August 2024 | Volume 29 | Issue 4

The public is invited to the 77th Annual Meeting and Supervisor Election on Thursday, September 12th at Der Dutchman, 445 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City, Ohio.  Voting is from 5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 6:00 p.m.  Two board members will be elected to a three-year term of office. Candidates in this year’s election are Jonathan Francis and Robert A. Hunter.

This year’s banquet is catered by Der Dutchman.  The menu includes broasted chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, homemade bread and pie.

Several conservation awards will be presented after dinner.  West Jefferson High School will be recognized for taking 1st Place and having the Top-ranked County Envirothon Team at the Southwest Ohio Envirothon Competition.  Representing West Jefferson were Charlie Kitchen, Mathew Chmil, Brent Gardner, Katey Stephens and Charles Stephens and advisor, Mike Harkleroad.  The Shoaf Farmstead will be recognized as Outstanding Cooperator of the Year.  Learn how this family has improved their operation to ensure it will be sustainable and productive for years to come.

Following the awards, staff will present a "Year of Conservation," a slideshow highlighting the various conservation practices and outreach programs implemented in Madison County, to conclude the evening. 

Tickets to the dinner are $20 ($10 for children up to 10) and may be purchased from any board supervisor, at the district office located at 831 U.S. Highway 42 NE, London, or online.  Reservations are required by September 5th.   No tickets will be available at the door.

Two board supervisors will be elected at the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District 77th annual meeting and supervisor election on September 12th at Der Dutchman, 445 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City, Ohio.  The Board of Supervisors consists of community leaders elected by county residents to give direction on soil and water conservation programs to address local natural resources concerns.  They volunteer their time for a three-year term. 

To cast a vote, you may call or visit the Madison SWCD office at 831 U.S. Highway 42 NE, London (740-852-4003) to request an absentee ballot; vote at the Madison SWCD office during regular business hours from August 14th through September 12th; or cast a ballot at the annual meeting from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 12th, at Der Dutchman, with dinner to start at 6:00 p.m.  

Jonathan Francis, 9990 Lilly Chapel Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, is a Salesman & Integrated Solutions Specialist at Ag-Pro and is seeking his fourth term on the board.  He grew up on a farm and continues to farm today.  Jonathan feels the most important natural resource issue in Madison County is water.  Rain does not always come at the right place at the right time.  The challenge is handling drainage and runoff in an economically and environmentally sound way.  He is interested in running for reelection because he likes to be involved and knows there is a lot to learn.  He sees the board as a good opportunity to volunteer his time to benefit others in the community

Robert A. Hunter, 7800 Correll-Maxey Road, London, is a retired farmer and self-employed CPA.  He is seeking his sixth term on the board.  He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer.  Bob has lived in Madison County his entire life except for one year he lived in Columbus.  He and his wife, Anne, have two sons, Sam and Jesse.  He belongs to several professional organizations, including Ohio Society of CPAs, Madison County Farm Bureau, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Corn Growers’ Association and the Ohio Soybean Association.  Bob believes managing our water supply and water quality are our most important concerns in Madison County.  There may be a time in the future when our grandchildren or great grandchildren will wonder why we did not do more towards maintaining our water quality.  He is running for reelection because he likes being actively involved in the conservation practices being implemented in Madison County and being a part of preserving farmland and family farms.

Please join Ohio Department of Agriculture and Madison SWCD for an informational meeting about H2Ohio Conservation Ditch Program Grant on August 27th at Noon at the Madison County Engineer Conference Room, 825 US Hwy 42 NE, London (in between the Wendy’s and McDonald’s). Lunch will be provided.

We have an opportunity to apply for a grant, which would provide up to 100% funding to convert a traditional ditch into a conservation ditch.  Two types of conservation ditches are two stage and self-forming ditches.  The conservation ditch removes more pollutants than a traditional ditch, which helps water quality. 

Reducing nonpoint source pollution such as nutrients and sediment in creeks is a big challenge because they come from many diffuse sources instead of a single source of the pollution that can be treated. A conservation ditch can help our larger creeks and streams remain clear of algae blooms and sediment.  The conservation ditch is wider and more expensive than a traditional ditch, which is another why there is a grant to help willing landowners and county agencies to design and install a conservation ditch.

If you are thinking about petitioning a drainage ditch, or own property along a ditch that could use improvements, we encourage you to learn about this option.  Please rsvp by calling 740-852-4003 or emailing julia.cumming@oh.nacdnet.net.  We hope to see you there!

The Fall Bloom Ride is a scenic 12-mile journey through the region's picturesque prairies. Cyclists of all ages and abilities come together to ride through the heart of nature, fostering a sense of connection with the environment and highlighting the need for conservation efforts. The ride covers various prairie landscapes, each offering its own distinct charm, from the vibrant wildflowers to the captivating wildlife that calls these ecosystems home.

The ride is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th at the Prairie Grass Trailhead, 280 W. High St., London, Ohio.  No RSVP needed. If you have any questions, please reach out to Broc Sehen District Technician, Wildlife Specialist, at 740-852-4003.

Beginning October 2024, Madison County will offer a Master Gardener Volunteer hybrid training to the residents of Madison and surrounding counties.  The Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides broad instruction in horticulture for enthusiasts of any skill level or interest who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office. Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!

