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Education connection
a Blog...

From the desk of  our Education Staff

Maryann the Freshwater Mussel: Why is she so important for Ohio Rivers?

1/13/2021

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The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District has gained a new team member: Maryann the freshwater mussel. Maryann is very passionate about the water quality of her river because she is a filter feeder! If the water quality in her river is poor, Maryann will be negatively affected by a toxic diet. Freshwater mussels help keep our rivers clean, making them vital to the aquatic ecosystems in Ohio.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 11 freshwater mussel species have become extinct, and 46 more are struggling on the endangered species list. The Ohio river basin, encompassing 14 states and over 25 million people, is home to 41% of freshwater mussel species native to North America. Our streams and rivers empty into the basin, eventually emptying into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Freshwater mussels filter feed anything and everything we dump into our rivers, causing mussel species in Ohio to be disproportionately affected due to dense populations of mussel species. More specifically, the Little Miami River holds 36 species of freshwater mussels, including two threatened species.  

Not only are mussels threatened by water pollution, they are also fighting for resources with the invasive Zebra Mussel species. Zebra mussels are native to Eurasian freshwater bodies, but spread through dumping ballast water into the Great Lakes by ships from Europe. Zebra mussels thrived in this new environment with no natural predators, allowing them to spread rapidly across the country. Native mussel species are reducing in number due to these invasive mussels, causing a decline in overall biodiversity in our rivers.
Freshwater mussels are vital for our rivers’ ecosystem filtration, but many species are declining in population due harvesting for shiny buttons, and nutrient rich sea food in the past. Human impact on the freshwater mussel population can be greatly reduced by keeping our rivers clean, helping to reverse the negative affects of previous harvesting. According to the Ohio River Foundation, our river is a source of drinking water for more than five million people. Without freshwater mussels digesting harmful bacteria such as E. coli, our rivers would become very dirty.

Article written by WCSWCD Intern Abbey Raison

It is incredibly important that we all do our part to prevent water pollution in our river and consume fewer mussel products to protect the native species of freshwater mussels.
You can adopt a mussel just like Maryann! Visit https://secure.donationpay.org/ohioriverfdn/adopt.php to adopt the mussel of your choice, and help the Ohio River Foundation protect the freshwater mussel population.  According to the Ohio River Foundation website, "The donors of the Adopt a Mussel program provide much needed funds for food, aquariums and other supplies needed to care for and house these important conservation ambassadors for our Mussels in the Classroom program."  These education initiatives align with those of Warren County SWCD and we are proud to support water quality education!
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For questions regarding Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District programs and/or technical assistance on water or soil questions, visit http://warrenswcd.com or call, 513-695-1337.

Additional Resources:
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service- https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/clams/ohio_rvr.html
  • Marion Renult 2020- https://undark.org/2020/04/13/freshwater-mussel-death/
  • Zebra Mussels-https://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/zebra_mussel_faqs.pdf
  • Carrie Blackmore Smith 2020- https://www.alleghenyfront.org/fighting-for-the-ohio-river-watersheds-mussels/
  • Ohio River Foundation- https://ohioriverfdn.org/about_the_river/ecology/index.html
  • Ohio State University- https://ocvn.osu.edu/news/little-miami-river-watershed
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Our Blue Planet

3/8/2019

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World Water Day – March 22, 2019
Water is the building block of life. ​For some, it’s easy to take water for granted..."it just comes out of the faucet anytime you want it."  Yet around the globe, there are people who don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. March 22, World Water Day, is dedicated to drawing attention to the water related issues that affect humans in almost every country. As created by the United Nations, the goal of World Water Day is to bring aide to people who are truly in need.
Try to reduce your water footprint:​
https://nationaltoday.com/world-water-day/
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Earth is the only known planet in our solar system that humans can live on. ​No other planet has oceans, Earth is also our only known planet to have bodies of liquid water on its surface and enough oxygen to comfortably breathe. Because we have so much water, Earth is is also referred to as the Blue Planet.​ The oceans combined with the atmosphere makes our planet look blue from outer space.
​About 71 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered with water. Earth is the only planet where water can exist in liquid form on the surface. Less than one percent of Earth's water is drinkable. Most of Earth's water is salty (~ 97%) and over 2/3 of Earth's freshwater is frozen. Earth is the fifth largest planet and the third planet from the Sun.
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What is potable water?   Water that is suitable or safe for drinking. 
​Water is not distributed evenly across the Earth. Water can be found in oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, underground (ground water), in soil and in Earth's atmosphere. A molecule of water can remain in the ocean for thousands of years. A molecule of water can remain in the atmosphere for as short a time as just a few days. 
Visit DiscoverWater.org to experience an interactive
​on-line version of related topics.
​An estimated 780 million people live without clean, accessible drinking water. Drinking contaminated water can lead to a host of life threatening diseases. Although this may seem like a third world problem, Flint, Michigan showed us that water problems even plague the United States.

