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Among the more popular and well-known fish of Ohio’s streams and rivers, there is one fish which lurks on the bottom, often regarded as “trash-fish” or even seen as invasive: suckerfish. Suckerfish are a group of fish from the family Catostomidae which are native to the Ohio River watershed and live as bottom feeders, eating insects, mollusks, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates. They are migratory fish, moving upstream from large rivers and lakes into smaller streams to reproduce in the spring. During this time, they often form very large groups and can be seen traversing small creeks in late April and early May. There are many species of suckerfish native to Ohio such as the white sucker, quillback carp-sucker, and several species of redhorse; many of these species can reach sizes upwards of 10lbs.  Sucker in Pelican Creek; Harlan Kredit; 1974 for the National Parks Service Most sucker species are very intolerant of pollution and sedimentation and as such are good indicator species for river and stream quality. Because of their sensitivity to water degradation, they have declined or even been extirpated from watersheds across the country. The longnose sucker is listed as endangered in Ohio, and the river redhorse and quillback carp-sucker are threatened in parts of their range. Despite this, many individuals see them as invasive and detrimental to the waterways. This is likely due to their resemblance of non-native carp species, such as the bighead carp and grass carp, which are considered invasive in Ohio. Because of this negative perception, many native suckers are killed by fishermen aiming to improve stream health by removing destructive species. Although they are shunned by most of the fishing community, some fishermen are beginning to embrace the sucker and other “rough-fish” by fishing for them. A popular fishing method for suckers is to use a small hook baited with a live worm resting on the bottom of the stream and waiting for the school to pass overhead (Unionsportsmen.org). Despite their reputation, suckers are a beneficial native fish and even help fight invasive species in some parts of their range. In Lake Erie, sucker species such as the bigmouth buffalo and redhorse are some of the only species to prey on the highly invasive zebra mussel, which clog pipes and push out native species (biokids.umich.edu). The river redhorse in Missouri is also noted to readily prey upon the Asiatic clam, which outcompetes native bivalves in the region (mdc.gov). Suckers are also very important prey species in their ecosystems, providing food for species such as largemouth bass, northern pike, herons, and bald eagles.  A zebra mussel-encrusted boat propeller from Lewis and Clark Lake in South Dakota. Image credit: Sam Stukel/United States Fish and Wildlife Service. North American suckerfish are often misunderstood and sometimes vilified for their resemblance to some less-desirable fish species. Despite this negative reputation, they are very beneficial and add to the biodiversity of our pristine rivers and streams in Ohio.
For more information regarding aquatic wildlife, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District programs, and/or technical assistance with water or soil questions, call 513-695-1337. Written By Harrison Shupe, Warren Co SWCD Intern Sources: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/river-redhorse http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Dreissena_polymorpha/#:~:text=Besides%20pumpkinseeds%2C%20the%20several%20other,These%20are%20mostly%20diving%20ducks. https://unionsportsmen.org/spring-sucker-fishing-tips/
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What does it mean to make your home green for stormwater? Green stormwater practices around your home use plants, soils, and other elements to manage water quality and mimic the natural water cycle. Green stormwater practices retain, detain, filter, harvest, and infiltrate stormwater runoff to create healthier urban environments.  Incorporating green infrastructure provides many benefits such as improving water quality by removing pollutants, habitat preservation for native plants and animals, decreasing urbanization stream impacts, and overall enhancement of neighborhood aesthetics. The following is a list of management practices that landowners can incorporate on their own property to help control and keep stormwater clean. (Sources: Penn State Extension, United States Environmental Protection Agency)
For more information regarding green infrastructure for the home, Warren Co SWCD programs, and/or technical assistance with water or soil questions, visit http://warrenswcd.com or call our offices at 513-695-1337. Resources:
 A carpet of invasive lesser celandine in Warren County, Ohio These days it seems like we hear of a new invasive species daily. Whether it is a plant or animal, invasive species can wreak havoc on our local environment and economy. Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) is an invasive plant that doesn’t look harmful, but in fact outcompetes our native spring wildflowers and creates a monoculture affecting insects, animals, and thus the ecosystem. It is found commonly throughout Southwest Ohio including Warren County. Lesser celandine, a Spring ephemeral, was first noted in Pennsylvania in the late 1860’s. It was introduced as an ornamental and eventually started popping up in native areas. A member of the buttercup family, lesser celandine is a perennial flowering herbaceous plant. The leaves are a shiny, dark green kidney shape with wavy edges. The attractive flowers are bright yellow with 7 to 12 petals.
