Conservation Connection: A Blog

Endangered Species Day

5/17/2019

."Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them. Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places. Every year on the third Friday in May (and throughout the month), zoos, aquariums, parks, botanic gardens, wildlife refuges, museums, schools, community centers, conservation groups and other organizations throughout the country hold tours, special speaker presentations, exhibits, children’s activities and more to celebrate Endangered Species Day."

To learn more: visit www.endangered.org

On this Endangered Species Day, take the Plastic and Balloon Pledge to stop using these single use plastic items that harm aquatic ocean life.

Here in Warren County, we have several state listed species of concern and endangered species, including the Indian bat and the Eastern Massasauga, as well as the Blue corporal (Ladona deplanata ) and the Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) .

Click here for a complete list of Warren County listed wildlife species
Click here for a complete list of Warren County listed plant species

Information on Ohio's Endangered Wildlife Species can be found at the Division of Wildlife's website: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/state-listed-species

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STEWARDSHIP Week

4/28/2019

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The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Stewardship Week is one of the largest national programs to promote natural resource conservation. Celebrated annually since 1955 between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, NACD Stewardship Week reminds us of our individual responsibilities to care for natural resources.

The 2019 theme is "Life In The Soil: Dig Deeper". Soil is the foundation for many of the items we use in our daily life, such as food, clothing, clean water, homes and more. Healthy soil equals healthy food, which equals a healthy you. Don’t treat your soil like dirt! This non-renewable resource is paramount for our survival on this planet.

As part of Stewardship Week, NACD sponsors a poster contest that is organized through the local SWCDs. Check out our Contests page for more information!

PROCLAMATION
Whereas fertile soil and clean water provide us with our
daily sustenance, and
Whereas effective conservation practices have helped
provide us a rich standard of living, and
Whereas our security depends upon healthy soil and clean
water, and
Whereas stewardship calls for each person to help
conserve these precious resources,

Therefore, I do hereby proclaim
April 28 to May 5, 2019
Soil & Water Stewardship Week

For more information, visit www.nacdnet.org

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World Water Day

3/22/2019

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Water is an essential building block of life. It is more than just essential to quench thirst or protect health; water is vital for creating jobs and supporting economic, social, and human development.

2019 Theme: Leaving no one behindThe theme for World Water Day 2019 is ‘Leaving no one behind,’ which is the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030. By definition, this means leaving no one behind.
Today, billions of people are still living without safe water, which means ‘safely managed drinking water service’: water that is accessible on the premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. Their households, schools, workplaces, farms and factories struggling to survive and thrive.

Marginalized groups – women, children, refugees, indigenous peoples, disabled people and many others – are often overlooked, and sometimes face discrimination, as they try to access and manage the safe water they need.

To learn more about World Water Day and find resources for conserving water, visit http://www.un.org/en/events/waterday/

And visit our Education Blog!

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2019 Rain Barrel Art Project

1/4/2019

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Do you love nature and art? Then channel your artistic energy into a worthwhile conservation project! The 7th annual Rain Barrel Art Project has begun and individuals or groups are encouraged to submit ideas of art they would like to paint on a rain barrel. The entry period is open until January 21. Click here to submit your idea.

2019 Project Timeline
Nov. 19 (of 2018) to Jan. 21 - Entry Period
Jan. 22 to Jan. 28 - Selection Period
Feb 16 - Artist Workshop @ The Cincinnati Zoo
Feb. 10 to Mar. 29 - Painting Period
Mar. 28 to Mar 30 - Rain Barrel Dropoff @ The Cincinnati Zoo
Apr. 1 - Apr. 25 - Rain Barrels Displayed @ The Cincinnati Zoo
Apr. 15 to 25 - Rain Barrel Art Online Auction
April 25 - Party for the Planet, Auction Finale, and Artist Reception

How do I participate?
1. Go to the entry form and submit your idea for approval.
2. If your design is approved, attend the artist workshop on February 10.
3. Pick up your rain barrel at the end of the workshop.
4. Return your rain barrel by Mar. 31 and visit it at the Cincinnati Zoo.

What happens after I return the barrel?
1. Barrels are displayed throughout the Zoo between April 1 and April 25.
2. Barrels will be auctioned online between April 15 and April 25.
3. The money raised from the auction will be used for environmental education at SaveLocalWaters.org and at the Zoo.

Rain barrels are an excellent way to save both money and water. And adding beautiful artwork to your rain barrel makes it more personable and aesthetically pleasing! (If you are not the artistic type but wish to own a beautiful rain barrel, this project ends in an auction of these gorgeous rain barrels in April!)

The Rain Barrel Art Project is designed to educate people on environmental issues like storm water runoff, watersheds and water conservation. To learn more about this project and other stormwater education campaigns visit SaveLocalWaters.org

If you are looking to purchase a rain barrel before the April auction that you can paint yourself, check out the 2019 Annual Tree Seedling Sale! Rain barrels can be purchased through our tree sale. View the 2019 catalog for details!

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Safeguarding Our Gift To The Next Generation

12/3/2018

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"...a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children..." - Wendell Berry, environmental activist and author, 1971

...and we must leave it for our children in (hopefully) a better state than it was when we borrowed it. Yet in a sense, maybe the world is somewhat "given by our fathers", like a gift we are preparing to leave the next generation. And as the blustery winds of winter start to arrive, the holiday season presents a perfect opportunity to act on that sentiment. Many of us our busy decorating and prepping for the various celebrations that occur this time of year. The holiday season fosters much reflection and connection to those around us, and is a wonderful opportunity to share moments and memories. While we ready our homes for this special time of year, WCSWCD wishes to encourage folks to keep our natural world in mind and take steps to reduce waste and negative environmental impacts.

There are many eco-friendly ideas for gearing up for the holidays! Here in our office, we are turning the below items into festive decor and ornaments!