While our first President of the United States is well known for many contributions to shaping our country, one not-so-well-known achievement was that of being an agricultural pioneer. He grew a plethora of crops and tailored his growing based on results obtained from different soil types on the land. He also was a staunch believer in the utilization of compost to enhance and enrich the soil. Washington experimented with crop rotation plans, and sought to educate others on the importance of soil health. Washington’s accomplishments in the field of agriculture were so highly respected that he was elected to honorary membership in the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, the first American organization devoted to agricultural improvement. Today it is appropriate to celebrate George Washington as one of the first conservationists of our country! “It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage.” -George Washington address to Congress
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Glaciers to Great Lake: Ohio would not be what it is today without the impact of glaciers during the Ice Age. Glaciers left behind more than just till deposits in Ohio, glaciers also helped make Lake Erie. Check out this video and learn more about Ohio's Ice Age: http://www.pbs.org/video/wptd-our-ohio-glaciers-great-lake/ (Running time: Approx. 2 minutes) - WCET Cincinnati, Our Ohio series Glacial Grooves State Park, Kelley's Island These glacial grooves were carved out during the Pleistocene Epoch (the last Ice Age). Stories in the Stones Underneath the soils of Ohio lies a vast record of history embedded in rocks and minerals: http://geosurvey.ohiodnr.gov/news-events/multimedia-library Etched section of hand sample of Columbus Limestone from quarry on Kelley's Island. The circular feature is a crinoid columnal. Glacial Map of Ohio: geosurvey.ohiodnr.gov/portals/geosurvey/PDFs/Glacial/glacial.pdf Flint is Ohio's official gemstone. Flint Ridge Flint is renowned for its color and beauty. In pre-historic times, flint was used by American Indians for tools, including knives and spear points. The flint polished stone is valued in jewelry making today. Licking and Western Muskingum Counties are known for having the most famous deposit of flint in Ohio; this area is better known as Flint Ridge. Flint Ridge Flint became Ohio's official gemstone in 1965.
Ohio's Geological Walk Through Time Located at the Natural Resources Park on the Ohio State Fairgrounds, this exhibit offers a unique learning experience for anyone interested in Ohio's natural history, including fossils, rocks & minerals, and more. www2.ohiodnr.gov/ohio-state-fair/geological-walk
Geoscience News and Information - more on rocks, minerals...geology.com/ Learning about rocks and minerals gives a deeper appreciation of the story behind the scenery in our National Parks. - National Park Service Yellowstone National parkRocks and minerals are all around us and used in our everyday lives. They also help us to develop new technologies. Rocks and minerals are used in building material, cars, roads, appliances and even in cosmetics. Humans need to consume minerals on a daily basis in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes strengthening the body. Abiotic features, like rocks and minerals, play a valuable role in our natural systems such as providing soil nutrients in Redwood where the tallest trees in the world grow or provide habitat like the cliffs at Grand Canyon National Park where endangered condors nest. We can learn more about Earth's materials, structure, and systems through studying rocks and minerals. "Natural objects, such as rocks and minerals, contribute to the beauty and wonderment of the National Parks and should be left, as they were found, so that others can experience a sense of discovery." - https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/rocks-and-minerals.htm Glacier National Park, MTWaterton - Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, spectacular lakes and wildlife are truly spectacular sites. dEATH vALLEY nATIONAL pARK, ca, nvHottest, Driest, and Lowest National Park: Steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes in this "below-sea-level basin". Each "extreme has a striking contrast": towering peaks are frosted with winter snow, rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers, lush oases harbor tiny fish along with refuge for wildlife and humans. "Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley."
