have these educational meetings in the field. During the [...]
Conservation is everyone’s responsibility.
We are a rural area, but by now many of these students are at least two generations removed from any family member involved in agriculture. They may live near a farm, or pass farms on the way to school every day, but what they know about farming or the environment is very limited.
Oh the joys of spring, birds migrating back, grasses starting to green up, blowing winds, extreme weather changes, and yes, mud! Very few of us can escape the wrath of soil mixed with excessive amounts of water, otherwise know as mud. For livestock owners, this is a critical time of year when we must manage [...]
If you sold timber and the company’s poor management practices led to soil erosion and stream sedimentation, you’d probably have some choice words for the person responsible. However, you’d be talking to yourself. When woodland owners sell timber, their legal responsibility for preventing water pollution doesn’t automatically pass to the logger harvesting the trees. Under [...]