Our wildlife also require access to clean water. Every year, countless animals die as a result of water pollution. Pollution can occur in many ways, from physical litter to wastewater and chemical runoff, which causes the water to become toxic to the animals that depend on it for drinking and habitation.

​Many of the environmental problems we are coping with are intertwined — such as climate change and ecosystem degradation are related to and sometimes direct causes of water pollution, floods and droughts. — https://nationaltoday.com/world-water-day/
Project WET and Healthy Water Healthy People
Teaching people to understand and value water, promoting water conservation and protection for all:  
https://www.projectwet.org/
​ODNR Division of Wildlife Aquatic Education:
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/education-and-outdoor-discovery/aquatic-education
ODNR Division of Wildlife Conservation Education:​
​http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/education-and-outdoor-discovery/conservation-education-project-wild
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USGS All About Water:  water.usgs.gov/edu/
2019 Caesar Creek Lake Calendar of Events:
​parks.ohiodnr.gov/portals/parks/PDFs/things_to_do/naturalists/USACECaesarCreek2019.pdf
Caesar Creek State Park
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"Mountains Matter" - public lands to explore this winter

1/4/2019

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As temperatures drop and snow falls, many of America’s public lands transform into winter wonderlands while taking on a whole new "spectacular" personality.
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#MountainsMatter:  ​International Mountain Day 2018 Theme
Mountains matter yet they are often forgotten. Mountains play a vital role in providing essential "goods and services", especially water,​ to our planet. Mountain ecosystems are centers of biological diversity. These ecosystems, however, face severe threats from unsustainable land use practices (ex. overgrazing or non-conservation agriculture),  illegal wood extraction, development of large-scale infrastructure (dams, roads) and unsustainable natural resource projects (fossil fuels, mining, & increased hydrocarbons).  Our human well-being and livelihoods cannot be sustained without healthy ecosystems. Mountains also provide vulnerability in the "face of climate change",  ​People living among mountains face subsistence challenges brought about by elevation, rough topography and even severe climate.  https://adaptation-undp.org/projects/mountain-eba
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"Going, Going, Gone" - Glacier National Park Photo by Marta Farrell
​"Glacier National Park continues to lose its glaciers as global temperatures rise. Initially, this park had about 150 glaciers when it was founded in 1910. "Today, only 26 still meet the 25-acre threshold to be called a glacier." Credit: Jinrui Qu/CC-BY-SA-2.0

​#MountainsMatter for Water:   Think of mountains as the world’s 'water towers’, providing between 60-80% of all freshwater resources for our planet. Reliable resources  indicate that glaciers in mountain ranges around the world are retreating and disappearing due to climate change. As many as 600 glaciers have disappeared completely over past decades, affecting water supplies relied on by billions living downstream.

Five Thousand Miles of Wild; "It's More than a River, it's our way of life."
https://www.5000miles.org/      #5000 Miles of Wild
In 2018, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. We continue this celebration in 2019 as tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Little Miami River being named a State and National Scenic River.
http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/watercraft/pdfs/maps/srLittleMiami.pdf
National Wild and Scenic River System