Educators and Volunteers - "Natural Parks are America's Largest Classrooms!" https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm Science in your National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/nature/index.htm
The Global Soil Partnership is dedicating World Soil Day 2017 to the theme "Caring for the Planet starts from the Ground". Soil is a finite natural resource. On a human time-scale it is non-renewable. However, despite the essential role that soil plays in human livelihoods, there is a worldwide increase in degradation of soil resources due to inappropriate management practices, population pressure driving unsustainable intensification and inadequate governance over this essential resource. The World Soil Day (WSD) campaign aims to connect people with soils and raise awareness on their critical importance in our lives. The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), in 2002, adopted a resolution proposing the 5th of December as World Soil Day to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human well being. In December 2013, the 68th UN General Assembly declared 5th of December as the World Soil Day. "On World Soil Day, I call for greater attention to the pressing issues affecting soils, including climate change, antimicrobial resistance, soil-borne diseases, contamination, nutrition and human health." — UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon For more information on World Soil Day, visit http://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/en/
That beautiful sentiment about autumn was expressed by William Cullen Bryant, an American nature poet and journalist. Born on November 3, 1794 in Massachusetts, he grew to have a love of science and geology which he reflects upon through his written work. His poetry focusing on nature has been described as a metaphor for truth, and established a central pattern in the American literary tradition. cabinetcardgallery.wordpress.com Working in the education field, there is a continuous movement to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) and the sister educational approach STEAM which also incorporates the Arts. Taking a holistic approach to education and allowing these different spheres to influence and support the others provides multiple avenues for different style learners to thrive. The philosophy of STEAM revolves around the concept: STEAM = Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering & the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements. Just as all of the natural processes on earth are interconnected, so too are the ways in which we perceive and learn about the world. And what better way to celebrate this concept than to use poetry to reflect upon the beauty of nature! In honor of the month of November, here are Bryant's visions of this autumn month: NOVEMBER "Yet one smile more, departing, distant sun! One mellow smile through the soft vapory air, Ere, o’er the frozen earth, the loud winds run, Or snows are sifted o’er the meadows bare. One smile on the brown hills and naked trees, And the dark rocks whose summer wreaths are cast, And the blue gentian flower, that, in the breeze, Nods lonely, of her beauteous race the last. Yet a few sunny days, in which the bee Shall murmur by the hedge that skirts the way, The cricket chirp upon the russet lea, And man delight to linger in thy ray. Yet one rich smile, and we will try to bear The piercing winter frost, and winds, and darkened air" William Cullen Bryant, 1794 - 1878 .Asher Durand's Kindred Spirits depicts William Cullen Bryant with Thomas Cole, in this quintessentially Hudson River School work.
Drinking water comes from streams, rivers lakes and ground water (aquifers). Protecting these water sources is key to sustaining safe drinking water supplies. When the water in our rivers, lakes and oceans becomes polluted, it endangers wildlife and people. Pollution makes our drinking water unsafe and threatens the waters where we enjoy swimming, fishing and recreational activities. For additional "Water Topics", EPA research supports water protection efforts under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. THOMAS C. SPELLMIRE WATER CONSERVATION TRAILER Protect Sources of Drinking Water Roles in Source Water Protection Protecting source water is everyone's responsibility. Everyone has a role, including:
Install a Rain Barrel: Store rainwater from rooftops that can be used on lawns and gardens. Stormwater includes rainwater that runs off hard surfaces and carries pollution to our streams. Individuals can further take action to protect their water, for example by:
Water quality is commonly determined by sampling a stream for macroinvertebrates. ![]()
The Little Miami River watershed is located in southwestern Ohio. It drains a total of 1,758 square miles and flows through all or part of 11 counties. Major municipalities partially or fully in the watershed include Xenia, Beavercreek, Wilmington, and Cincinnati and some of its suburbs. See further Ohio EPA studies on the Little Miami River: http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/tmdl/ LittleMiamiRiver.aspx http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/tmdl/Lower_LMR_Factsheet.pdf Exploring Watershed Geography USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Their scientists develop new methods and tools to supply timely, relevant, and useful information about the Earth and its processes. www.usgs.gov/ Native Ohio Tree Species Suitable for Planting within 1,000 Feet of State Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/19e2af_934d025960a743c6bb2987ae13cbccbe.pdf The most effective way to counter this increase in impervious surface is to protect and restore the riparian corridor or riparian buffer. Trees and wetlands play an important role in slowing the flow of water and filtering out the impurities prior to the run off entering the river. www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/what-you-can-do-protect-source-water Meet Fred's Friend, Miranda!
