Education Programs

Education and public outreach are a priority for the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).  The Geauga SWCD provides a wide variety of free conservation education programs to any Geauga County school or organization, and to residents and the general public.  Presentations can be tailored to meet the needs of the audience and are flexible in topic, length, and group size.  Contact the District for more information about anyof our programs.

 Classroom Conservation

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District offers a wide variety of environmental educaton programs at no cost to any school, club, or organization in Geauga County.  For Pre-K through High School, these programs can be tailored to meet any specific grade, topic, or class size.  An asterik (*) denotes programs adaptable for very young children.

Classroom Conservation Brochure

Our programs are:

•  Approximately one hour in length, but can be easily modified
• Designed to reinforce Ohio's Academic Science Standards-Geauga SWCD Programs Ohio Revised Science Education Standards and Model Curriculum Guide for grades pre-K through 8th grade
• Hands-on, interactive, and fun
• Free of charge!

• Pond Exploration

• Buggin' Out*

• Stream Quality Monitoring

• Web of Life

• Soil Sleuths

• Where Does Your Watershed?

• Stream Team Detectives

• Incredible Journey*

• Beneficial Bats*

• Freddie the Fish*

• What's Under Your Feet? Groundwater

• Wildlife Detectives*

• Wildlife in Winter*

• Trees are TREEmendous!

• Soil to Spoon

• Stormwater Stewards

• "Pond"ering Signs Left Behind*

• Caterpillar Spring Butterfly Summer*

Contact Gail Prunty, Education/Communications Specialist, at 440-834-1122 ext 2 or gprunty@geaugaswcd.com to schedule a youth program or school presentation.

Millennium Youth Conservationists 

Stay Tuned for 2020 MYC information!

How would you like to explore streams in Geauga County and learn about their water chemistry and biology this summer?  Want to investigate water quality by searching for aquatic critters such as crayfish, dragonflies, water pennies, and caddisflies, which live in our local streams?  Then grab your water shoes and join the Millennium Youth Conservationists (MYC) team!  In collaboration with the ODNR Scenic Rivers Program we will use kick seines, sediment sticks, pH test kits, and more to analyze the health of area streams and riverswhile providing official stream data to the ODNR Scenic Rivers Program.  All ages are welcome!  The adventure begins in June and concludes in August.  It is free and only twice a month on Thursday.  You may join us for one outing or for all. 

Contact Colleen Sharp with the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District by phone (440)834-1122 ext. 6 or email csharp@geaugaswcd.com for more information.

2020 MYC Summer Schedule T.B.A

Programs are held on Thursdays at 10:00 am.

 Mitchells Mill ~ Chardon Twp, across street from 9311   Wisner Rd, Chardon 44024 

Swine Creek Reservation ~ Middlefield Twp, Geauga Park   District

 Whitesburg Park ~ Chagrin Falls, 498 High St, Chagrin   Falls, 44022

General MYC Information

Geauga County has an exceptional group of youths and adults working hard to understand our environment and keeping it healthy. Every summer since its founding in 2000, the MYC (Millennium Youth Conservationists) members come together to conduct stream quality monitoring surveys  within Geauga County’s three major river systems which include the Chagrin, Cuyahoga, and Grand River watersheds.  We meet every other week from June through  August.  The MYC is a group of environmentally conscious students from local elementary, middle, and high schools and their parents who are assisted by a biologist from the Geauga SWCD. 

Members of the MYC have the opportunity to interact with other individuals who share their love and interest in nature while learning about issues pertaining to water quality and gaining valuable community service hours. The MYC currently monitors four sites in Geauga County within the Chagrin River and Grand River watersheds.

So how do we scientifically determine water quality? Briefly, there are two categories we look at, the chemistry and biology of the water. When measuring the chemistry, we record the levels of dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity, pH (whether the water is acidic or basic), and temperature of the water.  Since water chemistry can fluctuate and change from day to day, it is important to also look at the biology of the stream.  This is done by collecting, identifying, counting, and later releasing small water creatures known as macroinvertebrates that often hide in fast-moving riffle areas of rivers and streams either under rocks, tightly gripping the bottom of rocks with their streamlined bodies, or in the bottom sediments. The relative number of pollution intolerant and pollution tolerant species gives a quantifiable picture of the quality of the creek or river water which is then ranked as excellent, good, fair, or poor according to a number formula devised by water quality experts. Data collected is submitted to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources so they are able to review any differences in the chemistry and biology found that may alert them to a problem with the water quality of that stream.

Students from throughout the county will be monitoring sites again this year.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Colleen Sharp at Geauga SWCD for more information, 440-834-1122 ext # 6.

