
12/26/2020
How Bird-Friendly Are Your Holiday Decorations?
Artificial plants, string, and netting can harm birds. Here's how to make your decor safe for them—and, with a bit of effort, even welcoming.
Lake SWCD will provide leadership and technical expertise to guide the protection and conservation of the unique soil and water resources of the county
(1)
Operating as usual
Artificial plants, string, and netting can harm birds. Here's how to make your decor safe for them—and, with a bit of effort, even welcoming.
Happy Holidays from the Board and Staff of Lake Soil & Water Conservation District!
Our office will be closed December 24, 25 and January 1. Limited staff may be available during the week of 12/27. Regular office hours and staffing will resume January 4, 2021.
Photo credit: Dan Donaldson Sunrise over Garrett Century Farm, Madison Township 12/23/2020 7:20 am
Woodland Wednesdays is back baby!
Woodland Wednesdays return virtually! Invasive species impact all of us and there's no better time than the new year to commit to making a positive change. Join us for this online presentation to learn about problematic invasive plants and techniques on how to remove them. Registration is required by visiting http://geaugaswcd.com/.../woodland_wednesdays_January...
It's back!! Woodland Wednesdays return virtually! Invasive species impact all of us and there's no better time than the new year to commit to making a positive change. Join us for this online presentation to learn about problematic invasive plants and techniques on how to remove them. Registration is required by visitinghttp://geaugaswcd.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/woodland_wednesdays_January_2021_flyer_WEB.341134257.pdf
Recycle all that Christmas wrapping right!
Teach the importance of recycling to your family, starting Christmas morning. #RecycleRight Christmas + Paper Wrapping = Recycling.
Did you know that #cigarettebutts are the most littered item around the world?! 🚬
Cigarette butts are the biggest offenders on our shores, streets, and sidewalks, and parks. They are NOT biodegradable. Cigarette filters are primarily plastic and hold onto #toxic chemicals (like arsenic and lead) that leach into our soils and water. ☠️
❌ Don’t throw cigarette butts out your car windows while you’re driving (75% of smokers admit to doing this)
❌ Don’t extinguish them in bushes or plants
❌ Don’t throw them in bodies of water (one cigarette butt per liter of water is toxic enough to kill fish) ☠️🐟
HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS.
#LakeErieStartsHere #DontLitter #KeepLakeErieClean #OnlyRainDowntheDrain #WaterQuality #SoilQuality
So far our volunteers have picked up 631 pieces of litter, 323 of those were cigarette butts.
Did you know that #cigarettebutts are the most littered item around the world?! 🚬
Cigarette butts are the biggest offenders on our shores, streets, and sidewalks, and parks. They are NOT biodegradable. Cigarette filters are primarily plastic and hold onto #toxic chemicals (like arsenic and lead) that leach into our soils and water. ☠️
❌ Don’t throw cigarette butts out your car windows while you’re driving (75% of smokers admit to doing this)
❌ Don’t extinguish them in bushes or plants
❌ Don’t throw them in bodies of water (one cigarette butt per liter of water is toxic enough to kill fish) ☠️🐟
HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS.
#LakeErieStartsHere #DontLitter #KeepLakeErieClean #CuyahogaConserves #OnlyRainDowntheDrain #WaterQuality #SoilQuality
Happy solstice everyone!
Here are some great outdoor suggestions to celebrate the shortest day of what has seemed like the longest year!
https://www.startribune.com/our-suggestions-on-how-to-celebrate-winter-solstice-outdoors/573431191/
The winter solstice can be a good time to gaze at the skies, glide on skis or listen for owls.
Welcome winter by looking to the skies during the longest night of the year!
We have been encouraging folks to go out and look at these planets using just their eyes between now and Dec. 21. You'll actually be able to see how much they appear to move over the course of a single day.The next time they will get this close together in our sky won't be for another 60 years, so t...
The Mentor Marsh must have extra good this year for Santa to have sent a helicopter full of gifts!
