Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (Ohio)

12/26/2020

How Bird-Friendly Are Your Holiday Decorations?

https://www.audubon.org/news/how-bird-friendly-are-your-holiday-decorations?fbclid=IwAR07Orb8dINuYfmAPKWV3_cD2X6e-8FmDhHfV47k_N1GzgXYdj3IPBMitHI

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.

12/24/2020

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

12/23/2020

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

12/23/2020

Lake County Utilities

Recycle all that Christmas wrapping right!

Teach the importance of recycling to your family, starting Christmas morning. #RecycleRight Christmas + Paper Wrapping = Recycling.

12/22/2020

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

12/21/2020

Our suggestions on how to celebrate winter solstice outdoors

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.

12/20/2020

What You Need to Know About This Year’s Winter Solstice and the Great Conjunction

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...

12/18/2020

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

12/16/2020

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

12/10/2020

The Need for Trees to Be Planted Properly

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.

12/08/2020

16 Holiday Craft Ideas Using Natural Materials - Project Learning Tree

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.

12/04/2020

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

12/02/2020

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.

12/01/2020

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

11/25/2020

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.

11/23/2020

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/

11/17/2020

Perry High School students clean up litter along banks of the Grand River

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.

11/11/2020

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.

11/06/2020

Yes, You Can Learn to Speak the Language of Plants

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.

11/03/2020

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

11/02/2020

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

10/29/2020

Floodplain restoration project completed in North Perry Village

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.

10/27/2020

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