If winter’s snow and freezing temperatures have you wishfully thinking ahead to spring, why not take advantage of some of the free opportunities for programs hosted by the Portage Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)? While Covid may keep in-person programs from happening, it won’t keep the SWCD from providing opportunities for local folks to learn, grow, and even earn free plants and trees for their efforts.
On February 25th, they’ll be hosting an evening program entitled ‘Woodland Tips that Pay’. John Kehn from the ODNR Division of Forestry and OSU-Extension Natural Resource Specialist Dave Apsley will lead this free program. In it, woodland owners and CAUV/OFTL participants will be introduced to resources and the latest recommendations to help them achieve the goals they have for their property. Interested parties are encouraged to register by email at alerch@portageswcd.org or by calling Lynn at (330) 235-6806.
On March 25th, Portage SWCD will host another free, virtual program, ‘Curbing the Consequences: How Trees are Taking Root for Stormwater and Climate Change’. In this program, participants will learn about the vital role trees can play in curbing negative effects of the increased frequency and intensity of storms and flooding. Through this program, which is hosted by the Northeast Ohio Public Involvement Public Education (NEOPIPE), with funding from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy/Dominion, you’ll learn some simple strategies that can be used to help counter some of these challenges. To register, email lvogel@portageswcd.org.
In addition, the Portage SWCD is once again hosting their annual Tree Sale and Fish Sale. Due to Covid-19, this year’s Tree Sale will take place via a drive-through pickup at the SWCD in Ravenna, which takes place on Thursday & Friday, April 22nd & 23rd. Plant sales began on January 1st and run through April 9th or until all trees and plants have been reserved. Early orders are recommended — plant descriptions and order information can be found at https://www.portageswcd.org. Fish orders must be placed, with payment received prior to April 16th. The Fish Sale will take place at the Randolph Fairgrounds on April 21st. Call (330) 235-6806 for questions on the Fish Sale.
In addition, Portage County homeowners are encouraged to participate in Portage SWCD’s Conservation Incentives Program. By participating in a variety of easy activities, residents have an opportunity to earn free native plants. While some plant-earning practices are as simple as requesting a copy of the ‘Green Yards, Healthy Homes’ publication, others include taking a photo of a native plant that’s a food for wildlife, creating a watering station for bees, or rooting out invasive species to help create healthy yards and landscapes. All activities provide an opportunity to earn free native plants and trees, and are available until supplies run out. Visit www.portageswcd.org for details and the list of available plants and trees.
