Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District

08/16/2026

We have been busy squashing! More effective than killing the bugs themselves is removing their favorite host tree- the also invasive Ailanthus altissima aka Tree-of-Heaven. Removal of these trees once they are more than 1/2" in diameter does require herbicide application. Learn how to identify and remove them at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/f-65

As spotted lanternflies reach their most noticeable stage of the year, residents are encouraged to eliminate these invasive insects whenever they are seen. Spotted lanternflies damage a variety of trees and grapevines, produce a sticky substance known as honeydew that can lead to mold growth, and disrupt native ecosystems by competing with local species. The pest continues to spread throughout Ohio, with Franklin County remaining one of the state's most heavily infested areas.

We encourage residents to stay informed and follow best practices to help slow the spread. City of Grandview Heights is following guidelines provided by ODA. For more information on how you can help, please visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Spotted Lanternfly resource page at https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf

08/12/2026

Columbus ArborFest RETURNS bigger and better! Celebrate trees with naturalist-led tree walks, activities for all ages, live music, and delicious food trucks! Join the fun at Whetstone Park on August 22nd from 12-5. Learn more at columbusarborfest.com

We'll have a table AND you can join us for river seining at 12, 2:30 and 4:30!

08/11/2026

Did you know that August is almost always a wetter month than April in Ohio? "April showers" stick out as they last longer, and don't get absorbed by still-dormant plants and trees as much as summer rains. However, July, June, May and August all typically experience more rainfall than April thanks to thunderstorms dumping high volumes of rain very quickly.

Standing water after storms can come from flooding, when a waterway overfills its banks or a storm sewer becomes full, or ponding, when soil can't infiltrate water fast enough. If you want to sleuth out why water may be standing on your property you can use our handy video tutorial!

What's the difference between flooding and ponding? How do you tell...

08/06/2026

🌎 Give back to the river that gives so much to Dublin.

Join us Saturday, Sept. 12, for the Mike Utt Scioto River Cleanup. Volunteers will remove litter, plant native trees and shrubs and help protect our waterways and wildlife.

Spend the morning making a difference with us!

💚 bit.ly/JointheCleanupCrew

08/05/2026

Are you a runner? A walker? A supporter of FLOW? Interested in learning about stormwater management? If you answered yes to any of the above, please consider joining us for our inaugural FLOW STORMWATER RUN-OFF 5K on Sunday, October 4th! But hurry, prices go up September 1st.

Link in comments.

08/02/2026

The Columbus Watershed Partner Service Agreement is now accepting applications from watershed groups! Columbus Water and Power, in association with Franklin Soil and Water, established the Watershed Partner Service agreement program as a way to support and collaborate with local watershed groups on shared goals. Watershed groups can apply for this program from August 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026.

Groups can learn more and apply at www.franklinswcd.org/columbus-watershed-partners

08/01/2026

Yesterday we were able to honor longtime District partner, Joe Gerhart, with a Great Blue Heron Award at his retirement party! Joe is retiring after an impressive 34 years of service to Jefferson Township, Franklin County, Ohio Government! Joe is a huge supporter of our mission and has been integral to the success of our Fieldstone restoration project and our construction site inspections in Jefferson Township. What we heard again and again at his party was his coworkers (past and present) talking about Joe's ability to lead by example, the care and work ethic he brought to his job, and how he always keeps a positive attitude and a smile on his face. A Great Blue Heron award is the least we can do to send him on his way - he's just one of those guys who always answered the phone when we called and always answered with "Well, I'll see what I can do." Joe is a shining example of a dedicated public servant and we're hoping now he's freed up plenty of time to fish and hunt as much as his heart desires!

07/31/2026

This we want to thank Rylee and Annabel from our Urban Conservation team for taking a break from their usual construction site inspection and urban agriculture work to put on their Outreach hats and represent Franklin SWCD at the !

We are gearing up for a busy August and September event season. Check out our event calendar at https://www.franklinswcd.org/calendar to see if we'll be in your neighborhood any time soon!

07/29/2026

On Saturday, August 8, we're holding a Community Backyards workshop in New Albany! Join your conservation-minded neighbors to learn about rain barrels, composting and native plants, and leave with a voucher for money back on one of those items. Walk-ins are always welcome, but if you pre-register we will have your voucher waiting for you at the event.

Register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/r9jssjw

07/28/2026