Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation

Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation Our goal is to provide the county with information and resources to better the environment and install conservation practices.

Tire Recycling is this Saturday morning! We have room for additional tires if you did not pre-register. Enter through th...
08/21/2026

Tire Recycling is this Saturday morning! We have room for additional tires if you did not pre-register. Enter through the gates between our office and the fairgrounds. Signs will be out by the road.

Don't forget to RSVP for our Open House September 3rd.
08/19/2026

Don't forget to RSVP for our Open House September 3rd.

Normally, farmers determine application rates for a field based on several soil samples pulled across that field and mix...
08/18/2026

Normally, farmers determine application rates for a field based on several soil samples pulled across that field and mixed as one sample. Dr. Jim Uphaus, professor at Rhode’s State College, has a different take on the issue that may increase a farmer’s ROI.

The soil samples in the photo were taken from a 46-acre field owned and farmed by Jeff Duling. For Duling, knowing the location and more specific soil information of these individual samples would drive different rates of input applications across this particular field. If more specific samples are used to make recommendations, the machines can deliver more precisely where the inputs need to be placed, potentially increasing profit margins.

This is just one of Uphaus’s studies, working with area professionals, that push to utilize data regularly being collected by modern farm equipment's on-board computer to increase the ROI of all farmers.

Nature exploration in the depths? Yes. While walking trails and looking for birds, butterflies and other native species ...
08/17/2026

Nature exploration in the depths? Yes. While walking trails and looking for birds, butterflies and other native species is a great way to experience native wildlife, exploring underwater habitat via snorkeling, scuba diving or swimming is another great way to explore NW Ohio wildlife. What are some of the things you can see in the water? Turtles, many species of large native sport fish, as well as paddlefish and sturgeon.

Last week, Putnam Soil and Water partnered with Gilboa Quarry, a most unique nature gem, to host an introductory, discovery dive for adventurous residents of Putnam County. Participants donned dive gear, learned the ropes of the trade and took to the water.

The Quarry is a premier dive destination and training facility drawing people from all over the world. Anyone is welcome to explore, swim, snorkel, dive and take one of the many classes offered there. Make sure to head into the office upon arrival. Gilboa Quarry Community water exploration

Collaboration is essential to implementing conservation practices throughout the county. In many cases, five or more age...
08/13/2026

Collaboration is essential to implementing conservation practices throughout the county. In many cases, five or more agencies can work together to support a landowner in bringing conservation practices to their property.

One conservation success story in the county is the restoration of seven wetlands. We are proud that the Putnam Soil and Water Conservation District technicians have been involved in each of these projects. Funds utilized for these projects came from H2Ohio funds as well as EPA 319 grants. Both grants aim to address non-point source pollution. Why fund wetlands?

Wetlands are vital, biodiverse ecosystems. They act like sponges, absorbing and holding water. They filter and utilize nutrients, keeping them out of surface water. They help reduce flooding, and provide important habitat for migrating birds and native wildlife, including endangered species.

For farmers working in floodplains, establishing a wetland can be a financially beneficial alternative to farming areas that are prone to flooding. To learn more about the process and available financial benefits, contact your local NRCS office. In Putnam County, that number is 419-523-4871.

Obedient Plant. Breathtaking in the garden and boy, do our native pollinators love them. They are beautiful with so many...
08/12/2026

Obedient Plant. Breathtaking in the garden and boy, do our native pollinators love them. They are beautiful with so many other types of plants. Their flowers can be positioned and stay in place - which is why they are called obedient. They are 2-4' tall and grow in all types of soils. They like dry to moisture but not water-logged soils. They are in the mint family so spread easily. Their shallow root system allows plants to be removed as needed. They have a long bloom time from July into August in our garden.

We are still accepting tires for this recycling event - don't miss out!
08/07/2026

We are still accepting tires for this recycling event - don't miss out!

So many beautiful blooms in the garden.
08/06/2026

So many beautiful blooms in the garden.

Election NoticeThe Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission will cause an election of Supervisors of the Putnam Soil ...
08/05/2026

Election Notice
The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission will cause an election of Supervisors of the Putnam Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to be held in accordance with Chapter 940 of the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals who own or occupy land within the Putnam Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 years of age or older may vote for Supervisor.
There are 3 ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:
1.) At the SWCD office, 1206 E. Second St. Ottawa, from 8/5/2026 until 9/3/2026 during normal business hours; or
2.) At the SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at Ag Complex Building on 9/3/2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ; or
3.) Voting absentee from 8/5/2026 until 9/3/2026, by requesting the ballot application and election ballot from the SWCD office at the following address 1206 E. Second St. Ottawa, by calling 419-523-5159, or email [email protected]. Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 4:30 p.m. on 9/3/2026.
Supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2027 and ending December 31, 2029.
Nominees are:
1. Anne Coburn-Griffis
2. Terry Schroeder
3. Michael Weller

To w**d, or not to w**d? Purslane is a nutrient-dense, ground hugging succulent introduced by early settlers. It is exce...
08/04/2026

To w**d, or not to w**d? Purslane is a nutrient-dense, ground hugging succulent introduced by early settlers. It is exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other vital minerals. BUT - it is growing extensively in our soon-to burst-into-blooms zinnia bed. While it is nutritionally sound and acting as an awesome groundcover, it has the potential to overgrow. Because we intend on planting aggressive, Ohio natives here next spring, we chose to allow it to remain in order to hold in moisture for the zinnias and protect the soil and the organisms residing there from the sun and rain for the time being. We did, however, remove the grasses. We are looking forward to seeing those blossoms!

Address

1206 E 2nd Street
Ottawa, OH
45875

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(419) 523-5159

Website

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