Hocking Soil & Water Conservation District

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

06/12/2026

Monday’s Most Wanted—The Stinky Invader!

At #7 on our Most Wanted List Invasives is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). This stinky invader may sound pleasant but be warned, it’s anything but heavenly.
Originally from China and introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s, this tree gives off an unpleasant scent (often compared to rotten peanut butter) and has distinctly long pinnate leaves. It grows quickly and can produce up to 300,000 seeds per year as an adult. It’s also a favorite host for another unwanted guest, the spotted lanternfly.

Removal Tips: This one’s tough because cutting or mowing can make it spread even more. The best method is using systemic herbicides on the leaves or the bark during late summer. Like other invasive plants, multiple treatments are often needed.

Native alternatives include any number of native trees such as Ohio buckeye, black walnut, and tuliptree to name a few.

To learn more, visit ohiodnr.gov/invasiveplants or contact your county’s soil and water conservation district or OSU Extension program.

Check back next Monday for #6 on our Most Wanted Invasive Plants List!

06/11/2026

06/03/2026

🦌 Please Leave Fawns Alone ❌
Each year well meaning people come across a sight like this and think something is wrong. This is completely normal behavior for a deer fawn, and human intervention is unnecessary.
⭐ The More You Know 🌈
⏺️ Fawns are born nearly scentless (so predators cannot find them easily). They also have spots that serve as camouflage and are able to stand soon after being born, but as a protective tactic will remain hidden.
⏺️ It is common for female deer in urban areas to place fawns around homes, backyards, or flower beds. The mother placed it there because she felt it would be safe (often intentionally near humans).
⏺️ To protect her fawn, the mother will spend very little time with it. This is to prevent attracting predators to the fawn’s location. She will leave her fawn in various hiding places for long periods of time, returning several times a day to nurse it. By staying away, the mother is protecting it.
⏺️ Fawns will begin following their mothers at four weeks old. When they are two months old, fawns are able to forage for themselves and are completely weaned from their mother.

05/15/2026

Be sure to come see us tomorrow (5/16) at Ag Days! 🌱🐝

We’ll be set up right outside of our building with fun activities and information for the whole family!

✨ Kids can make their own pollinator seed bomb
🚜 Adults can check out our rental equipment
🔎 Don’t forget to have your kids pick up their scavenger hunt cards and stop by our booth for their sticker!

We can’t wait to see everyone there! 💚