In addition to the training, a Master Gardener certification will be awarded after the completion of 50 volunteer hours at OSUE sponsored projects or approved activities of their choice. Recent events include: Elementary petunia planting, Make-it Take-it events, development and care of the Community Mural Park, providing grants and scholarships to community students and groups, researching and responding to horticulture questions from the public, teaching gardening techniques to adults or children and other special projects. There are many opportunities to obtain hours either with a “hands-in-the-dirt” group project or as a “behind-the-scenes” individual contributor supporting non-physical activities. To maintain annual certification, Master Gardener Volunteers are asked to provide at least twenty hours of service and complete at least ten hours of continuing education annually. You will be surprised how quickly 20 hours goes once you get involved in a project you enjoy!

This program will be a blended format utilizing online, self-paced modules and in-person hands-on laboratory sessions. One laboratory will be offered monthly and participants are required to complete a minimum of seven. Laboratory examples may include visits to local nurseries, arboretums, trial gardens, turf farms, etc. An introductory meeting will be set up with all applicants to answer questions, clarify the program and set expectations.

The cost of the course is $200. Applications and course fee are due September 10th.

You can learn more and register online at go.osu.edu/MadisonMGV or request an application through the office. Contact Amanda Douridas at Douridas.9@osu.edu or 740-852-0975 with any questions about becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer.

You don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity to increase your horticultural knowledge, develop wonderful new friendships, and share your knowledge with others.

The Madison County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) had a great turnout for their Native Plants for Pollinators event at the Community Mural Park in London on July 26. Community members and Master Gardener Volunteers from surrounding counties converged on the park to learn how to establish and maintain native plantings. MGV Michele Bouquet, who spearheaded the garden establishment, gave a history of how the community pulled together to carve out a beautiful native pollinator planting from the overgrown space that it used to be.

MGV Jane Kutzley said of why we should utilize native plants “is our landscape providing junk food or healthy food for our pollinators?” That is a crucial point as we consider which plants to use in our own spaces. Just like us humans and our junk food, birds, bees and other wildlife will feed on plants that do not provide the same level of nutrition as the native plants designed by nature to help them thrive. Or, as is the case for the monarch butterfly and milkweed, can only use a certain plant and are not able to adapt. When that habitat disappears, so does the wildlife that use it.

Many fear native plants due to their unruly nature. For those who prefer a neater landscape, the workshop offered a glimpse of lesser-known natives that are lower growing and not as aggressive. The MGVs also discussed methods of control such as the Chelsea chop. Cutting (or chopping) native plants back by 1/3 in early summer results in a smaller, denser, sturdier plant. It can also extend the bloom time.

To take the guesswork out of establishing a native planting, Plant By Numbers provides a variety of designs for different pollinators. Three of the 10’x10’ garden designs can be viewed at the Community Mural Park, designated by small rock boarders within the larger garden. Find the designs at: u.osu.edu/plantbynumbers/. As MGV Shirley Kindrick pointed out, there are multiple options within each plan making them customizable to different spaces.

You can visit the Community Mural Park anytime. It is located on the bike path in London near 204 Maple Street. For the citizen scientists out there, you can participate in taking pollinator counts at the park by utilizing the iNaturalist app.

The Master Gardener Volunteer program works with the Madison County Extension office to provide educational opportunities to county residents. To learn more, visit go.osu.edu/MadisonMGV. 

MGV Christy Pearl offered a children's program alongside the adult workshop.

One participant logging the number of pollinator visits to native flowers.

The Plain City Farms Market is every Thursday, from July 11th - Oct 3rd, 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at 101 S. Chillicothe Street, Plain City.  

Plain City Parks and Recreation recently invited Madison SWCD to be a part of the annual Plain City Farmers Market.  The Plain City Farmers Market offers a selection of fresh produce, baked goods, food trucks, and craft items from local businesses.  Emma Ryan, Urban Conservationist, and Gail Wilson, Operations Coordinator, developed a pollinator activity and met with families to promote conservation.  Join us next time on August 29th at 4:30 pm to pick up conservation resources, get creative and enjoy child friendly treats.

Gail Wilson, Operations Coordinator, greets families as they visited the table to paint pollinators on rocks. 

Preston Leonard is a native of Fayette, Mississippi (Jefferson County). He received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences/Plant Science from Alcorn State University. Preston has converted to a Soil Conservationist with USDA NRCS Ohio, and began to facilitate the conservation needs of the community’s natural resources. When he isn’t making contributions to conserving the land, Preston can be found enjoying rodeos, hunting, working out, or simply enjoying some family time. Preston is delighted and very excited to be a part of the USDA NRCS Ohio family.

While Madison SWCD does not endorse any contactors or service providers, our office curates a list of area contractors that may be able to provide assistance with land management projects. If you would like to be added to this list, please contact our office at (740) 852-4003 or gail.wilson@oh.nacdnet.net.

SWCD Staff

Julia Cumming, Program Administrator

Emma Ryan, Urban Conservationist

Broc Sehen, Wildlife Specialist 

Gail Wilson, Operations Coordinator

NRCS Staff

James Tillman, District Conservationist

Preston Leonard, Soil Conservationist

Board of Supervisors

Steve Davis, Chairman

Jonathan Francis, Vice Chairman

Bob Hunter, Treasurer

JD Bethel

Nancy Denes-Sparks

8/27 - Conservation Ditch Program Grant

9/02 - Labor Day (Office Closed)

9/11 - SWCD Board Meeting

9/12 - Conservation Banquet & Supervisor Election

9/14 - Fall Flower Ride

9/17 - 9/19 - Farm Science Review

Madison Soil & Water Conservation District

831 U.S. Highway 42 NE

London, Ohio 43140

Phone: (740) 852-4003 opt. 3

www.madisonsoilandwater.com www.facebook.com/madisonswcdohio

All NRCS/MSWCD programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap. Please contact Gail Wilson at gail.wilson@oh.nacdnet.net if you wish to be put on or removed from our email list.