Now Available: 2012 Winter Newsletter


Also see the hard work of local students : Education Feature

Forestry
Planning saves soil during timber harvests
Planning before a timber cut and selecting a qualified, experienced logger is the best way to protect against soil erosion and ensure a timber harvest is done correctly.  Details

Wildlife
ODNR Wildlife News
Get current information and news from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Link

Education
Educators can utilize the Scioto SWCD in their classrooms and the field.
The Scioto SWCD can provide assistance with various conservation, environmental, and natural resources related activities throughout the year.  Details

Programs
Contact the Scioto SWCD for technical advice
Incentive programs, technical advice, and information is available through the Scioto SWCD
and USDA-NRCS. 
Details

Calendar

January 2nd Office Closed

January 3rd Scioto SWCD Board Meeting 10:00 am

January 16th Office Closed


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Livestock Management
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Sheep and Goat Newsletter     
 
Pond Image
 

 
   
     2012 Tree Sale Underway


      ***As of 2/2/12 We have filled our orders for American Chestnut tree seedlings.  Sorry for the inconvience, demand was much higher than expected.  If you are still interested in American Chestnut please let us know. We are searching for other sorces and would like to know how many to order next time.***    

       Scioto SWCD is currently taking orders for our 2012 Tree Sale.  This year we are carrying many tree seedlings and more. Offer includes fruit trees, mushroom kits, bird and bat houses, wildlife seeds, and for the first time American Chestnut tree seedlings.
Orders will be taken until March 2nd. To place an order please mail in order form with payment or stop by the office.  Orders expected to arrive in the begining of April.

2012 Tree Sale Brochure

2012 Order Form
 		Birds, Butterflies, and Backyard Habitat Workshop - March 3rd

     If you enjoy nature we have just the thing for you! Come join us at the Portsmouth Public Library on March 3rd for an informative workshop.  Topics will include: Birds and Butterflies of Ohio, Conservation Lawn Care, Gardening for Wildlife, Enhancing Habitats and MORE!
     Workshop will be from 10:30 to 3:30 and will include lunch and refreshments.  The fee for the workshop is $10.00. Register early, as space is limited!  To register: call (740) 259-9231 or email scioto@sciotoswcd.org
We are currently planning a Grazing Management Workshop. The date should be set soon, tentatively we are set for April.  If you or someone you know would be interested please call the office (740)259-9231.
    
     Venison Available

           Scioto SWCD works in cooperation with ODNR Division of Wildlife to issue deer damge control permits to Scioto County farmers and landowners who are experiencing financial losses due to crop, orchard, or produce damage due to over-abundant local deer populations. This program allows for the deer taken under the permit to be given to groups and individuals in need. 
         We are currently compiling a list of interested people or groups.  If you would be interested in receiving the venison please contact the office.  The permitted landowners will have access to the list to contact you.  Please know a call to collect the venison could come at anytime and it will be up to you to attend to field dressing, skinning, and butchering the deer.
         This a great opportunity to obtain high quality, lean, protein rich meat for free.  Only serious commitments!  Landowners will not make a second attempt to contact anyone.  If you pass on a deer you will be removed from the list. For more information Call Scott Lewis at the office (740) 259-9231.
Window Display
 
        Recently Scioto SWCD teamed up with Shawnee State Park, Friends of Scioto Brush Creek and Paddle Power Boat Shop to create a positive and informative window display.  This display is in the "Old Marting's Building" on Chillicothe Street in Downtown Portsmouth. 
        Please take a moment to stop by and view the display if you are in the Portsmouth area.  There will be changes made through our contracted time in the window, so keep watching for more great information!  We have created a quick overview of the project for those not able to visit the site.

       
             Window Display		    

Soil Testing Services

Fall is the perfect time to have your soil tested and begin preparing for next spring.  Soil testing is recommended every 2-3 years for land being used for crops, grazing, gardens, and lawns.  Test now to insure proper fertilization.  Mel Smith, NRCS agent will evaluate your test results and make recommendations to help optimize your soil quality.  Soil Testing Details

   

Call the Office (740) 259-9231 and ask for Mel Smith, NRCS Land Doctor! 

Continuous Grazing vs. Rotational Grazing

                                        
Watch a video from the University of Kentucky showing the growth of
continuously grazed orchard grass at 1 inch height compared to rotationally
grazed orchard grass at 3.5 inches.                                                  Video                 Call to get advice on Rotational Grazing Today!

      
Scioto SWCD Pond Book
Landowners with a little acreage often look at their vacant land with hopes of developing a pond on the site.  Selecting a suitable site, however, could make or literally break your pond.  Reviewing the Scioto SWCD's Pond Book is a positive first step for any landowner planning to build a pond on his property.  PDF File (281 Kb)
    


For monthly updates and news items from the Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District via email, submit your email address to scioto@sciotoswcd.org.  Type "Subscribe E Notes" in the subject line.