Wayne County Soil & Water Conservation District

06/12/2026

06/05/2026

Today is World Environment Day! It's your cue to start shaking things up! Jump into action and become a planet-saving superhero for future generations! 🌍✨

05/19/2026

You took the trash out in the dark and I was near the edge of the driveway. I stomped my front feet against the asphalt. I hissed. I raised my tail like a flag and took two quick steps toward you.

You dropped the bag and ran inside.

I'm a striped skunk. I've been living under the brush pile behind your shed for a year. I have terrible eyesight, I move slowly, and the performance you just watched wasn't an attack — it was me asking you to back off so I wouldn't have to use the one defense I'd rather not spend.

🦨 The stomping and the tail are designed to give you every chance to leave.

I do this because spraying costs me. My body holds enough for a handful of uses, and once I run out, it takes over a week to produce more. During that time I have no defense against coyotes or great horned owls. Every spray I fire at something that wasn't a real threat is one I don't have when something is. I don't want to waste it on you.

Here's what most people don't know. While you sleep, I dig up ground-nesting yellowjacket colonies you didn't know were in your lawn. My thick fur protects me from the stings. I eat the adults, the larvae, and the comb. I dig up the grubs that kill your turf. I hunt the mice working their way toward your foundation.

By midsummer, you might see a mother leading a single-file line of miniature skunks through the grass at dusk. They're learning to hunt grubs. They already know how to stomp their tiny feet.

🌿 If you see me:

- Stop moving and speak softly — my vision is poor, but I hear well. Let my ears tell me you're a person and I'll waddle the other way
- Back away slowly — the stomping ends the moment I feel you retreating
- Don't trap and relocate me — you'd lose the only thing in the yard actively digging up yellowjacket nests before someone steps on one

I've been working your property line for a year, eating the things that sting and the things that chew. You only noticed me the night I asked for space.

That's because I'm good at my job 🌱

05/01/2026

Free State Park Entrance, Free Fishing Days, and more. Check it out!!

04/27/2026

⚠️LAST DAY to order plants!
This is it - Orders close tonight!

Don't miss your chance to support the Wayne County SWCD and the educational events for youth. Bonus: Get your garden ready for the season! 🌻

👉Order before they're gone: https://waynecountyswcd.org/news-and-events/fundraiser/

04/25/2026

🤩 VISIT US TODAY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! 🤩 Find us on Earlham’s campus until 2pm!

04/23/2026

⌛5 Days Left!
It's been sitting on your to-do list... this is your sign ✅

Native plants, happy pollinators, stronger environment 🌿
👉Order now: https://waynecountyswcd.org/news-and-events/fundraiser/

04/23/2026

We hope you stop by for a free animal show from Barnyard Party Pals! Details in image below.

Thank you to our Earth Day Heroes: Hill's Pet Nutrition and Alpek Polyester.

01/16/2026

Our friends at Family EARTH DAY Celebration have set the date and location for this year's event