Lesser celandine is low growing, often forming dense ground coverage once established. The plant’s shoots typically emerge as early as January with flowers beginning to bloom in March and April. By June, the vegetation has died back and the plant becomes dormant. The reproduction system of lesser celandine makes this plant a difficult one to control. It primarily reproduces through bulblets and underground tubers. The tiny bulblets are attached to the leafstalks. Underlying each plant is a mass of finger-shaped tubers that are produced by the roots. Disturbances by animals and environmental factors are what spreads the bulblets and tubers. Since lesser celandine is often found along streams and river ways, flood events play a major role in its spread. Replanting the area with native alternatives is a great way to help control soil disturbance while replenishing an important nectar source for insects. Lesser celandine is often confused with a desirable native wetland plant called marsh marigold (Caltha palustris). While they have similar leaf shapes and color, marsh marigold flowers only have five to nine petals and it does not produce tubers or bulblets. Control and management of lesser celandine is very difficult and should be targeted over several years. For small infestations, lesser celandine may be pulled up by hand or dug up using a hand trowel or shovel. It is very important to remove all bulblets and tubers. If mechanical removal is to continue after dieback of the plants, individual plants or clumps will need to be marked with some sort of stakes or flagging because it will be impossible to relocate the plants otherwise. Mechanical control is very difficult for large infestations in high-quality natural areas. If choosing to control chemically (glyphosate, 2,4-D, MCPP, MCPA, dicamba, or triclopyr), you must follow label requirements. Higher control (90%-95%) has been found if spraying is done twice during the early and mid-flowering (up to 50% flower) stages over two years. Check out native plant retailers for possible alternatives. Some suggested alternatives include wild ginger (Asarum canadense), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), cutleaf toothwort (Cardamine concatenate), dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and golden ragwort (Packera aurea). While the lifecycle of lesser celandine may be short, its early emergence and ability to grow and spread in a variety of habitats make it an aggressive invasive species to look out for. Keep yourself familiar with these threats to help prevent further spread by visiting the Ohio Invasive Plants Council. For more information regarding growing native plants, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District programs, and/or technical assistance on water or soil questions, call our offices at 513-695-1337. Additional Resources: Buckeye Yard and Garden Line, Lesser Celandine: Greater Problem by Joe Boggs PennState Extension: Don’t Be Deceived by This Beguiling Springtime Plant Brandywine Conservancy Sweet potatoes are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile staple for any gardener. A common misconception about sweet potatoes is that they are related to russet potatoes or red potatoes. In fact, sweet potatoes are in the Morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae) and the tuber portion is a true root, like beets and carrots. On the other hand, a russet potato is botanically considered a modified stem and is a member of the nightshade family (Solanacea).  Photo by Juno Jo on Unsplash Generally grown as an annual vegetable, sweet potatoes are actually an herbaceous perennial. The leaves are edible and may have been used historically for medicinal purposes, including as an antibiotic and a laxative. If you don’t plan to eat the leaves, make sure to add them to your compost pile as they are rich in potassium.
