
Backyard Conservation Series Session #2
Fall is a great time to re-evaluate your landscape. Join us to learn tips about how to integrate conservation techniques into your existing landscape. Our knowledgeable speakers will cover topics such as composting, eco-conscious fall cleanup, and preparing now for the next growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, this program is perfect for anyone interested in creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor space.
Please visit link to register for this event: https://backyardconservation2.eventbrite.com
2024 Portage County Farm Science Review Bus Trip
2024 Portage County Farm Science Review Bus Trip
September 18th, 2024
Trip Schedule:
6:00 am Depart the Maplewood Career Center (7075 St. Rt. 88; Ravenna, Ohio)
8:00 am Arrive at Farm Science Review
4:00 pm Depart for Der Dutchman (Bellville)
8:00 pm Arrive back to the Maplewood Career Center
Reserve your seats today by
calling 330-235-6815.

Cover Crops & No-Tilling for Home Gardeners
Cover Crops for the Home Gardeners
Join Portage SWCD staff & Portage County Master Gardeners for an exciting event all about cover crops! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this in-person event is perfect for you. Located at Portage SWCD, we'll dive into the world of cover crops and how they can benefit your home garden. Discover the secrets to healthier soil, increased yields, and weed control. Our presenters will share their knowledge and answer all your questions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your gardening skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Mark your calendar and get ready to unleash the power of cover crops!
Please visit link to register for this event: https://covercropsHG.eventbrite.com
This presentation is provided by funding from WRLC/Dominion Energy and includes cover crop seeds for all workshop participants.

Oh Deer, Is that Oak Wilt? 2024 NE Ohio CAUV/OFTL Update
Our 2024 workshop will include an update on Oak Wilt, which is a serious threat to Portage forests. There will also be a review of current trends in the timber market, and a Q&A relating to CAUV & OFTL property tax reduction programs.
Presenters:
Timber Market Update: John Kehn, ODNR Division of Forestry,
Oak Wilt Update: Ryan Clester, Area 11 State Forester
Q&A - CAUV & OFTL Property Tax Reduction Program: Matt Kelly, Portage County Auditor & Staff
Information about federal financial assistance programs such as EQIP & CSP will be available.
When: Wednesday, February 21st at 6 PM
Location: VFW Post 1055, 6000 New Milford Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266
Growing the Idea of Healthy Soil
Date: Friday December 1, 2023: 9:00AM to noon
Location: Deerfield Town Hall, 1450 OH-14, Deerfield, OH
AGENDA: Grain Export: Where does your grain go?
Cover Crops: Dale Arbaugh, Aerial seeding
H2Ohio Expansion: Kip Studer, ODA
Portage CAUV and OFTL Update: Matt Kelly, Portage
County Auditor and Staff
Lunch provided immediately following program. To help us plan for food, please register online or by emailing Lynn:
lvogel@portageswcd.org or call (330)235-6815
Doors open at 8:30 (light refreshments served)
Septic-Scaping & Green Cleaning Workshop
All participants will make and take: Free green cleaning products & receive free septic-smart plants!
Registration is required, please follow the link below.
https://homeseptic.eventbrite.com
Workshop: Integrating Native Plants into the Home Landscape
When: Saturday March 19th, 2022 @ 10:00am-Noon
Where: Portage SWCD 6970 OH-88 Ravenna, OH – Garden Meeting Room
What: Workshop on Integrating Native Plants into the Home Landscape with Judy Semroc. You will learn how native plants improve water quality. The importance of layering in the landscape. The efficiency of leaves. Native perennials-great plants, great networks. Free plants for participants.
Hosted by Portage SWCD & Portage Master Gardener Volunteers with funding from WRLC & Dominion Energy.
To Register: email lvogel@portageswcd.org or call 330.235.6811
Cover Crop Round Table #2: Cover Crops and Grain Production
Join Us for our second cover crop round table, this roundtable will be an open discussion led by Sam Sluss and Zach Alger. Bring all of your questions, concerns, and discuss with people all things cover crops.
To register please email or call Anthony @330-235-6811 or Alerch@portageswcd.org
Stark Sustainable Soils Initiative 2nd Annual Town Hall Meeting
Stark Sustainable Soils Initiative 2nd Annual Town Hall Meeting COLLEGE of FOOD, AGRICULTURAL and ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Friday, March 4, 2022, | 8 am-12 pm Foltz Community Center | 224 North Wood St. |East Canton| 44730
Join us to learn more about this on-farm soil research project happening here in Stark County on twelve local farms and how it can impact your operation! Cost: $10 per person includes hot breakfast, program, and resource materials (Cash or checks payable to OSU Extension) Pre-registration required. Register by calling 234-348- 6145 or email neikirk.2@osu.edu
Welcome/Networking/ Breakfast A word from our sponsors’ Program Overview Results Presentations Participating Farmer Panel Special Message Adjourn Program Details Mail payment to OSU Extension Stark County, ATTN: SSSI Town Hall, 2800 Richville Dr. SE, Massillon, OH 44646. Arrangements available