Woo-hoo! As the next step in our Marsh restoration, we are supplement seeding this morning in the western basin of Mentor Marsh by helicopter. Native wetland plants included in the seed mix are Swamp Milkweed, Blue Vervain, Greater Burreed, Blue Flag Iris and Marsh Hibiscus. Also included are wetland graminoids (sedges and rushes, grass-like plants).
We’ll be featuring more in depth plant profiles and the wildlife benefits of these plants in the future, so keep your eyes peeled for them!
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
Photo credits: Becky Donaldson and Nan Patrick
Ohio Rocks!
Want to learn about the Geology of Ohio?
This enthusiastic 35-minute video goes over Ohio's geologic history and is great for classrooms and interested adults alike!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR0u5EDaJoyZgwo5qqxj1ChvSB_ms_OCLOYzRIYU_u95KMUNVFRuB5ZFr7k&v=wHbFZdQmxwc&feature=youtu.be
Incorrectly planted trees are bad for the trees and your wallet.
https://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/blog/2020/12/08/the-need-for-trees-to-be-planted-properly?fbclid=IwAR21ncTpCy2DFRztkAvV6PhrPzoos9DUgexwpXOoQCsy2GUfLsaGDIAUKVE
Conservation of land and aquatic resources in a developed environment through stewardship, education, and technical assistance.
Put some of those downed limbs from last week's storm to use by making your own natural holiday decorations!
https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/holiday-craft-ideas-natural-materials/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=december_branch_2020&utm_content=title
Pinecones, sticks, and even milkweed pods can make great holiday decorations. Check out these holiday craft ideas using natural materials.
We would love to work with you!
Northern Ohio Watershed Corps has an open position with Lake SWCD!
This part-time position is perfect for someone trying to gain experience in the Environmental Science field. Duties and responsibilities would include but are not limited to:
· Promote the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps through education and outreach activities
· Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in related workshops, conferences, and training
· Assist with fundraising designed to raise funds for activities such as member retreats and other program related projects (these efforts will not contribute to general operating costs for the organization or Host Sites)
· Attend all NOWCorps required meetings and trainings
· Complete activity reports monthly, required timesheets weekly, and any other reporting in a timely manner in the OnCorps online system
· All other duties as assigned within the limitations of this member description
· Support Lake SWCD's Headwater Stream Monitoring and Stream and Wetland Restoration activities and programs
· Support Lake SWCD's water quality compliance programs for construction sites
· Supports Lake SWCD special conservation and water quality related projects
· Supports Lake SWCD administrative activities as need and member expertise permits
Additional activities that fall within the goals of the program may be assigned with approval of the member, site supervisor, and NOWCorps staff.
Compensation for this position includes a bi-monthly stipend and Members who complete their service year are eligible for an education award.
To apply visit https://www.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=a8ed00f28a35b9e5&from=serp&prevUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indeed.com%2Fm%2Fjobs%3Fq%3DStormwater%2BManagement%26l%3DOhio
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (Ohio)
With the first heavy snow of the year be sure to use the right S.A.L.T.!
Stuff - Road salt (sodium chloride) only works
above 15。F. For colder temperatures use
sand for added traction, or switch to an
ice melting product designed to work at
colder temperatures.
Amount - Spreading more salt does not improve
deicing. One 12 ounce coffee cup full of
salt is enough to cover 250 square feet or
about 10 sidewalk squares. There should
be about 3 inches between salt granules.
Location - Be sure to sweep up any excess salt.
Salt only belongs on your sidewalk and
driveway and never on your lawn, flower
beds or at the base of trees. One place
salt doesn’t belong is in streams. One
teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5
gallons of water.
Time - Salt works best when it is applied before
the snow falls or right after snow is
removed from your driveway or sidewalk.
Never apply salt when rain is in the
forecast, as it will wash away.
