​‘Tis the season for campfires! Campfires are very relaxing and there is nothing better than roasting marshmallows over a campfire, but did you know that Ohio EPA has regulations in regards to campfires and potentially local ordinances exist in regards to burning?
 



​As per Ohio EPA’s guidelines, bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment are permissible if used for cooking, warmth, recreation, religious or ceremonial or similar purposes with the following guidelines as long as the:

• campfire is fueled with clean seasoned firewood, natural gas or other clean burning fuel.
• the campfire is not being used for  waste disposal.
• the total fuel area is no more than three feet in diameter and no higher than  two feet.

 
For more guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency, visit http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/47/facts/openburn.pdf

Under Ohio Law, it is illegal to burn garbage, items made of rubber, grease, asphalt and petroleum, as well as dead animals. Also, burning household waste produces many toxic chemicals and is one of the largest known sources of dioxin in the nation.
 
So what can you do instead? Citizens are urged to reduce the overall amount of waste that is being generated in their household and learn how to possibly reuse their items in another way, besides burning. In terms of recycling, contacting your local waste disposal provider on their curb-side pickup policies and possible drop-off locations would aid you and others in how to dispose of bulky and the potential hazardous items.
 
Another option to reducing waste is composting! It is a great way to reduce your household waste such as yard trimmings and food scraps. The best part about compost is that you are able to create a natural fertilizer! For more information on composting, be sure to visit the following links:

• Warren Soil and Water Conservation District’s Composting page: https://www.warrenswcd.com/composting.html
• The Ohio State University’s Extension Factsheet on compost: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-34. 

."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

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!

For more information, visit www.nacdnet.org

​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!

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!