SAVING RAIN FOR A SUNNY DAY 3RD YEAR

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1 WINTER 2014 HUBER AND JOHNS REELECTED TO SWCD BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Scott P. Huber resides in Colerain Township. He is a Registered Professional Engineer, a Registered Professional Surveyor and a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control. This is Scott s second term. Steve Johns is a resident of Hyde Park neighborhood in the City of Cincinnati. He leads the Community Planning Division of the Hamilton County Planning + Development Department. This is Steve s third term. Congratulations to both candidates! Their term begins January 1, 2015 SAVING RAIN FOR A SUNNY DAY 3RD YEAR By John Nelson Get ready to be taken by storm, or should I say storm water. The Rain Barrel Art Project is back with barrels full of creativity and splashes of creative genius. The fantastic event organized by the Regional Storm Water Collaborative and hosted by The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has opened its website for entries for the 2015 Rain Barrel Art Benefit Auction. This Rain Barrel Art Project was created to promote the use of rain barrels throughout the Ohio River Valley area via an entertaining yet educational medium. Rain barrels continue to grow in popularity across the country. However, one of its biggest drawbacks is their dull appearance. The Regional Storm Water Collaborative believes that producing artistic rain barrels that have unique painted details will make them more desirable and increase public interest. The Rain Barrel Art Benefit Auction is scheduled for April 23rd at the Cincinnati Zoo. Entries to paint a rain barrel for the auction can be submitted via the collaborative website: savelocalwaters.org. The last date for entries is January 20th. Once an artist s draft has been selected for the auction, the artist will be supplied with a rain barrel to paint. All rain barrels must be returned to the zoo by the first week of April. The barrels will remain on display at the Zoo until the auction. For more information on the Rain Barrel Art Project and the Regional Storm Water Collaborative, visit: savelocalwaters.org.

2 DISTRICT TREE SALE AND AREA TREE THREATS By Holly Utrata-Halcomb Our local trees are under attack and your SWCD and Hamilton County Storm Water District have joined the Taking Root Initiative to replace, retain and expand trees in our County. This eight-county Greater Cincinnati tri-state regional effort has a goal of planting 2 million trees by the year Three hundred Hamilton County residents were very happy to receive one of a variety of native trees that were between 3-12 in height to add to their landscape for only $5.00. Thanks to a subsidy from the Hamilton County Storm Water District, this program served to address tree loss due to the Emerald Ash Borer disease among others. The trees were handed out October 3 and 4th during the Glenwood Gardens fall plant sale. What are the Threats? Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) - EAB is expected to effect all nine species of the region s native Ash trees. Over 10% of the region s trees (up to 40% in some areas) will be lost to the EAB in the next 5-10 years. The loss of ash will degrade local streams, stream corridors and stream wildlife and dramatically change local landscapes. The EAB, a vascular attacking insect has already begun decimating the local, regional and national ash tree populations. More information on EAB can be found at Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) -Over 100 North American species of trees including maple are vulnerable to the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), They have caused 9,000 trees to be removed in Clermont County alone. An allocation of $15 million in federal funds is now in place to prevent the beetle s spread. Although expected to be contained, if the ALB were to spread throughout the region, up to 60% (including EAB loss) of the region s trees could be lost in the next years. Asian Longhorned Beetle information is available online at beetlebusters.info/ Walnut Twig Beetle - This insect is a carrier of thousand cankers disease (TCD), a fungus fatal to black walnut trees. This beetle was recently identified in Butler County. For more information go to Oak Wilt -This is a fungus that s often fatal to oak trees and is currently spreading through Ohio. For more information go to info_ _can-stop-oak-wilt.html Other threats include: Deer - Deer population has a profound impact on our forests ability to regenerate. Deer consume tree seedlings; many local wooded areas are devoid of saplings and are not regenerating. Invasive Plants - Invasive plants squeeze out native plants and are changing the landscape, preventing native tree species from regenerating and reducing wildlife habitat. The most common of these destructive invasive plants include: Bush Honeysuckle - Establishes on woodland edges throughout the region and has expanded into forest interiors contributes to the decline of native trees and wildlife and does a poor job of stabilizing soils and reducing runoff. Ornamental Flowering Pear - This tree has become invasive throughout the region and is filling the voids created by tree loss from invasive insects, preventing native species from regenerating and impeding natural succession. Loss of Large Trees - The loss of large trees reduces the ability of wooded areas to provide the benefits of healthy forests. The Loss of Native Trees -The loss of native trees reduces the ability of wooded areas to regenerate and provide habitat for Native wildlife. Ongoing fragmentation/subdivision is further diminishing forest quantity and quality. 2