DECEMBER
Native berry-bearing and evergreen plant species provide important habitat and food for overwintering bird species. Additionally, many animal species depend on winter cover to protect their young. These plants can also provide a pop of color to brighten up winters’ dreariest days! Some native species that provide winter cover and food include American holly (Ilex opaca), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Inkberry (Ilex glabra), Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and White pine (Pinus strobus). To add winter interest to your home landscape visit your local tree farm or nursery. Photo credit Wild Birds Unlimited
DECEMBER
Native berry-bearing and evergreen plant species provide important habitat and food for overwintering bird species. Additionally, many animal species depend on winter cover to protect their young. These plants can also provide a pop of color to brighten up winters’ dreariest days! Some native species that provide winter cover and food include American holly (Ilex opaca), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Inkberry (Ilex glabra), Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and White pine (Pinus strobus). To add winter interest to your home landscape visit your local tree farm or nursery. Photo credit Wild Birds Unlimited
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Lake SWCD.
Our offices will be closed on Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27. Our office will reopen on Monday 11/ 30.
Due to COVID-19 the Lake County Administration Center will be closed to the public until further notice. Admission to the building is by appointment only. If you need to make an appointment with one of our staff please call 44-350-2730 M-F 7:30am-4pm.
We might be the smallest county in Ohio, but our milkweed collection skills are unmatched!
Of the 900 gallons of milkweed collected in Northeast Ohio, Lake County contributed 300 gallons!
Special thanks again to everyone who contributed milkweed to this state project! Hopefully our communities and roadsides will have a few more flowers in the future.
If you want to learn more about the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative please visit http://www.ophi.info/
Great job Perry High School's Perry Service Learning!
"The students launched their kayaks at Grand River Landing and spruced up sides of the waterway heading until reaching the Fairport Harbor Yacht Club. For some of the students, the project allowed them to make observations and reach conclusions that couldn't be provided by simply reading class materials about environmental pollution."
When some Perry High School students recently embarked on a couple of kayak expeditions on the Grand River, they did more than just look at the scenery.
Lake SWCD hopes you will all take a moment today to reflect on our nation's veterans.
Our office is closed today in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen Thursday, November 12th @ 7:30am.
Thank you to all who served & sacrificed to protect our freedoms.
You may not know this, but we start planning out annual tree sale (now called our Plant Native sale) in July of the previous year!
A few years ago due to customer feedback, we added the Latin or botanical names to our tree sale order form. Using botanical names might seem fancy or elitist, but it really just provides clarity. When working with nurseries and vendors they often speak exclusively in botanical terms to avoid confusion.
Common names like daisy, sage, coneflower and marigold might refer to a specific plant for one person and a completely different plant to another.
Common names also change with region, generation and even profession. Here in Lake County the species Acer rubrum can be commonly referred to as red maple (most common), swamp maple (uncommon, but we have heard it) or soft maple (seems to be used by older generations and maple-sugaring folks).
Often the botanical name of a plant has clues to help you identify it or has a neat historical origin.(hello cocktail party trivia!)
For more about what is in a botanical name and why you shouldn't fear the Latin check out the following article.
Also keep you eyes out for the Lake SWCD 2021 Plant Native Sale order form at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021!
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/28/realestate/yes-you-can-learn-to-speak-the-language-of-plants.html?smid=fb-share&fbclid=IwAR0xNdSPqsfbE9jDzGQRWit5M03Z8er-nnq6BbW_Utf_PRCwc5vLceWrL-E#commentsContainer
Latin might seem like an obscure, inscrutable language for naming plants. But it can open up the botanical world in ways you can’t imagine.
Do you remember election day 2013?
A decade after the large 2003 fire, the phragmites-choked Mentor Marsh caught fire again on election day 2013. Like many of the fires before, the 2013 fire was started by juveniles, who were off of school due to election day and playing near the edge of the marsh. Fortunately the Lake County Utilities was doing work on the sewer line and the invasive reed grass had been cleared along the line, thus creating a fire break. That coupled with favorable winds allowed for the fire to be extinguished before threatening the homes and lives of humans and animals alike.
Fortunately, today the Mentor Marsh isn't the tinder box it once was. The large scale restoration led by Cleveland Museum of Natural History has allowed native vegetation to replace the highly flammable, invasive phragmites. This vegetation has drawn in wildlife as well as human visitors.
If you haven't seen the Mentor Marsh lately, you should go take a stroll on the Wake Robin Boardwalk and bask in its autumn glory!
