The Dirt on Conservation

While parks protect wild spaces, they can give the false impression that nature only belongs there. Stark Soil and Water Conservation District's Todd A. Clark shares a nostalgic look at shifting natural baselines and explains why small-scale conservation at home is vital for inspiring the next generation.

The Wildlife Habitat Initiative is a new partnership offering up to 95% reimbursement for conservation practices. Whether planting pollinator plots or clearing invasive species, learn how to qualify through the USDA to improve your land for native wildlife.

Summer manure application after wheat harvest is a great way to recycle nutrients, but it requires a plan. Ashland SWCD's Jane Houin talks about how pairing manure with cover crops protects water quality, stretches your fertilizer dollar and how proactive communication keeps neighbor relations strong.

Don't let another dry season catch you unprepared. Carroll SWCD's Lindsay Short explains how combining no-till farming with late-summer cover crops after your wheat harvest can dramatically improve soil water retention, suppress weeds, and provide high-quality winter forage for livestock.

Synthetic lawn fertilizers fuel harmful algal blooms and drain your wallet. Geauga SWCD explains how transitioning to natural, organic lawn care practices builds healthy soil, protects local water quality, and creates a low-maintenance yard that saves you money.

Public outreach is vital for soil health. Eric Hange, Medina Soil and Water Conservation District manager, discusses the power of hands-on tools like rainfall simulators in teaching students about erosion, infiltration, and the critical role of microorganisms in the ground beneath our feet.

From the flooded Midwest to the battlefields of Normandy, hedgerows play a vital role. Portage SWCD's Lynn Vogel explains how these "edgy" conservation practices reduce runoff and support pollinators. Learn why choosing native species is key to protecting Ohio’s soil, water and wildlife habitat.

How do you keep deer from destroying your trees? From repellents to motion sensors, options vary—but tree tubes offer the highest survival rates. While initial prices range from $3 to $6, they pay for themselves by boosting survival rates from 50% to nearly 100%. Protect your investment from deer, drought and maintenance stress with expert tips from Ohio’s 2024 Tree Farm of the Year.

Learn how to balance your pasture pond by managing livestock access, reducing nutrient runoff, and improving water quality for healthier cattle and fish.

Stop guessing on fertilizer. Learn how soil testing in Mahoning County maximizes crop yields, reduces input costs, and protects Ohio’s local water resources.