A late frost can ruin your sweet potato crop, so it is important to wait about 3 to 4 weeks after the last frost before planting. Soil temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. Sweet potato root sprouts, also known as “slips,” can be purchased from a local nursery or ordered by mail. It is best to sprout the slips indoors for about 6 weeks in a warm, moist medium before planting them. Bury the sprouted slips in 6-inch holes about 1 foot apart in a part of your garden that receives a full 8 hours of direct sunlight. Avoid planting sweet potatoes near tall plants so that the sunlight is not blocked. Sweet potatoes grow best in rich, well-drained, loamy soil and are fairly drought tolerant. For the best results, be sure to provide about 1 inch of water per week and then stop watering about 2 to 4 weeks before harvest. Adding compost before planting will provide adequate nutrition and increase the soil’s moisture-holding capacity. For annual cultivation, most varieties take between 90 and 150 days of warm weather for the tubers to mature. The leaves tend to turn yellow when the potatoes are ready to harvest, but the crop can be left longer to improve the yield and nutritional content. If your soil is heavy clay, the sweet potatoes can break apart large clods and any forgotten or rotting tubers will provide a natural compost fertilizer. Wait for a dry, sunny day to harvest your sweet potatoes and then gently dig into the soil away from the base of the plant to avoid damaging the skins. Curing your potatoes is essential for long term storage and must be done immediately after harvest. To cure them, place them in an environment with temperatures of 80 to 85°F and 85 to 90 percent relative humidity for 7 to 14 days. To keep humidity high, wrap individual sweet potatoes in perforated plastic bags or newspaper. Cover the sweet potatoes with a plastic sheet or cloth. Curing helps to heal wounds that occur during harvest, prevents shriveling, and reduces the risk of rot during storage. Curing also makes the sweet potato more palatable by converting starches to sugars and improving aroma and texture. For more information regarding growing sweet potatoes, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District programs, and/or technical assistance with water or soil questions, visit www.warrenswcd.com or call 513-695-1337. Additional Resources: http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/growing-sweet-potatoes-home https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-04-22-how-grow-sweet-potatoes https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-sweet-potatoes-in-the-home-garden-1403479 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706654/how-to-grow-sweet-potatoes/#:~:text=Sweet%20potatoes%20mature%20in%2090,but%20firmly%2C%20and%20water%20well. https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/sweet-potato https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueb-Fcuzc4U
Historically, wetlands have been thought of as places to avoid or as only sources of peat and fossil fuels. Because of this view, many of our wetlands have been destroyed (filled in or converted for other uses). Each state and county have wetland systems, but according to the U.S. EPA, the United States has lost more than 50 percent of the wetlands since before the European settlement of North America. More than 90% has been lost in Ohio specifically (Ohio Wetlands Association).
According to NRCS, “wetlands occur in many forms, including forested swamps, deep and shallow marshes, bogs, and prairie potholes. Some wetlands such as deep-water swamps are always wet, while others, such as bottomland swamps, dry out in certain seasons. These different types of wetlands have important functions; they protect shorelines, shelter rare and endangered species of plants and animals, and are used for recreation and education.” Wetlands are often referred to as nature’s kidneys because of their ability to filter nutrients and other pollutants like pesticides and sediment from the water. Wetlands’ highly efficient cleaning power makes them a low-cost alternative for treating areas of concern. Wetlands filter water out in the following ways (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, H2Ohio):
“Wetlands also can help slow the overland flow of water and thus reduce flooding and soil erosion downstream. Coastal wetlands help absorb some of the impact of storm tides and waves before they reach upland areas. Wetlands are reservoirs for rainwater and runoff. They recharge ground water supplies and extend streamflow during periods of drought or low rainfall. Both coastal and inland wetlands provide breeding, nesting, and feeding habitats for millions of waterfowl, birds, and other wildlife.” (NRCS). Amphibians rely on wetlands due to the fully aquatic stages of their lifecycle, and wet habitat requirements as adults. Programs exist through Federal, State, and Local wetland programs that protect and restore wetlands, such as USDA’s Wetlands Reserve Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Wildlife Program, and State programs such as H2Ohio. For more information regarding wetland funding, Warren Co SWCD programs, and/or technical assistance on water or soil questions, contact us at wcswcd@gmail.com or (513) 695-1337. Additional Resources:
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