Happy Election Day! We remember this Election Day in 2013 because it was on this election day that one of the last fires burned at Mentor Marsh. This fire was started by juveniles along the sewerline and thankfully only burned about 10 acres with favorable winds and efforts from our local fire departments keeping it from spreading further.
Look at the massive amount of Phragmites that were growing in the Marsh in 2013! It sure is hard to remember it looking like this! We are thankful every day for increased biodiversity at the Marsh with our restoration efforts in fighting Phragmites, but we are also glad we don't have dense, flammable stands of Phragmites growing here anymore as well!
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, 11/05/13
Photo credits: Becky Daresh and Becky Donaldson
Don't let that jack-o'-lantern rot on your porch!
You can smash it and compost it. Turn it into a wildlife feeder. Or give it to a neighbor with hungry critters like goats or chickens!
Every year, over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown into our landfills. Instead of throwing it in the trash, why not compost it? As long as you did not paint or glue on decorations, pumpkins are a great source of nutrients for our soils and gardens. The best part? We encourage you to smash the pumpkins up first! Breaking the pumpkin into smaller pieces speeds the process of decomposition (and it's just fun).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aeETEoNfOg&app=desktop
Another floodplain restored! Great Job Maurine, Chad and North Perry Village!
https://www.news-herald.com/news/floodplain-restoration-project-completed-in-north-perry-village/article_2ce3bf86-187c-11eb-9a35-4b047f1b3f88.html
A partnership composed of public and private entities has accomplished its mission of restoring a floodplain in North Perry Village.
The 2020 Lake SWCD Board of Supervisor's Election results are in!
We would like to congratulate Skip Dugan and Tom Rowan on their re-election to the Lake SWCD Board.
A big Thank You to everyone who voted and to Gary Zagar for throwing his hat in the ring!
District Board members (supervisors) are respected conservation leaders elected by county residents to represent them in charting the course for soil and water conservation and natural resources management in their county. Associate supervisors are concerned citizens that officially volunteer their time to assist the Board and District. Board and associate supervisors serve together as a guide for the District, its staff and cooperating agencies in efforts to implement conservation plans which address the county's soil and water-related resources.
Board supervisors are elected to a three-year term as public officials and serve without pay. They are protected from liability by laws which indemnify all SWCD supervisors from personal liability in any civil actions arising from involvement with the SWCD.
https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/…/About-Lake…/Board-and-Staff
Board and Staff of Lake SWCD
105 Main St
Painesville, OH
44077
Monday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
Tuesday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
Wednesday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
Thursday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
Friday | 07:30 - 16:00 |
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For the past 20 years Lake SWCD has researched and documented the health of our headwater streams. Headwater streams are the small creeks, brooks, springs and ravines that are the origin of most rivers. These small streams join together to form larger streams and rivers or run directly into larger streams and lakes. Ohio EPA defines a headwater stream as a stream with a watershed less than or equal to 20 square miles. Many streams and drainage ways have a watershed of less than one square mile. We refer to these as “primary headwater” streams. These streams may be home to small fish, amphibians and invertebrates. To evaluate the health of these streams Lake SWCD staff performs Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI) analyses from May-October. By taking physical measurements, as well as biological ones we can determine the health of these streams. It is imperitive that small streams remain healthy, as they feed into larger streams, rivers and ultimately Lake Erie. The headwaters of a river play a huge role in its overall health. These data have informed the county as well as communities on how to best manage this natural resource. Real-world decisions like Riparian buffer ordinances, conservation development practices and prioritizing lands for conservation easement and protection have all been informed by this research. All those years practicing catching critters as kids has paid off for Lake SWCD staff. While it looks like we are a bunch of adults getting paid to "play in the creek", we can assure you that between the rugged terrain, heavy equipment, brambles, heat, mosquitoes and ticks that this work certainly isn't child's play. Despite these challenges Lake SWCD staff is often rewarded with beautiful views, neat nature finds and a good workout. :) This "vintage" video starring a current and a former Lake SWCD staff member shows the overall HHEI procedure. Keep an eye out for us at a stream hear you! If you want to help guide conservation in Lake Cou
Check out the new Lake County Administration Building's bioretention in action! The 2 beds along the parking area in the front of the building have curb cuts so they can receive stormwater runoff. The plants and planting medium allow for stormwater to infiltrate into the ground, thus reducing the amount of water entering our storm drains. This reduces the amount of pollutants in our waterways and the likelihood of stormwater system failures like Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).
