Hedging your bets: The vital role of native windbreaks and buffers
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.
Raising a hellbender is rough, but rewarding
The hellbender is the largest native salamander found in North America and is found within the unglaciated ragged hills of Appalachia and the Ozarks.
When is the right time to re-seed your hayfield?
Determine when it is the right time to re-seed your hayfield based on your soil conditions and how you choose to manage your fields.
How virtual fencing is simplifying rotational grazing for farmers
Rotational grazing boosts pasture health and extends grazing seasons, but infrastructure costs can hold many farmers back. Monroe SWCD's Wyatt Feldner talks in this week's Dirt on Conservation column about how virtual fencing technology uses solar GPS collars and smartphone apps to easily manage livestock boundaries without building internal fences.
What to do when your pond turn green
Learn how to balance your pasture pond by managing livestock access, reducing nutrient runoff, and improving water quality for healthier cattle and fish.
Why fall Is the best time to stock and manage your pond
Fall is the ideal time to evaluate water quality, balance fish populations, and prepare your pond for spring. From stocking rates for bass and bluegill to controlling weeds and muck, learn key pond management tips from Ashland SWCD to keep your fishery thriving.
Wheel bug: Assassin bug in the garden
The assassin bug known as the wheel bug is one of the largest terrestrial true bugs in North America.
How do we determine soil health?
Healthy soil sustains life. Minimize disturbance, keep living roots, boost biodiversity and maintain cover to improve yields, water quality and resilience.
The Miscanthus mistake: Hidden risks of popular privacy grasses
Popular non-native privacy grasses like Miscanthus can quickly escape landscaping and hunting plots to become invasive pests. Learn about the hidden ecological risks of Miscanthus and explore native alternatives like switchgrass and big bluestem for effective screens and wildlife habitat.
Benefits of dying young: Ask the boxelder
Abby Costilow, watershed education specialist for Medina Soil and Water Conservation District, outlines the benefits of planting boxelder trees.
