April 2025 | Volume 30 | Issue 2

 

View the full job description and application on our website.

https://www.madisonsoilandwater.com/employment/

Due to extreme drought conditions in 2024 that significantly impacted agricultural producers, the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated 28 counties in Ohio as primary natural disaster areas. In winter/spring of 2025, the Ohio legislature approved a total of $10 million to help livestock producers recover from the historic drought conditions. To be eligible, the livestock producer had to be participating in the USDA FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Program in a county designated as a primary natural disaster area. This funding was distributed by local SWCDs to ensure this support was delivered in a timely manner.  Madison Soil and Water Conservation District was able to help all 30 of the eligible livestock producers sign up and receive funds, for a total amount of $29,222.00.  

Native plants are a foundational element of Ohio’s natural ecosystems. Because they have evolved, native plants can adapt to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resistant to fluctuating temperatures, precipitation, and other factors. Native plants help to improve soil structure and prevent erosion with their naturally longer and more structured root systems. Native plants can also absorb pollutants and excess nutrients from the soil and water which improves the quality of streams. If designed correctly, water in a rain event will be soaked into the ground within 48-72 hours. 

A creative and beneficial way to incorporate native plants into any home is by planting a rain garden. Rain gardens are designed to help absorb runoff water from urban areas such as driveways and parking lots. Rain gardens can allow 30% more water to soak into the ground than a conventional lawn according to Chagrin River Watershed Partners. By planting native plants, rain gardens can support the structure and increase infiltration into the soil. Rain gardens can be designed in many ways that allow for aesthetics and color throughout. Some popular native plants in Ohio include switchgrass, Golden Rod, Soft Sedge, New England Aster, Milkweed, and many more. Rain gardens can vary in shape and size but typically have a swale-like shape. Rain gardens are like installing any garden, they require maintenance and other forms of landscaping so that the plants can become established.

For a short video on rain gardens and other ways to manage rain, visit Rain is Your Resource on our website.

 

We all know that the monarch butterfly populations are in steep decline.  We’ve also heard a lot about honeybees being in trouble, and that pollinators in general are in need of our help.  However, not as much publicity has been paid to our birds.  They too are in serious trouble – overdevelopment, huge lawns and lack of native plants, deforestation, weather events, domestic and feral cats, expansive glass windows, plastic pollution – there are a great many reasons, that when combined, account for a precipitous decline of bird populations.  

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “Nearly 3 Billion Birds Gone Since 1970.”  “All told, the North American bird population is down by 2.9 billion breeding adults, with devastating losses among birds in every biome. Forests alone have lost 1 billion birds. Grassland bird populations collectively have declined by 53%, or another 720 million birds.“  Birds from wetland and aquatic environments are also in decline.

One of the many issues facing birds is the lack of caterpillars and insects needed to feed their young.  Even seed-eating birds need caterpillars for protein when they are still developing in the nest.  This, in turn, points back to the decline of pollinators.  Once again, the need for native plants is the common denominator.  Birds, moths and butterflies feed on native plants and the birds also feed on the larval stages of the butterflies and moths. 

Closer to home, University of Cincinnati Professor Ronald Canterbury has witnessed the trend firsthand as a field researcher.  ”…there are not as many insects as there used to be. Birds in the fall don’t have as much migratory fat as they need.  In the summer, birds that nest in tree cavities are losing more young from heat stress because of climate change, and they’re losing a lot of young to predators in urban landscapes.”

What is our role in assisting the birds?  There are several easy and quick ways to improve their odds of survival.  Start by looking at your windows.  Bird strikes kill about a billion birds a year.  There are quick and easy tapes and static cling stickers available online that can reduce the odds of birds flying into a window.  Approximately 100 million domestic and feral cats kill another two billion or more birds per year in the US and Canada.  Keep cats indoors and work to neuter or eliminate feral cat populations.  Avoid pesticides.  Those containing neonicotinoids seem to be especially toxic.  Reduce plastic use.  This is generally good advice for all living residents of our earth.  Even your morning coffee is important.  The demand for coffee is causing increased pressure on previously forested areas.  Look for shade-grown coffee.   

Once again, the home gardener can help the situation.  Native plants, including trees, shrubs and flowers are absolutely necessary for our bird populations.  The National Audubon Society has a website that provides extensive lists of native plants to help stop the decline in bird populations:  Plants For Birds .  Just input your zipcode and it will give you suggested trees, shrubs and flowers for your area.  It just so happens that all of the suggested plants are also beneficial for the pollinators we are trying to encourage.  It’s called the circle of life and it’s amazing.