3 CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS CFW ASKS STUDENTS TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL THAT ANSWERS THE QUESTION: WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR WATERSHED? Students can work independently, or as a team of no more than four to research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern, and come up with a realistic solution. Proposals should be approximately 1,000 words and include visuals and a budget. Due March 6, Entries are scored by a panel of judges in the following areas: realistic idea, environmental impact, clear communication, innovation, scope, budget and visuals. Ten finalists/teams will make 5-minute verbal presentations at a final competition on Saturday, April 25, All finalists win cash rewards (up to $1000) for themselves and matching rewards for their schools. Bookworm Burrow by Niki Marengo How the World Works: A Hands-On Guide to our Amazing Planet Written by Christian Dorion Illustrations by Beverley Young Welcome to one of the coolest science books we have ever seen!! This book is jam-packed with tons of science information and presented with pull-tabs, pop-ups, flaps and some fantastic illustrations. The fun starts with the beginnings of our planet and moves into topics such as why weather changes, the carbon cycle, food chains, the water cycle and more! It also is sprinkled with information on how humans can impact the natural world. It s perfect for the kids that love science, the ones who have the short attention span or the ones that just love to ask why all the time (and it s fun for adults, too)! Education Grant for Teachers What is it? A $250 grant for Hamilton County teachers to enhance environmental education in their school or classroom. For more info or to apply online, go to org/teacher-grant.html Schools also receive $100 for every ten complete proposals submitted, even if they do not send students to the finals. For more information, go to and click on Ohio. To volunteer, please contact Gwen. We need help mentoring students, reviewing proposals, inputting scores, etc. If you can help, we can find a task that fits your schedule and likes. SCAN & WATCH THE 2014 VIDEO Creativity + Learning + Science = 2014 Poster and Essay Contest Teachers! Help your students go one step further in learning by getting involved in Our Poster and Essay Contest! This year s contest, Local Heroes, Your Hardworking Pollinators is sure to help them get a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of nature and importance of all creatures. Students can either write an essay or create a poster. The winner of each poster and essay grade level contest will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to Half Priced Books, and so will their teacher! Grade bands are K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and To learn more, visit and click on Contest and Grants. Teacher Workshop PreK-2nd grade teachers join us on Saturday, February 21 from 9:00a - 12:00p (snow date 2/28) for a Growing Up Wild workshop. This workshop will be hands on and packed with lots of great activities and ideas for teaching your students about local wildlife and tips for getting them outside. Workshop will take place at the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District office. To register or for more questions, contact Gwen. 3

4 AERIAL SEEDING AND THREE YEAR STUDY By John Nelson Residents in Northwest Hamilton County began sighting a low-flying aircraft on September 19. The aircraft was aerial seeding four farms with cover crops in the area. These farms have partnered with the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) for a soil fertility and water quality study. The aerial seeding is a huge component of the three-year study. The farms involved in the program are Heyob, Knollman, Minges and Hoerst Farms. Over 400 acres in these four farms were aerially seeded with a fall cover crop seed mix. Cover crops are plants not planted for harvest, but to boost soil fertility and reduce erosion during the fall to early spring months. Sam McKinley, HCSWCD Chairman, when interviewed about the cover crops said, Combined, these plants form a powerful team that should eventually reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers needed to grow a healthy crop. The seed mix used will contain several species of grasses, legumes and radishes that work together to collect and fix atmospheric Nitrogen in the soil. This useful nitrogen is otherwise just lost during the winter months. The Radishes will grow up to 18 in depth, breaking up soil and improving air and water movement in the soil. The grasses provide outstanding coverage for erosion control and then serve as excellent organic matter for the soil in the spring. In addition to improving soil fertility, cover crop positively impact water quality of the local watershed. With the help of local water quality and soil fertility experts, the study hopes to create a model to improve soil and water quality in the area, and other parts of the country. SCAN & WATCH THE AERIAL SEEDING 2014 AWARD WINNERS FOR CONSERVATION EFFORTS By John Nelson Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District annually recognizes and awards area professionals who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation in our County. During the District s 69thAnnual Meeting on Monday night, the following individuals and organizations were honored: 2014 Outstanding Agriculture Cooperators - Dennis and Mike Heyob, Heyob Farms 2014 Outstanding Urban Cooperators - Jeff Van Fossen, Welsh Excavation Company - Kerry Roell, owner of Roell Building & Remodeling 2014 Outstanding Conservation Teacher Amy Wuebbolt, Symmes Elementary School 2014 Water Quality Partnership Award Michael Reifenberger The award winner s contributions ranged from educating students about conservation to installing sediment controls at construction sites. The versatile nature of the awards is a reflection of the function of the Soil and Water Conservation District. Visit to view the 2014 Annual Report, to see all the work we have accomplished in the past year. 4

