The Dirt on Conservation

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.

Spring rains bring more than just flowers—they bring stormwater runoff. Ashland SWCD's Zoey Dudte talks about how soil, pollutants and nutrients impact our local waterways and shares simple steps you can take to protect our water quality.

Beyond the mud, April showers and wetlands are vital for recharging Ohio’s aquifers. Kelly Riley with Wayne SWCD talks about how these "natural sponges" protect our future water supply.

Grazing too early is like cashing a check before payday. Learn why waiting for proper plant height and using rotational grazing protects your forage all season.

Writer Aaron Dodds shares how his great-great-great-grandfather’s 19th-century farm legacy and the Founding Fathers shape modern agricultural stewardship.

Southeastern Ohio’s grass is greening up, but don’t open the gate yet. Learn why waiting for root establishment ensures a drought-resistant grazing season.