Buzz buzz buzz! Hearing the sound of a honey bee buzzing can elicit a range of responses, from caution of their stinging self-defense to excitement at seeing their strikingly contrasted yellow and black bodies flitting from flower to flower. Honey bees are hard working pollinators, animals that move pollen from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma of a flower allowing for the production of seeds and fruits. Many favorites, from apples to almonds, are almost exclusively pollinated by honey bees!
Here are some fun facts about honey bees from the American Beekeeping Federation:
Honey Bee Facts
Get ready to dance!
A honey bee performs a carefully choreographed "waggle" dance that instructs the rest of the hive where to find a food source.
​For Warren and surrounding counties, there is a local chapter of beekeepers with the SouthWestern Ohio Beekeepers Association. They can provide information and support for local beekeepers and for services like proper swarm removal.
For more information about the amazing honey bee and conservation efforts, check out Pollen Nation! Summertime often finds kids playing and connecting to the outdoors, soaking up the sun and fresh air. As we head into the last months of summer, WCSWCD encourages fostering those outdoor connections all year long! Our Education Specialists are excitedly gearing up for the oncoming school year. Bringing environmental science programs about natural resources to local schools gives us the opportunity to connect with students of all ages on these fun topics. From learning about stream health by following Fred the Fish in early elementary grades, to examining current environmental issues and best management practices in high school classes, we LOVE the chance to enhance learning through hands-on inquiry and games.
We look forward to working with schools all across Warren County. To learn more about program and resource offerings for teachers, please visit our Education page!
Whether you are interested in saving water or saving money (or both!) installing a rain barrel to capture rain water runoff is a great idea! Several community members joined Warren County SWCD and Butler County SWCD for a hands on rain barrel workshop to learn how to install rain barrels on their property. Participants learned the value of rain barrels, and received technical assistance in drilling their barrels and utilizing their installation kits. Check out some of the fun! A special thanks to Mason Community Grange and Hope in Action's Giving Garden for hosting the event! To learn more about rain barrels, check out our Backyard Conservation Tips!
And stay tuned for future workshops to learn more about home conservation practices! ![]() For the past 27 years Franklin High School has participated in the Area 4 Envirothon. Over that time, teams from the school advanced to the state competition 20 times. The Envirothon is an environmental high school competition designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest in the environment and natural resources among high school students. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. This year, two Franklin High School teams in Warren County competed in the Area 4 Envirothon competition held at Fernald Preserve on April 25, 2017. One of the two Franklin High School student teams (Team 1) advanced to the state competition by placing fourth out of 83 teams. Team 1 participants include Kelsea Penny, Joshua Storms, Corbon Moss, Rowan Karrick and Sidnie Penny. Kelsea Penny is the only student who has participated all four years of her high school career at Franklin. Kelsea highlighted that this is the first year students from her team moved on to the state competition. Team 1 advanced to the State Envirothon at Ohio Christian University on June 12-13, 2017. Only one top ranking team from each state Envirothon competition advances to the National Envirothon, and the Franklin team ranked 15 overall. Paul Ostermann and Peggy Irvine are the advisors for the team. Ostermann said he was most impressed with the group’s motivating attitude and leadership skills. Great job Franklin High School! 2017 State envirothon photos2017 Area IV Envirothon Results
Area IV Envirothon: www.areaivenvirothon.org/
World Environment Day is a global celebration of nature,
a day to reconnect with the places that matter most to you. It is a "People's Day" of action to do something to take care of the earth and be an agent of change. The 2017 theme is connecting people to nature. Our personal connections to the environment fuel our desire to protect and conserve nature for current and future enjoyment. So today, think of your favorite spot outside and go there! Take a moment to breathe in deep and reflect on why this spot of nature resonates with you. y? One of my favorite spots to be outdoors in Warren County is Miller Ecological Park. Whether going for a hike or playing with my daughter on the Nature Playscape, I can submerge myself in nature even while still being in the city of Lebanon. Warren County Park District manages many beautiful areas where you can connect and enjoy the outdoors! For a list of other wonderful parks throughout Warren County where you can get out into nature, visit https://trekohio.com/warren/ So on this World Environment Day, we encourage everyone to reconnect with the natural world around them, and remember why it is so important for all of us to be responsible stewards of our natural resources!
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