5 HILLSIDES AND YARDWASTE: LITERALLY HEADING DOWN A SLIPPERY SLOPE By Bob Sheets An frequent common denominator seen when we are contacted regarding erosion or the sloughing of a hillside or streambank is that, nearby we find an area where wet grass clippings, leaves, twigs and branches, and other yard waste has been disposed of throughout the years. While innocent enough, this practice creates many potential problems. These piles of yard debris break down very slowly and can persist for years, blocking the penetration of air and sunlight, and preventing any kind of native vegetation from developing and becoming established. They burden the soil with extra weight, and retain substantial amounts of moisture that otherwise would have moved down the slope or passed through the soil. They provide cover for a variety of burrowing animals. They smother existing native plants and ground cover which help to stabilize the soil and slope, and can develop pathogen populations that feed on the roots of existing plants and trees, damaging and ultimately killing them. Downhill and downstream, these piles can Board of Supervisors create many other problems both to the environment and to Sam McKinley, Chairman the native wildlife and stream populations. Denny Benson, Vice-Chairman Altogether, these piles of yard debris can cause a Scott P. Huber, Secretary variety of erosion, sloughing and environmental problems, Steve Johns, Treasurer and can result in substantial and costly property damage. Pam Simmons, Program Chairman Even small piles of yard waste can in time lead to larger erosion, streambank, or hillside stability problems. District Staff What to do? Consider mulching grass and leave clippings Holly Utrata-Halcomb, Administrator back into your lawn. This can reduce fertilizer costs and save Susan Juriga, Administrative Assistant you time in mowing. Compost or recycle your yard waste. John Nelson, Public Relations Specialist There is a lot of information available regarding the proper Dan Taphorn, Urban Conservationist composting of lawn and kitchen scraps, which can then Chey Alberto, Urban Technician be recycled back to the landscape or garden as a nutrientsteve Eberts, Urban Technician rich soil amendment. Or drop your yard waste at a city- or Robert Sheets, Geotechnical Engineer privately-owned composting facility. Many municipalities Gwen Z. Roth, Education Specialist have free drop-off days for yard waste. If on-site disposal is Niki Marengo, Education Assistant considered necessary, do it away from sensitive areas such Brian Bohl, Stream Specialist as slopes or streams, and follow composting guidelines to Carrie Gibbons, Program Assistant speed natural decomposition. By properly managing your lawn waste, you can NRCS save yourself time and money, prevent a variety of potential John Williams, District Conservationist problems, and help to protect and restore the natural William Cook, Soil Conservationist environment. Contact us for additional information, or your local municipal office for scheduled drop-off days. 5

6 Follow us on social media! UPCOMING EVENTS Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District 22 Triangle Park Dr. Cincinnati, OH (513) Thanksgiving Days (Office Closed) - Nov. 27th - 28th Rain Barrel Art Project Submission Period Nov. 15th - Jan 20th (see Page 1 for more info.) Board Meeting - Dec. 9th Christmas Day (Office Closed) - Dec. 25th Board Meeting - Jan. 13th New Year s Day (Office Closed) - Jan. 1st Board Meeting - Feb. 10th GMR River Lab Data Analysis Presentation - TBD end of Feb. (Call for more info) Caring for Watershed Entry Deadline - Mar. 6th (see page 3 for more info.) Mission Statement: A public organization committed to assisting the citizens of Hamilton County through education, technical assistance and leadership to be stewards of our soil and water resources. All District programs are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap. Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District 22 Triangle Park Drive Cincinnati, OH Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Cincinnati, OH ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Your Partner in Conservation Since 1945