Grow Wild with Ashland SWCD’s Habitat Stewardship Series

There’s a growing interest across the country in improving habitat stewardship and creating deeper connections with our natural world. And this year, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is helping local residents create that connection and knowledge through a new habitat stewardship series.

The three-part series will be held at Ashland SWCD’s Hazel Willis Woods outdoor learning laboratory just outside of Mifflin and will take place on the first Saturdays of the month in June, September and November.

“We’re excited to host a series to help share information about being a good habitat steward for local residents,” said Holly Hale, natural resources assistant at Ashland SWCD. “Participants will learn about environmental sustainability issues and conservation. The series is designed to empower individuals and communities to take responsibility for their local ecosystem.”

Growing Wild will be the theme of the first of the three Conservation Chats in the series, and it will kick off at 9 a.m. on June 7 at the Hazel Willis Woods. Ashland SWCD 2025 Volunteers of the Year Tim & Paula Lavey will lead a summer wildflower walk and talk through the 40-acre outdoor learning laboratory and will talk about the key roles native plans and pollinators play in the environment.

Then, participants will learn about volunteer opportunities for precipitation monitor training and the role it plays in accurately identifying local weather hazards. Hale will also share information about other volunteer opportunities with Ashland SWCD, including helping with water quality testing or volunteering at the Hazel Willis Woods.

The morning will wrap up with a chance for participants to put what they’ve learned to work as they help install a new pollinator habitat near the entrance of the Hazel Willis Woods outdoor learning center. Hale will be joined by Jody Irwin, Ashland SWCD administrative assistant, and the two will help coordinate installation of the new pollinator area and share information about the species featured in the habitat.

Other Conservation Chat themes in the series will include Branching Out in September, with a focus on Monard butterfly SAFE fields and rare plant monitoring as well as removal of invasive species. And the series will conclude with the chat Don’t Get Stumped in November that will focus on tree healthcare and risk management.

Participants can choose to attend just one or all three events in the series, with three ticketing options available. Tickets for individual events are $10 and include a light breakfast to start your day off right, or participants can purchase a ticket for all three events for $25. But, the best deal is registering with a friend, with an option for two people to attend all three events together for just $40.

Registrations can be made online at habitatsteward1of3.eventbrite.com. Additional information is available at the Ashland SWCD office at 110 Cottage Street, Ashland or by calling 419-281-7645.