Summit Soil and Water Conservation District

06/12/2026

Last week we completed a native plant installation with the Village of Richfield! Scroll through the photos to see the project in action!

This riparian area was once overtaken by invasive narrow-leaved cattail. After removal, we worked with a group of amazing volunteers to install ~100 native plants that will restore and strengthen this habitat!

This project was supported through grant funding from the NEORSD and NE Ohio Native Plant Society!

06/10/2026

Need to properly dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)? Visit Summit Reworks during the days and times listed below!♻️

Thursday, June 4th is opening day for ReWorks 2026 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collections. Summit County residents can bring their HHW to 1201 Graham Rd, Stow on Thursdays from 2pm-7pm June through the end of September. ReWorks recommends residents arrive after 4:30pm as most residents choose to visit between 2-4:30pm. For accepted items visit http://www.summitreworks.com/hhw

NOTE: No Scrap Tires on Thursdays. Visit www.summitreworks.com/tires for scrap tire recycling options

06/10/2026

Meet two of our newest Pawlution Patrol Officers, Betty and Charlie! These two pups have pledged to help limit their impact on water by telling their owners to pick up their p**p!

Pet waste is more than just an unsightly nuisance — it’s an environmental pollutant. Left on the ground, it washes into storm drains and local waterways, contributing to E. coli contamination, nutrient overload, and degraded water quality. The Paw-lution Patrol is a playful, paws-on campaign designed to educate, engage, and empower pet owners (like you!) to do their part in protecting local ecosystems — simply by picking up after their pets.

Paw-lution Patrol is made possible by Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Enbridge Inc., in collaboration with Summit County Surface Water Management District.

Are you and your pet ready to take the pledge to protect clean water? Take the pledge here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp56J8QJW68Ljma9vY7u2Jh6o7xT197t7n6r1hs3m1k2Ctjg/viewform?usp=header

Or visit our website https://www.summitswcd.com/paw-lution-patrol.html for more information.

Taking this pledge confirms that you (and your pet) are committed to responsible pet waste disposal (and qualifies you for other goodies!).

06/09/2026

Come talk nature and gifts with us this weekend! Program dog and family friendly!

06/09/2026

Ricky is looking for YOU! 👀

Now Seeking: Associate Board Members | Summit SWCD

Do you have experience or expertise you'd like to put toward a meaningful cause? Summit SWCD invites community members to apply as Associate Board Members and a pathway to future board service.💧

We're looking for individuals ready to help advance our mission through shared knowledge and dedication to our community.🌿

Interested? Email [email protected] with a brief description about yourself.

06/08/2026

💧🚗 Don't Drip and Drive! 🚗💧

Vehicle leaks don't just harm your car, they can also pollute our waterways. Oil, coolant, and other fluids that drip onto roads and driveways can wash into storm drains, eventually reaching local streams, rivers, and lakes.

Take a moment to check for leaks and make repairs! Protect your vehicle, keep our roads safe, and help keep our waterways clean.🌿

06/05/2026

Last week, professionals from all over took part in a Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI) training with Summit SWCD staff. Participants assess streams based on substrate type, pool depth, and bank width to see how well the stream can be utilized by aquatic creatures for their homes.

Thank you to everyone who attended the training and to our teacher Greg Orr!

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

Looking for something to do on Monday? Join our team for a macroinvertebrate sampling in the Wingfoot Watershed! We'll learn the ins and outs of looking for creek critters and how to identify them.

All ages welcome, please bring water boots or shoes!

*Events are made possible by the Summit County Engineers Surface Water Management District*

06/03/2026

You are cordially invited to the annual meeting of Friends of the Crooked River TONIGHT, Tuesday, June 9, at the (stunning) Himelright Lodge at Summit Metro Park's Cascade Valley Metro Park.

Friends of the Crooked River has advocated for the health of the Cuyahoga River watershed for nearly four decades. Please join us for our annual in-person update on the Cuyahoga. This year, we'll hear from

--Bill Zawiski of Ohio EPA on water quality and the navigation channel and
--Ryan Ainger of Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the Cuyahoga River Water Trail, as well as
--updates on various watershed issues and projects, including progress on the removal of the Gorge Dam.

In addition, we'll enjoy the live music of Paul Pira.

Good cheer and food start at 6:00 p.m., program begins at 7:00 pm.

Location: Himelright Lodge
Cascade Valley Metro Park
1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH 44313

Hope you can join us!