​​#MountainsMatters for Disaster Risk Reduction as climatic variations are triggering disasters. Avalanches, mudflows and landslides are tumbling downstream, stripping bare forests, flooding communities and populations.
​https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Goodbye%2C_Glaciers.ogv
#MountainsMatter for Tourism:   Mountain destinations attract roughly 15-20% of global tourism; these are areas of important heritage, knowledge and cultural diversity, . Such tourism has potential to affect or foster economic development especially in remote and isolated regions.  Unfortunately, many mountain communities are not benefiting and still live in poverty. 
#MountainsMatter for Food:  Mountain regions are important centers of agricultural biodiversity; they are "home to many of the foods that come to our table"...rice, potatoes, quinoa, tomatoes and barley. Sadly, such regions are home to some of the hungriest peoples in the world given a high vulnerability to food shortages and malnutrition; climate change is directly affecting mountain agriculture.
#MountainsMatter for Youth:  Despite magnificent landscapes, rural life in mountainous regions can be "tough", particularly for the youth; abandoning their villages in search of employment elsewhere has lead to an absence of young people.  This directly increases labor shortages. Consequently, migration from mountain regions has lead to an increase in abandoned agricultural, land degradation to even forest fires. Consequently, many cultural values and ancient traditions are lost.
#MountainsMatter for Indigenous Peoples:  Many mountainous areas host ancient indigenous communities that often posses and maintain unique knowledge, 
languages and traditions. Mountain peoples have developed unique land-use systems; they posses a wealth of knowledge and strategies that have accumulated over generations, including how to adapt to climate variability.
#MountainsMatter for Biodiversity:  Half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are concentrated in mountains where approximately 25% of terrestrial biological diversity is supported. Mountains are home to many rare wildlife such as gorillas, snow leopards, the majestic tahr and strikingly, beautiful plants such as orchids and lobelias. International Mountain Day is an occasion to create a large social movement that can bring mountain issues "at large".
Take a "step-up" and raise attention to mountains. ​#MountainsMatter
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Lobelias
​
Few Lobelia flowering species extend into cooler temperate regions, generally known as lobelias.
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Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park, India
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"Human wellbeing and livelihoods cannot be sustained without healthy ecosystems."   UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
https://adaptation-undp.org/projects/mountain-EbA

​Some of the many "Public Lands to Explore in Winter"  ​ See: https://www.doi.gov/blog/20-public-lands-explore-this-winter
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Gallery Photos by Marta Farrell
​Seasons in the Smokies: ​ https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=28D901AE-1DD8-B71C-078D04CCD4FBAFBC

Glacier National Park in Montana
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Photo above by Bill Hayden, National Park Service
​If you love snow, Mother Nature blankets the landscape in white at Glacier National Park. As the snow accumulates in Glacier, snowshoeing and skiing are among some of the favorite recreational activities in the park along with watching the wildlife come out to play.
Glacier National Park  Gallery Photos by Marta Farrell

Yellowstone National Park
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Photo above by the National Park Service
​Winter at Yellowstone National Park indicates fewer crowds, frigid temperatures, and steaming geyser basins, hibernation or even migration. Skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles are often the primary modes of transportation as roads close, rivers and lakes freeze and snowstorms transform the park. One of the most amazing winter sights at the park is the ice dam at Lower Falls. Often growing over 100 feet tall, it’s known as an "astounding natural spectacle".
Yelllowstone N.P. Gallery Photos by M.J. Farrell and Marta Farrell

Starry Night:  ​The Milky Way glows in the sky over a geologic formation known as Monument Rocks in Gove County, Kansas. The Milky Way is best viewed on moonless summer nights, far from the light pollution created by cities and towns.  Astronomers believe our galaxy contains about 200 billion stars.

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— Travis Heying / The Wichita Eagle via AP
Year in Space Pictures - 2018:  https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/year-space-pictures-2018-ncsl950631?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Rundown%20Dec%2031&utm_term=Morning%20Rundown
Geologists create a basic unit called a formation to classify and map layers of rock. Thus, a formation is a rock unit that is distinctive enough in appearance that a geologic mapper can tell it apart from the surrounding rock layers; also, the rock formation must be thick enough and extensive enough to plot on a map.

​"Formations are given names that include the geographic name of a permanent feature near the location where the rocks are well exposed. If the formation consists of a single or dominant rock type, such as shale or sandstone, then the rock type is included in the name." - By Christine Wilkerson, Utah Geological Survey "What is A Formation?"

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
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Photo above by Carl Finocchiaro
​"Cracks in Dream Lake ​ create a gorgeous but perilous, natural tapestry at
​Rocky Mountain National Park."

Always test ice first before walking on it; never take chances when walking on ice.
In the winter, enjoy site-seeing, watching wildlife, sledding, snowshoeing,
​cross-country skiing, or hiking while exploring
​Rocky Mountain’s spectacular mountainous environments. 

Iditarod National Historic Trail in Alaska​
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Photo above by Kevin Keeler, Bureau of Land Management.
​Encompassing a 1,500-mile system of winter trails, the Iditarod National Historic Trail  initially connected ancient Alaska Native villages and opened up Alaska for the gold rush; it continues to play a vital role for travel and recreation. This trail is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management and it is often identified with the famous annual Iditarod - sled dog race. This annual race starts each year in March. There are upmost challenges the racer and the 21-dog team face given harsh conditions across rugged but beautiful Alaskan terrain. Meanwhile, dog mushing is the traditional Alaska winter transportation. Dogsledding, or the practice of a musher guiding a team of dogs pulling a sled over ice and snow, may serve multiple purposes. "Whether it’s a casual run along public recreational trails, racing against competitors, or hauling supplies, public lands have much to offer." -https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/alaska

Whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter #ESCAPE the Indoors!
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Also, check out America's State Parks: https://www.stateparks.org/find-a-park/
866-OHIOPARKS 
866-644-6727
Ohio's Scenic Geology
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Artist:  C.R. Farrell
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June is...Great Outdoors Month!