Planting native pollinators in Ohio offers numerous ecological and environmental benefits. Native plants provide essential food and habitat for local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to support healthy populations of these vital species. Because they are adapted to Ohio’s climate and soil, native plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native species, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice for landscaping. Additionally, they help preserve biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to the health of local ecosystems. By planting native pollinators, Ohioans can play a meaningful role in protecting pollinator species and promoting a diverse environment.

One way to get started is by planting plugs.  Plugs are small sized seedlings grown in trays filled with potting soil.  We will be selling trays of native plugs grown by the Muskingum SWCD.  Each tray will contain ~48 plugs for $60. Customers will receive an e-mail notification one week prior to their pick-up date.  The pick-up date depends on when the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, which will be in late May/early June. Payment will be due at the time of pick up. View the species and order your tray(s) here!  Thank you in advance for creating habitat for our important pollinators.

Farmers and landowners across Ohio have an opportunity to enhance their land while protecting natural resources through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, and animal resources. In Ohio, the program targets a wide range of practices tailored to the state’s diverse agricultural landscapes.

Among the most popular conservation practices available through EQIP are cover cropping, nutrient management, and no-till or reduced-till systems—all designed to build soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance crop productivity. These practices also help keep nutrients on the field and out of waterways, supporting efforts to reduce runoff into Ohio’s streams and lakes.

Other EQIP-supported practices include installing fencing and watering systems for rotational grazing, planting field borders and windbreaks, restoring wetlands, and implementing forest stand improvements. For livestock producers, EQIP can help address manure management and improve pasture conditions, promoting healthier herds and cleaner water.

NRCS encourages interested producers to apply early. While applications are accepted year-round, funding is awarded through specific batching periods. Applicants must develop a conservation plan with NRCS and meet eligibility criteria.

For more information or to begin the application process, producers can contact their local SWCD or NRCS office.

With EQIP, Ohio farmers and landowners have a practical path toward sustainable agriculture—one that benefits both their operation and the environment.

The mission of the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District is to enhance and sustain the soil, water and related natural resources of Madison County through partnerships with landowners and others to provide research-based educational programs, technical assistance, and funding to promote a clean local environment. More information about our services, conserving natural resources, and events is available at www.madisonsoilandwater.com, or call our office at 740-852-4003 and ask for Broc Sehen-Wildlife Specialist.

EQIP can help provide cost share for new fencing. Photo Courtesy of OSU.

THANK YOU to everyone who signed up to be an affiliate member this year! Your donation helps support conservation education for youth, landowners, operators and the general public.  We work collaboratively with NRCS and many other partners to provide education through workshops and our newsletters. 

Some of our educational events include Envirothon Bootcamp, Invasive Species Removal Training, Jack McDowell’s Prairie Appreciation Ride, and a Rain Garden Design Workshop.  We lend educational resources, such as the Enviroscape and fish nets, to teachers.
Continued investments in conserving and promoting stewardship of our land and water resources help ensure that future generations will enjoy the best that that Madison County has to offer for outdoor experiences and abundant food and water. 

While we renew all memberships the beginning of each calendar year, anyone is welcome to sign up at any time during the year. A minimum contribution of only $25.00 is all that it takes to become an affiliate member for 2025.  Thank you for making a difference in our community!

The Madison Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking candidates for its Board of Supervisors for the 78th Annual Banquet and Election to be held on September 11th, 2025.

The Board of Supervisors guide the district, its staff, and cooperating agencies in efforts to implement conservation programs in the county that address the management and conservation of soil, water, and related resources.  Board members should have a sincere interest in conservation and must have the enthusiasm, dedication, and time to serve as elected officials. 

What a potential supervisor needs to know:

* Candidate must be over 18 years old and a resident of Madison County.

* This is a volunteer position and runs for 3-year terms.

* Board meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m.

* Attendance at occasional outside meetings, events, or training is required.

Although serving as a SWCD supervisor takes time and energy, thousands of men and women have found the many rewards of serving far outweigh the sacrifices.  Visit madisonsoilandwater.com to learn about our organization.  To express an interest in becoming a candidate, call Julia Cumming, Program Administrator, at 740-852-4003. 

The Madison SWCD is pleased to offer scholarship funding from Heiner Gantenbrink Farms for 2025 Camp Canopy, held June 8 - 13, 2025 at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carroll County. This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn about Ohio’s forests, wildlife, conservation, tree identification, ecology and much more.

Students entering their freshman year through seniors graduating this year are          welcome to apply.  Contact Gail Wilson at gail.wilson@oh.nacdnet.net for an application. Preference will be given to applications received by May 1, 2025.

Visit campcanopy.com for information about the camp. 

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

4/29 - Area IV Envirothon

5/14 - SWCD Board Meeting

5/26 - Memorial Day (Office closed)

 

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.