IPM & Cover Crops for the Home Garden
When: Saturday, February 26th at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Zoom. To register click here
Info: Would you like to grow a garden using Earth-friendly methods? Improving soil health and incorporating Integrated Pest Management strategies will get you started on the right track! Please join Ashley Kulhanek, OSU-E Medina and Ann Brandt, Walnut Creek Seeds to learn the basics of IPM and soil health.
This event is offered in collaboration with Portage Master Gardener Volunteers and Portage SWCD with funding provided by Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Dominion Energy.
To Register: https://ipmcovercrops.eventbrite.com

Growing Nuts in NE Ohio
When: Saturday, February 12th @ 10:00 a.m.
Where: Portage SWCD in the Garden Meeting Room located @ 6970 OH-88 Ravenna, OH 44266
What: Join Amy Miller, OSU Dept. of Plant Pathology and the Ohio Nut Growers members to learn about nut trees that are well-suited to NE Ohio and why you should grow them.
To register email lvogel@portageswcd.org or call 330.235.6815

Webinar: Integrating Native Plants into the Home Landscape
When: Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online Webinar hosted by Portage SWCD & Portage Master Gardener Volunteers with funding from WRLC & Dominion Energy.
What: You will Learn: Environmental Benefits of Native Plant Communities: Importance of Early Flowering Native Plants and Their Pollinators: Hard-Working Keystone Species: Introduction to Frost-seeding: Free native seeds for Participants.
To register follow the link below.
https://integratingnatives.eventbrite.com
If you need helpregistering please email lvogel@portageswcd.org or call 330.235.6811

CANCELLED: Septic Systems 101: For Homeowners
When: Thursday, November 4th at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Northeast Ohio Medical University— The NEW Center, in the Cook Room. 4211 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272. This event will be held in accordance with current Portage County Health District COVID-19 guidelines.
What: Portage County Health District staff will provide an overview of how a home sewage treatment system works, critical “Do’s and Don’ts” to extend the life of the sewage system; examples of what to look for to determine if a sewage treatment system is failing; and how to complete the process for a homeowner requested repair. Information about the voluntary Point of Sale (Real Estate transfer) evaluations will be shared including the newly revised application form.
Time will be available for participant questions.
To register online go to www.portageswcd.org/register/septic21 or call (330)235-6815
Aquatic Invaders in our Backyard Ponds
WANTED! Several aggressive water weed species are on the move and threatening our recreation, ecosystems, and economy. Don’t miss this special online opportunity to learn about aquatic invasive plants creeping into Ohio’s natural areas and invading our backyard ponds. Identification, notes from the field, and response strategies will be discussed, along with recent, notable, and rare Ohio aquatic plant discoveries!
Featuring: Mark Warman, Cleveland Metroparks
Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator
This virtual program is FREE but registration is required.
Visit AquaticInvadersGeauga.eventbrite.com
Questions? Contact Gail Prunty at 440-834-1122 or gprunty@geaugaswcd.com
VIRTUAL SOIL HEALTH FIELD DAY Walnut Creek Seeds and The Ohio No-Till Council
We will have our annual Brandt Farms Field Day, sponsored by Walnut Creek Seeds, LLC and Ohio No Till Council on Wednesday, April 7th from 9am until noon. This is a virtual event and no cost and no pre-registration needed.
This year's topics revolve around regenerative farming practices and profitability, including information on Carbon Markets and H2Ohio.
From the comfort of your own home, explore the benefits of regenerative farm practices Terry Cosby, Acting Chief, NRCS Opening Remarks and direction of NRCS Dave Brandt, Eric Niemeyer-Profitability Case Studies of Regenerative Ag Mike Thompson, Grower Acct Mgr., Indigo Ag - Carbon Markets in Regenerative Ag Terry Mescher, Ohio Dept of Ag H2Ohio WLEB Program Coordinator-Update on program status Vinayak Shedekar, Ohio State University- Water quality research update on Brandt Farm Virtual In-Field Cover Crop Discussions
Visit www.Ohionotillcouncil.com details or to join our discussions!
CURBING THE CONSEQUENCES: How Trees are Taking Root for Stormwater and Climate Change
Virtual Presentation Featuring: DAN HERMS V.P. of RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY.
Many areas of the U.S. are experiencing an increase in the frequency of intense storms, heavy precipitation events, and associated flooding. Join us to examine the vital role trees can play in curbing the negative consequences of a changing climate. While all trees "feel the heat," some are experiencing increased stress and mortality in certain areas, yet increased growth in others. Join us for this informative online presentation to learn more about the challenges facing our future forests and some simple strategies you can use to take root for stormwater!
THURSDAY, MARCH 25TH 6:30 PM REGISTER BY MARCH 24TH
To register visit CurbingTheConsequences.eventbrite.com
Registration questions or issues? Contact Melissa at 419-239-2652 or mfeliciano@eriecounty.oh.gov
Have you Tried Growing Cover Crops?
Please join us for a VIRTUAL, interactive round table discussion on March 4th at 6:30pm. There will a panel of farmers that are utilizing cover crops and will be on hand to share their experience.
To Register Email Alerch@portageswcd.org or Call 330-235-6815
Woodland Management Tips that Pay
Woodland owners are encouraged to participate in this virtual presentation to learn about resources and recommendations to help you better manage your woodlot to achieve the goals you have for your property. Join John Kehn, ODNR Division of Forestry and Dave Apsley, OSU-Extension Natural Resource Specialist to learn about some key economic and environmental benefits that forests provide. The Portage County Farm Bureau will be hosting this VIRTUAL event on: Thursday, February 25th at 6:30 PM
To register call or email: Alerch@portageswcd.org