6/20/2018

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​Ever wanted to explore your local stream, but didn’t know exactly where and how? This summer Warren County SWCD are hosting stream encounters where residents can enjoy their local streams through guided educational opportunities and cleanups. While participating in beautification efforts, you will also learn about how we monitor for stream health. To register, go to: https://www.warrenswcd.com/stream-encounters.html
Check out these Warren County ​Events:
​

Harmon Park Stream Encounter - 
Tue, July 10, 10am – 12pm
​Location:  Harmon Park, 300 S East St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA (map)

St. Susanna Stream Encounter - Wed, August 1, 10am – 12pm
​​Location: St. Susanna Catholic Church, 616 Reading Rd, Mason, OH 45040 (map)

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Summer is the ideal time to connect with nature or #EscapetheIndoors.
During this Great Outdoors Month explore different activities that you can enjoy outdoors. Enjoy planing a fishing, boating, camping, hiking or even biking adventure!
​​https://www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org/
Event Planning: 
​www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org/activites-and-events

Volunteer Stewardship Opportunities:
https://www.warrenswcd.com/volunteer-opportunities.html
www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org/stewardship
​

Earth Team Volunteer:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/volunteers/

​National Trails Day
As of June 2, kids and families can download the new Junior Ranger
"Let's Go Fishing!" Activity Booklet or pick up printed copies at a growing number
of parks​over the summer.  Follow #GoFishingInParks.
​
​Warren County Ohio Park District:  ​www.co.warren.oh.us/parks/

2018 Caesar Creek Events:
parks.ohiodnr.gov/portals/parks/PDFs/things_to_do/naturalists/CaesarCreek2018.pdf
​
Above Photos taken at Caesar Creek Nature Center featuring  our wonderful host - Sarah Blair/ODNR, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists, Franklin High School Environmental Classes, ​Franklin HS Environmental/Biology Teacher Mr. Keith Vinson - 2017 Warren County SWCD Educator or the Year,
 www.caesarcreekstatepark.com/nature-center.html

OHIO'S SCENIC RIVERS
​Celebrates 50 Years of Conserving
Rivers, lakes and oceans - our blue spaces benefit both our physical and mental well-being. We rely on rivers for clean drinking water and as places of recreation and rejuvenation. Even the sound of moving water has a calming and restoring effect on the mind. ​Whether you are looking for a peaceful picnic or rest spot by a babbling brook, a scenic river-front hike or a place to paddle, you can find activities along Wild and Scenic Rivers that contribute to your good health. ​
Wild Scenic Rivers Health & Safety: www.rivers.gov/wsr50/files/health-safety-infographic.pdf
Roughly ​65% of our nation’s drinking water comes from rivers and streams. Toxins that contaminate water can harm the human body, meaning that "good health starts with good water chemistry".
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Ohio DNR:  ​watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/scenic-rivers/program/designation
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
ohio_scenic_river_events_2018_50th_year_celebrate.pdf
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ohio_scenic_river_events_2018.pdf
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​Many plants and some animals, such as freshwater mussels, can filter water by removing harmful chemical compounds. Since humans need assistance making sure the water we ingest is clean, protect your own health by understanding the ecosystems responsible for your clean water and helping your local watershed group clean up litter -
​thus removing water pollutants.
Warren County SWCD Educational Services and Programs:   https://www.warrenswcd.com/education.html

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WAter shapes our land, water supports all life, water needs protected

10/2/2017

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Drinking water comes from streams, rivers lakes and ground water (aquifers). Protecting these water sources is key to sustaining safe drinking water supplies. ​ When the water in our rivers, lakes and oceans becomes polluted, it endangers wildlife and people. Pollution makes our drinking water unsafe and threatens the waters where we enjoy swimming, fishing and recreational activities. For additional "Water Topics", EPA research supports water protection efforts under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.

