Holy cow! Ashland County is getting a healthy dose of conservation funding, and local livestock producers have plenty to graze about! From free soil testing to grazing management incentives and stream exclusion fencing, Ashland SWCD's new H2Ohio Grazing Program is putting more green in farmers' pockets while keeping our pastures productive and waterways clean. Find out why this quarter-million-dollar investment is good news for farmers, livestock, and everyone downstream!
Read MoreGood news is grazing its way into Ashland County, and it’s bringing some serious benefits for farmers and water quality alike! Thanks to a new H2Ohio partnership, Ashland SWCD is rolling out FREE soil testing, grazing management incentives, and funding to help keep livestock out of streams. Whether you're managing pastures, making hay, or just looking to make your farm a little greener (and your wallet a little happier), this new program is worth moo-ving on!
Read MoreThis November, USDA is encouraging farmers to park the plow, embrace the stubble, and give their soil a well-deserved break! Ashland SWCD Board Chairman Justin Ringler digs into why no-till is especially important for Ashland County's rolling hills, what's coming in 2027 to help farmers battle those slimy little troublemakers called slugs, and why one longtime district program is officially riding off into the sunset. Spoiler alert: Sometimes doing less really does mean growing more!
Read MoreSome of the best classrooms have muddy floors, leafy ceilings, and the occasional uninvited squirrel. Discover how outdoor education turns kids’ natural curiosity into hands-on learning—and why a little dirt can be a very good thing.
Read MoreWhat do white oak trees, bourbon barrels, and conservation have in common? 🥃🌳 Find out at Ashland SWCD’s Forest to Flask Annual Meeting on November 9, where we’ll explore the white-oak bourbon crisis, woodland management, and the conservation stories shaping Ashland County. From bourbon sampling with Minglewood Distilling to celebrating local farmers, volunteers, FFA students, and conservation partners, this is one Annual Meeting you won’t want to miss!
Read MoreThink a grazing plan is just a map with a few fences drawn on it? Think again! A good grazing plan can help you grow more grass, reduce mud, protect soil and water, and keep livestock healthier—while making the most of the acres you already have. Find out why a good grazing plan is less about fences and more about putting your pasture to work from Ashland SWCD Director Jane Houin.
Read MoreThe fair is over, the animals are back home, and the barn is ready for a serious cleanout—but what are you going to do with all that manure? 🍂🐄 Whether you’re a large producer, hobby farmer, or 4-H/FFA family, fall is a great time to turn manure into a valuable soil resource. Find out where, when and how to spread it—and how Ashland SWCD can help!
Read More🗳️ Your voice matters in conservation! 🌱 This fall, Ashland County voters have an opportunity to help shape the future of conservation in our community by voting in the Ashland SWCD Board of Supervisors election. Meet the two candidates — Kalyn Pryor Denny and Steve Workman — and learn more about their backgrounds, experiences and perspectives on conservation in Ashland County. Because conservation is about more than soil and water — it’s about the people who call Ashland County home. Make your voice count! 💚
Read More🍂 Something Not-So-Spooky Is Waiting in the Woods! This October, grab the kids and head to Hazel Willis Woods for a family-friendly forest scavenger hunt with Ashland SWCD! Explore, discover, snap photos of your finds and enter to win a fall fun prize pack—including a tree seedling for your very own future forest.
Read MoreSeven generations. Nearly 200 years. One remarkable conservation legacy. 🌱 Discover the story of Twin Oak Farm and the Workman and Cowen families, this year’s Ashland SWCD Horizon Award recipients, and learn how a family’s commitment to caring for the land has helped shape soil and water conservation in Ashland County for generations.
Read MoreDon’t let your pond go belly up? Ashland SWCD Director Jane Houin says fall is the perfect time to stop, take a look beneath the surface and ask: Is my pond ready for next summer’s fishing season? From bass and bluegill to perch, catfish and grass carp, discover how the right stocking rates—and a little pond management now—can lead to healthier water and happier fish next year.
Read MoreIs your pasture feeling a little under the weather? 🐄🌱 Graze Anatomy is bringing together drones, drought recovery, grazing plans, and cost-share opportunities to give your pasture a much-needed checkup—and there’s dinner, too! Join Ashland SWCD on September 16 at Kinsey Valley Farm for an evening of practical advice, new ideas, and a few good conversations about keeping your grass growing and your livestock grazing.
Read More🚜 Before the combines roll, take one more lap around the farm! From sneaky washouts and clogged culverts to soil tests and cover crop plans, a little pre-harvest detective work now can save big headaches when the busy season hits. Jane Houin shares five simple checks that can help your farm run smoother—and keep your October self fueled by coffee and gratitude. ☕🌽
Read MoreIs your pasture looking a little tired, thin, or weedy? It might be trying to tell you something. In this month's column, Ashland SWCD Director Jane Houin shares how soil testing, grazing management, frost seeding, and a little pasture TLC can turn worn-out fields into productive, resilient forage systems.
Read MoreThink clean water just happens? Think again! From testing streams to hunting for tiny aquatic critters that reveal the health of our waterways, Ashland SWCD is working with volunteers to keep a finger on the pulse of our local streams. Discover how you can make a splash and join us for our upcoming Water You Waiting For? Stream Exploration event.
Read MoreEver wonder where a raindrop goes after it splashes past your windshield, your barn roof, or your downtown sidewalk? Spoiler: it’s not just disappearing—it’s taking a winding tour through the Mohican watershed, picking up stories (and sometimes a little trouble) along the way. Follow its journey to see how farms, towns, and backyards all play a role in what ends up flowing downstream.
Read MoreWho says conservation can't be a team sport? Ashland SWCD has named Mapleton Cares Day its 2026 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of a decade of community service and several years of hands-on conservation projects at Hazel Willis Woods. From planting trees and creating pollinator habitat to tackling invasive species, these students are proving that a few hours of volunteer work can leave a lasting impact on Ashland County
Read MoreWhat’s flowing beneath the surface of the Mohican River—and why does it matter more than ever? Join Ashland SWCD for a hands-on dive into stream health, water quality, and the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping one of Ohio’s most beloved Scenic Rivers. You’ll get your feet wet, your curiosity fired up, and a fresh look at how everyday actions can help protect our local waterways and the vibrant outdoor economy they support.
Read MoreWhat if you could plant your next crop before you even harvest the first one? Aerial cover crop seeding is helping farmers get a head start on soil health, erosion control, and nutrient management—all from above. Discover why more producers are looking skyward this fall and how Ashland SWCD's September 8 aerial seeding program can help your fields stay productive long after harvest is over.
Read MoreIs your pasture thriving—or quietly begging for help? 🌱🐄 From bare spots and weeds to grazing heights and stream health, your pasture is constantly sending signals. Learn how to decode what it's telling you and discover simple management practices that can boost forage production, protect water quality, and improve your bottom line.
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