LAKE SWCD CONSERVATION NATIVE TREE & PLANT SALE UNDERWAY! 3-4-19 UPDATE: New Jersey Tea is SOLD OUT! 3-11-19 UPDATE: Black Elderberry is SOLD OUT! 3-12-19 UPDATE: Turtlehead is SOLD OUT! 3-12-19 UPDATE: White Pine is SOLD OUT! In an effort to promote conservation the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a wide selection of native, bare root tree seedlings, native container trees and shrubs, and other conservation goods. Thirty total species are being offered this year. All bare root species are available in multiples of 5, 10, or 25.This year all 2019 LEAP Native Plants of the Year are being sold. For those looking for additional backyard conservation goods, there are also 18 cubic foot, wishing well style composters, native wildflower pollinator seed packets, rain barrels, and cover crop seeds. A bird/wildlife house vendor will be on site on Friday during pick up. For best availability your orders should be received by March 8th, 2019. Lake SWCD is happy to accept orders past this deadline, however late orders are subject to availability. Orders will be ready for pick-up April 12 and 13 at the Natural Resources building at the Lake County Fairgrounds. $5 bundles of seedlings, Wildflower and cover crop seed, conservation gifts, and rain barrels will be available for purchase by walk-ins during pick-up time. To download species descriptions or an order form visit, https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/Portals/20/2019 Tree Sale species descriptions and order form 3_12_19.pdf?ver=2019-03-12-080651-093
Stop #1 on our Grand River Bus Tour Chad Edgar our Resource Protection Specialist talking to students from Heritage Middle School 's 6th grade Arthur Holden Leadership Program about land uses in the Grand River Watershed.
The Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers are at their peak in Lake County right now. Get out and see them before they fade!
1.8 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have access to safe drinking water need to make efforts to keep our drinking water sources clean. It is easier and cheaper to prevent surface and groundwater contamination than it is to clean it up once fouled. #LakeErieStartsHere #DontWasteIt
When developing an area and disturbing soils, order is important. A great example of proper construction sequencing when using erosion controls during soil disturbing activities is shown in this video clip. Shown is the bank of the Grand River that once separated Gristmill Condominiums and the water's edge, across from Painesville Recreation Park. Currently, the site is in construction for the newly adopted Gristmill Floodplain Restoration Project; a remediation area that will help to educate the public about the importance of floodplain connectivity, especially in an urban setting. Rip-rap bank stabilization (the large stones) on the river bank as well as the unseen sediment barrier underneath the water, help prevent sediment from washing into the river. Even after a heavy rain event like this past weekend. Imagine the results if this newly disturbed river bank had the contractors and/or engineers for this project neglected the proper sequence of construction activities. An "Atta Boy!" goes to all those individuals responsible for this site!
Lake County Ohio Veterans Service Office
Lake County Administration Bldg, 105 Main StCounty Commissioner John Hamercheck
105 Main St.Board of Lake County Commissioners Senior Ser
105 Main St.Lake County Prosecutor's Office
105 Main StLake County, OH: Building Department
105 Main St, Bld B, 2nd FloorLake County, OH: Career Opportunities
105 Main StreetLake County Counts 2020 Census
105 Main St.Lake County Board of Elections
105 Main St Suite 107Lake County, OH: Stormwater Management Depart
105 Main StThe Lake County Children and Adult Services D
177 Main StLake County Board of Elections
105 Main St Suite 107Painesville Township Fire Department
550 Hardy RdLake County Ohio Veterans Service Office
Lake County Administration Bldg, 105 Main StLake County, OH: Stormwater Management Depart
105 Main StLake County, OH: Career Opportunities
105 Main StreetLake County, OH: Building Department
105 Main St, Bld B, 2nd FloorLake County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Frank L
104 E Erie StLake County Prosecutor's Office
105 Main St