THOMAS C. SPELLMIRE WATER CONSERVATION TRAILER
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http://www.warrenswcd.com/water-trailer.html
Protect Sources of Drinking Water 
​Roles in Source Water Protection
Protecting source water is everyone's responsibility. Everyone has a role, including:
  • EPA and other federal agencies
  • States
  • Local governments
  • Water utilities
  • Businesses and industries
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Individuals
www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection#self
​"They're our streams. Let's Keep them clean!" ​
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Install a Rain Barrel:  Store rainwater from rooftops that can be used on lawns and gardens.  Stormwater includes rainwater that runs off hard surfaces and carries pollution to our streams.
​Individuals can further take action to protect their water, for example by:
  • Reduce uses of pesticides around the home or businesses
  • Ensure that septic systems are property maintained:  Proper septic system maintenance is particularly important for people who rely on private wells for their drinking water.
  • Plant "Native" - Create a "Rain Garden" ​http://www.warrenswcd.com/backyard-conservation.html
  • Organize or participate in stream clean-up efforts www.warrenswcd.com/stream-clean-ups.html or http://www.lmriverkleeners.org/index.html
  • Volunteer to tag Storm Drains in your community:  http://www.warrenswcd.com/volunteer-opportunities.html
  • Research the main types of trash (litter) in a stream and initiate ideas to reduce trash from entering a stream in the first place.
  • Start a campaign to get more families "outdoors" with instituting at least 10 great ways to protect our local streams http://mylittlemiami.org/about-us/
  • Research what leads to flash flooding, stream bank erosion or what generally damages a stream or river  http://www.warrenswcd.com/soils--erosion-assistance.html
  • Become involved in Stream Quality Monitoring (SQM) and test the water quality near your home or school  http://www.warrenswcd.com/water-quality-monitoring.html
  • Become involved in local source water protection efforts:  Research the difference between source point and non-source pollution; integrate local governing bodies and other organizations for the purposes of sharing resources and improving the quality of our local streams
Water quality is commonly determined by sampling
​a stream for macroinvertebrates. 
​
Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Identification Key
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Dichotomous Key to Macroinvertebrate Life in the River
key_to_macroinvertebrate_life_in_the_river.pdf
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The Little Miami River watershed is located in southwestern Ohio. It drains a total of 1,758 square miles and flows through all or part of 11 counties. Major municipalities partially or fully in the watershed include Xenia, Beavercreek, Wilmington, and Cincinnati and some of its suburbs.  See further Ohio EPA studies on the Little Miami River:
​http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/tmdl/ LittleMiamiRiver.aspx
http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/tmdl/Lower_LMR_Factsheet.pdf
USGS Water Resources - Streamflow
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Exploring Watershed Geography
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Their scientists develop new methods and tools to supply timely, relevant, and useful information about the Earth and its processes.  www.usgs.gov/
Native Ohio Tree Species Suitable for Planting within 1,000 Feet
​of State Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers

​https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/19e2af_934d025960a743c6bb2987ae13cbccbe.pdf
​The most effective way to counter this increase in impervious surface is to protect and restore the riparian corridor or riparian buffer.  Trees and wetlands play an important role in slowing the flow of water and filtering out the impurities prior to the run off entering the river. www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/what-you-can-do-protect-source-water
Meet Fred's Friend, Miranda! 
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http://www.warrenswcd.com/classroom-programs.html
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It's raining barrels...of fun!

6/22/2017

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Whether you are interested in saving water or saving money (or both!) installing a rain barrel to capture rain water runoff is a great idea! Several community members joined Warren County SWCD and Butler County SWCD for a hands on rain barrel workshop to learn how to install rain barrels on their property.  Participants learned the value of rain barrels, and received technical assistance in drilling their barrels and utilizing their installation kits.  

​Check out some of the fun!

A special thanks to Mason Community Grange and Hope in Action's Giving Garden for hosting the event!
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To learn more about rain barrels, check out our Backyard Conservation Tips!

And stay tuned for future workshops to learn more about home conservation practices!
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World Water Day

3/22/2017

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World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about taking action to tackle the water crisis. Today, there are over 663 million people living without a safe water supply close to home, spending countless hours queuing or trekking to distant sources, and coping with the health impacts of using contaminated water. (http://www.worldwaterday.org/)
This year, the theme for World Water Day is wastewater, and issues surrounding pollution and nutrient loss.  Reducing and reusing our wastewater by utilizing grey water for gardens, and for green spaces in urban areas can help conserve this valuable resource of water!  Get the facts:  Why waste water?
fact_sheet_wwd2017_en.pdf
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For educational tools and games about water sustainability, check out:  http://www.games4sustainability.org/world-water-day-2017/
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MARCH 20-26 "is Fix a Leak Week 2017"
​sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (
USEPA)

https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/our_water/fix_a_leak.html
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International Day of Action for Rivers; celebrating our Ohio streams and rivers

3/14/2017

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Communities across the globe are celebrating their rivers today, seeking to educate people about the threats facing our rivers, and learning about better water and energy solutions.  Warren SWCD wants to take a moment to recognize the importance of our own local Ohio rivers!