Resolve to Reduce: Inputs
Let’s just get this out there – we are ALL polluters. We waste food, water, energy, money, etc. Additionally, many of the ways we manage our land also leads to additional wasting of our natural resources. We are so fortunate in our abundance that it is easy to forget that very recently, we did not have clean air and water in Northeast Ohio.
The Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers, The Portage Park District and the Portage SWCD staff are offering a series of winter workshops aimed at assisting Portage County residents in learning about simple changes we can all make to reduce our negative environmental impacts. This series is open to the public on a first-come basis and is offered at no-cost to participants. Each session will include door prizes that promote the highlighted strategies and 2020 Conservation calendars will be provided to each attendee as supplies last.

Woodland Workshops
No matter the size of your woodlot, your trees have value that increase with time, proper management, and optimal health. Join us as we explore tools and resources to sustainably and profitably manage woodlands on your property.

Does Money Grow on YOUR Trees?
Your woods represent one of your most valuable resources. The decision to harvest, and how to do so, can either improve or set back the future value of your land, its potential for wildlife habitat, and as a source of enjoyment for you and your family. Unfortunately, there are many predatory businesses today trying to take advantage of woodlot owners with 'bad' timber contracts that lead to bad timber cuts, especially in Northeast Ohio (Portage County included).

Resolve to Reduce: Waste & Run-off
Let’s just get this out there – we are ALL polluters. We waste food, water, energy, money, etc. Additionally, many of the ways we manage our land also leads to additional wasting of our natural resources. We are so fortunate in our abundance that it is easy to forget that very recently, we did not have clean air and water in Northeast Ohio.
The Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers, The Portage Park District and the Portage SWCD staff are offering a series of winter workshops aimed at assisting Portage County residents in learning about simple changes we can all make to reduce our negative environmental impacts. This series is open to the public on a first-come basis and is offered at no-cost to participants. Each session will include door prizes that promote the highlighted strategies and 2020 Conservation calendars will be provided to each attendee as supplies last.

Farmers Roundtable: Ohio Cheesemaking
Join us for a night focused on Ohio Cheesemaking and bringing value to the bottom line with value added products. We will kick off the night with a free screening of the new film, Farmsteaders by Shaena Mallet.

Deerfield Farms Soil Health Partnership
Join us to learn how to achieve soil health and why. We will be joined by experts John Stewart, SHP, Scott Wohltman, LaCrosse Seed, and Aaron Wilson, OSU Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center. Lunch will be provided immediately following the program.

Fall Fish Sale
Do you have a pond? Are you looking for natural, cost-effective weed management strategies? Look no further! White Amurs are sterile, plant-eating fish used to control submerged aquatic plants.

Farm Science Review Bus Trip
The Farm Science Review showcases new research, products, services, and experience through educational exhibits, presentations, and demonstrations on farming industries, & natural resources. PSWCD offers a community bus trip to and from one day of FSR. Cost includes event ticket, bus ride, morning refreshments, and dinner at Der Dutchman Restaurant!

Pollinator Field Walk
Join us for an informative workshop about the benefits of pollinators! Learn how to identify common pollinators, how to select plants to attract and support pollinator communities, and how to make your landscape pollinator-friendly.

Grass-fed Grazing & Finishing: A Pasture Walk
Join us on this in-depth pasture walk at Tierra Verde Farms. Topics of focus include forage ID, stocking density, grass-finishing, the restaurant market and direct marketing. A discussion on accessing the restaurant market will be held over dinner.

Board of Supervisors Annual Election & Banquet Dinner
Cast your vote for your local SWCD Board Representative, enjoy a Guido’s dinner, and learn about cover crops from the Ohio cover-crop expert, Dave Brandt.