We Speak for the Soil

It’s not hard to recognize that here at the Warren County SWCD we work for the conservation of soil and water.  Our story began in the 1930's with the Dust Bowl—"the largest man-made ecological disaster in the United States". During this time, the U.S. was losing millions of tons of soil a year due to severe drought and decades of extensive farming without proper farming practices.

And soil is not an easy thing to replace! Did you know that it takes 500 years to form one inch of topsoil here in Ohio given the right conditions? The USDA/NRCS provides an excellent example of what 500 years looks like with this "Inch of Soil Poster". Factors that help build our soils, include: our parent material (bedrock), biological/living things, time, climate, and topography (relief). 

https://nrcspad.sc.egov.usda.gov/distributioncenter/product.aspx?ProductID=192

​​Since that time, a number of other environmental issues continue to impact our way of life. Some of the greatest threats to our environment include a loss of biodiversity, human population growth, climate change, and pollution. We need more innovative problem solvers to help build a livable and sustainable world. Are you up for the challenge?

Warren County SWCD is here to help guide the next generation in thoughtful use of our natural resources and to help encourage careers in the environmental field. We do this by speaking at Warren County High Schools and by assisting schools in starting an Envirothon Team.

The Envirothon is an annual competition that tests students' knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues (CEI). The Envirothon is designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest in the environment and natural resources among high school students. Our Area Envirothon is in the spring, but it’s not too early to start thinking about and forming your teams. Let us stop by your classroom and talk about starting a team at your school!

Click here to read more about the Area IV Envirothon

franklin high school envirothon team 2016