Ohio has
254 principal streams and large rivers in Ohio, comprising 5,679 linear stream miles (​http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/tmdl/2012intreport/ir12sectionbfinal.pdf).  The Ohio River forms the entire 451-mile southern boundary of Ohio, though the entire river stretches 981 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL, and touches 6 states. 

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​The Environmental Educational Council of Ohio and the Ohio EPA
 Of Ohio's rivers, 14 have been designated Scenic Rivers. Scenic rivers are classified according to the outstanding qualities a stream possesses. The Scenic Rivers Act provides three categories for river classification: wild, scenic and recreational. Stream length, adjacent forest cover, biological characteristics, water quality, present use, and natural conditions are all evaluated when considering designation.

In 1968, Ohio pioneered the river preservation movement  with the passage of the nation's first scenic rivers act.  A state program was created to protect Ohio's remaining high quality streams for future generations. Scenic rivers retain most of their natural characteristics at a time when many rivers reflect the negative impacts of human activities.

Scenic river designation is a cooperative venture among state and local government, citizen groups, and local communities within a watershed. The designation process depends ultimately upon support and protection authority of local governments and citizens. The ODNR studies the proposed river to determine whether it meets the scenic river criteria. All interested parties, including state and local officials, community groups and concerned citizens, meet to discuss the scenic rivers program and to encourage local support for the protection of the river as a natural resource.
A legal notice of the intent to designate a river as wild, scenic or recreational is issued by the Director of Ohio DNR 60 days prior to the declaration to allow sufficient time for public comment. Following the public comment period, ODNR responds to public concerns and the Director may declare a river a component of the state scenic rivers system.

On April 23, 1969, the Little Miami River which flows through Warren County earned the distinction of becoming Ohio's first designated State Scenic River.

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http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/scenicriversmap
littlemiamiriver.pdf
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Gazetteer of Ohio Streams
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watersheds of warren county

What is a watershed?
​

A watershed is the area of land that drains into a lake or stream. Watersheds can be small - like the area that drains into the creek behind your house. Or, watersheds can be large - consider all the land, streams and rivers that drain into the Ohio River or Lake Erie (epa.ohio.gov)
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Great Miami River watershed (blue); Lower Great Miami River watershed (purple)
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Little Miami River watershed

Love your watershed!



Want to help keep the Little Miami River watershed clean and protect surrounding habitat?

There are simple steps you can take at home!

1. Use less water
Every time you flush your toilet or leave the water running while brushing your teeth, it increases the load on your sewer system. Conserve water. 

2. Keep your car repaired 
When oil leaks from our cars it is eventually sent down storm drains and ends up in the watershed. If your car has sprung an oil leak, get it fixed. Also, be careful while adding oil and make sure any used oil is properly recycled.

3. Use organic gardening techniques
Go with natural fertilizers and stick to the directions. Make sure you do not overuse or apply on days when they are likely to be quickly washed away by rain.  Just like automotive oil ends up in the watershed, so does a large amount of the fertilizers and pesticides you use in your garden. This causes rivers and lakes to get a huge dose of nitrogen which makes algae grow abnormally. The chemistry of our freshwater lakes and streams gets totally out of whack and fish kills are common, along with a host of other problems. 

4. Compost and contain yard wasteToo much organic material clogs streams and when it breaks down, it can upset the water chemistry. Compost yard waste and make sure it’s in bins so it doesn’t wash away during a heavy rain.

5.Deal with household chemicals and medicines properly
Check your local environmental health agency or solid waste department for drop-off locations or specially scheduled pickups for toxic household chemicals, like solvents, motor oil and paint. Do not flush unused medicines down the toilet. These are starting to turn up in local drinking water supplies. Find the best way to dispose of them locally. Also, use natural cleaning products around the house.

6. Go sustainable
Frequent your local farmer’s market and find organic farmers. Doing business with them helps keep fertilizers and pesticides out of the environment and it also reduces the need to truck food over long distances, which reduces all the pollution associated with transportation. Also, Ohio is a free choice state for energy suppliers so you can buy electricity from sustainable sources and still be serviced by your local utility company. You can research 100% green energy suppliers such as CleanChoice Energy and Star Energy.  It will reduce acid rain, which is one of our biggest problems.

7. Don’t litter
While one may think we should not have to remind folks not to litter, still some people have not gotten the message. Go to any river or lake popular with fishermen and you will find plastic wrappers from lures and bait at the water’s edge. And, if you litter in your neighborhood, it will make its way to a storm drain and get into our streams, lakes and eventually into the ocean. Finally, why not take it a step further and volunteer for a river or lake cleanup day project?

Check out ​http://www.lmriverkleeners.org/index.html for more information and volunteer opportunities!


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Break it, take it, drop it...                                          Shaping the earth's surface

2/22/2017

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Working in classrooms across Warren County, we often hear 4th graders reciting rhymes, chants, or songs aimed at committing to memory the three processes that change our Earth's surface; Weathering breaks or changes it, Erosion takes or carries it, and Deposition drops or deposits it.  

Or in 8th grade classes, we witness students further investigating how combinations of constructive and destructive geological processes form Earth’s surface.  

Understanding these concepts falls in line with Ohio Learning Science Standards and also helps lay the foundation for students to observe and learn how and why our planet is shifting and changing. Then they can better study how human activity may play a role in the acceleration or deceleration of these changes, for we too are part of this system.

One way Warren County SWCD assists in this learning experience is to bring in our interactive stream/geology table to the classroom for students to visually observe destructive erosion and constructive deposition in action.  Students have the opportunity to make hypotheses about what they may see, and then participate in creating stream ecosystems and/or various land forms.  Multiple scenarios can be developed to see how the addition or removal of elements changes the rate of weathering, erosion, and deposition on the model sand table. 
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By being able to visually watch formation of land forms, soil erode from river cut banks, and deltas form via deposition, students can connect the definition of these processes with real life effects.  They also gain correct terminology and vocabulary to better discuss a river ecosystem and prepare them for future ecology studies.  

landform_vocabulary_and_stream_habitat.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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ohioriverresourcemanual.pdf
File Size: 3274 kb
File Type: pdf
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Weathering, erosion, and deposition are constantly occurring in our environment. Agents of change include water, wind, gravity, and ice.  Studying earth formations​ through hands on demonstrations of different types of weathering and erosion, sets up students to delve into both the past and the future.  

Exploring topics like glacial evidence of mechanical weathering provides insight into how the Ohio landscape started to emerge.
http://geology.teacherfriendlyguide.org/index.php/glaciers-mw/glaciers-landscapes-mw
​https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/glaciers/questions/land.html

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Kelly's Island, Sandusky, Ohio
And how glacial melting from climate change may alter landscapes in the future...
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Muir's Inlet, Riggs Bay glacier
River systems connect to topics of erosion which impacts human development and water quality issues.  Sediment pollution in river systems affects ecological balances and drinking water.  Streambank erosion in tributaries contribute to overall stream health.
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Turtle Creek, Lebanon Ohio
Streambank Erosion
Chemical weathering and erosion contribute to karst formations like sink holes and caves.  These underground wonders can be explored with different activities and demonstrations.
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Ohio karst areas
http://geosurvey.ohiodnr.gov/press-releases-pgs/karst-mapping-update

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​http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/assets/swf/1/how-caves-form/how-caves-form.swf

As education specialists, we are thrilled and excited to share knowledge with students and teachers that bring in real life examples pertaining to the rivers, formations, and ecosystems around their school district.  ​Empowering students with ways they can help protect their local environment gives them an active role in conservation as well.  

​
Some conservation tips to share:

Recycle and Reuse
Place appropriate items in the recycling bin instead of the trash.

Choose rechargeable batteries, then recycle them when they die. You'd have to use hundreds of single-use batteries to equal the energy you'd get out of one rechargable battery. Be sure to recycle all batteries to keep harmful metals from entering the environment.

When you drink bottled water, reuse the bottle before recycling it. Or instead use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water from the store.

Improve the Outdoors
Plant a deciduous (leafy) tree.  Trees help clean the air we breathe. They produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide. Their roots help to stabilize soil and reduce erosion.

Participate in cleanup days at a beach or park. Use those outdoor trash cans! Never litter. Keep our waterways clean. When you visit a park or beach, be sure you deposit your trash in containers and volunteer at some state and national cleanups.

Safeguard Storm Drains
Don't litter. Trash tossed carelessly outside often washes into storm drains, which empty into rivers and streams that eventually flow to the oceans. Pollution is a growing problem for all the Earth's ocean and its wildlife.

Cut Down on Waste
Ban all drips. If you have a dripping faucet in the house, ask your parents to replace the washer inside it. If you stop a faucet from leaking one drop each second, you can save 2,700 gallons (10,220 liters) of water a year.

Don't pile your plate. "When's dinner?" you want to know. You're starving after a long day at school! Even so, restrain yourself and take only what you know you'll really be able to eat. Enough edible food to feed 49 million people ends up in landfills in the United States each year. When you do have food waste, compost it!

Spread the Word
Tell your friends! The more people who treat the Earth well, the safer all its inhabitants will be.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/science/green-tips/#green-tips-tree.jpg
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To learn more about the interactive stream/geology table and earth formations programs, or to schedule a classroom presentation, contact Marta or Melissa, Warren County SWCD's Education Specialists.                                                                    
​  *Details also available about loan opportunities of the Stream / Geology Table to your classroom for teacher guided use.
Classroom Programs
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Blog COMMERCIAL Break!

2/6/2017

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Far Out!
"Water is critical to sustaining life on Earth."
NASA  Hydrological  Science Research Portal:
https://neptune.gsfc.nasa.gov/hsb/
NASA: SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive)
Study tracks “memory” of soil moisture
MIT News:
http://news.mit.edu/2017/smap-satellite-memory-soil-moisture-0116
The Apple and The Earth:
 http://www.iupui.edu/~ghw/lessons/materials/EarthAppleFarmlandNov02.pdf

 Carefully peel an apple in quarters (4/4).

In comparison, three-fourths (3/4) of the apple represents the amount of water on Earth and one-fourth (1/4) represents Earth's total land surface.

Yet, one-eighth (1/8) of this slice of land is "Uninhabitable and Non-Arable Land" - approx. 1/8 of the Earth's surface is inhospitable to people and to crops.  This includes areas such as polar regions, deserts, swamps, and high or rocky mountains.

The other one-eighth (1/8) represents one-half (1/2) of Earth's surface in which people live, but cannot necessarily grow food.

If this one-eighth (1/8) of the apple is sliced into 4 even cross-sections, consider that three out of thirty-two (3/32) slices represent land in which people can live but cannot grow food.  "Some of it use to be arable, but isn't any longer because it has been developed
 or turned into cities, suburbs, highways, etc., so it can no longer be formed.  Governments have earmarked other areas, such as parks, nature preserves and other public lands to remain undeveloped forever".

This leaves 1/32 remaining, which we will call our "most valuable part" - our "topsoil".  Topsoil is our dark nutrient-rich soil that holds moisture and feeds us by feeding our crops.  "Currently, 90% of U.S. croplands lose soil above the 'sustainable rate'."
​
Some Facts About Farmland:
​
"Erosion by wind and water is the most serious cause of soil loss and degradation. Although it is a natural process, erosion is accelerated greatly by things like construction, deforestation, and unsustainable practices in farming and animal grazing.

In the U.S., soil is now eroding at 17 times the rate at which it forms (via 2014). The soil erosion rate is estimated to be double in Asia, Africa, and South America. In order to feed the nearly 80 million humans added to the population annually, 12 million acres of new land must be put into production.

More than 25 million acres of productive arable land are severely degraded and abandoned worldwide every year—that’s an area the size of the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota put together."
Warren SWCD: Preserving Farmland

How can we preserve farmland?

By not building on arable land:  Land covered up by buildings, highways, and other forms of development can't be used for growing crops. In the U.S., nearly 2.2 million acres of land are converted to urban and other uses each year. About 25% of that land is former cropland.

By eating lower on the food chain:  While over a billion people suffer from malnutrition or starvation, meat production requires a disproportionate amount of grain input. Producing a pound of beef in a feed lot requires seven pounds of grain, a pound of pork requires four, and a pound of poultry requires two pounds of grain. The land that is used to produce grain for consumption by animals is unavailable for growing grain for human consumption.

By reducing pollution:  Pollution impairs the ability of the land and the seas to provide food that's both sufficient in quantity and free of contaminants.

By stabilizing human population growth:  Food supply is an excellent example of the relationship between any resource and the size and consumption patterns of the population that depends on it. Simply put, the more people there are to feed, the less food there is to go around. 

Source:  ​http://www.iupui.edu/~ghw/lessons/materials/EarthAppleFarmlandNov02.pdf
ODA:  Preserving Farmland
http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/FarmLand/​​
National Geographic: Before the Flood
Explore Climate Change Topics and Discover What Actions Humans Can Take

Author:  Marta Farrell, Education Specialist

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