Camp Canopy Scholarship Funding

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to offer scholarship funding for the 2020 Camp Canopy, held Sunday, June 7^th - Friday, June 12^th at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carroll County.  Founded in 1950 and formerly known as Ohio Forestry & Wildlife Conservation Camp, Camp Canopy is where high schoolers go to discover forestry, wildlife, and adventure!  While staying true to its natural resource focus and traditional summer camp experience, Camp Canopy offers exciting challenges along with relevant forestry issues and research.  

2020 Camp Canopy Scholarship Application

Scholarship recipients may be asked by the Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors to provide a short report and/or presentation with photos to highlight their camp experiences at one of the District’s regular board meetings. 

Applications are due Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm.  Please email application to Gail Prunty or mail or submit application in person to Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, P. O. Box 410, 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd., Burton, OH 44021.  Call 440-834-1122 ext. 2 if you have any questions about the scholarship.

For more information about the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp, visit www.ohioforest.org.

 Annual Conservation Poster Contest

The District holds an annual Conservation Poster Contest in conjunction with the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation District (OFSWCD) Auxiliary and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). 

The purpose of the contest is to instill in youth an appreciation for the environment and the need to protect our precious soil and water resources.  The 2020 theme is "Where would we Bee without pollinators?"  Each student is encourage to express this theme in their poster.

 Pollinators form the foundations of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but in recent years they have shown concerning signs of decline. It’s important that we work to help them prosper by enhancing native pollinator habitats and protecting against pollinator declines.

An award for first place and second place will be awarded in each category and winners will be recognized at the District Annual Meeting in the fall.

The first place winners of each category move on to the State Competition.  First place winners in each category from the state competition move on to the National Competition.

2020 Poster Contest Flyer

2019

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), announces 2019 Poster Contest Winner Kaden Knake a senior at West Geauga High School. 

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), in partnership with the NACD Auxiliary, announced the winners of the 2019 Poster Contest during the 74th NACD Annual Meeting Inspirational Session. Congratulations Kaden on a beautiful poster and your well deserved first place win!

www.nacdnet.org/…/icymi-nacd-announces-2019-photo-poster-c…/ 

2019 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

 2018 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

2017 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

2016 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

2015 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

2014 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

2013 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

2012 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners

NACD ANNOUNCES 2019 POSTER CONTEST WINNER Kaden Knake from West Geauga High School.

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), in partnership with the NACD Auxiliary, announced the winners of the 2019 Poster Contest during the 74th NACD Annual Meeting Inspirational Session. Congratulations Kaden on a beautiful poster and your well deserved first place win!

NACD ANNOUNCES 2019 POSTER CONTEST WINNER Kaden Knake from West Geauga High School.

Adult Programs

Geauga SWCD offers many engaging education programs for adults, educators, and the general public.  Some workshops and programs are offered each year while others are special events or part of our Storm Water, Phase II, and You! education series.  Contact us to see how we can accomodate your group or organization.

Teacher Workshops

Geauga SWCD offers annual summer educator workshops!  Welcoming educators of all grades and disciplines, these rewarding workshops offer valuable training, engaging lessons, outdoor experiences, and graduate credit through Ashland University.  District educators are certified facilitators for the following environmental educational curriculums: Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD, Science and Civics, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, The Wonders of Wetlands, Healthy Water Healthy People, Flying Wild, The Leopold Education Project, and Project Food, Land, and People. Don't miss these professional development opportunties like no other!  

Workshops featured in Farm and Dairy article!

Advanced Wonders of Watersheds (WOW)    

The 2020 Advanced WOW workshop will be held Monday, June 22 - Wednesday, June 24 at Old Woman Creek Estuary in Huron, Ohio.  Potential scholarships are available for this extraordinary opportunity!  Limited to 10 teachers - register by May 29th. 

2020 Advanced WOW Information and Registration

Teacher Workshop SCHOLARSHIPS for Geauga County Teachers - Apply by April 24th!

The Advanced WOW workshop is designed to give teachers an in-depth look at the natural resources of the Great Lakes region and how these resources can be used to create lasting educational experiences for students.  This workshop is based at Old Woman Creek Estuary on the shores of Lake Erie in Huron, Ohio.  Throughout the 3-day experience, teachers will engage in numerous hands-on environmental science and biology activities lead by many local resource professionals including ODNR Division of Coastal Management and the U.S. Geological Survey.  Watershed impacts and protection strategies are investigated as we study freshwater inhabitants, explore new ecosystems, and delve into the history and the future of Lake Erie!  In addition, all participants will receive Wonders of Wetlands, Aquatic WILD, and Healthy Water, Healthy People curriculum guides, along with Teachers On The Estuary (TOTE) resources. One to three graduate credits are offered through Ashland University.

The Wonders of Soil & Wonders of Watersheds

The Geauga and Portage SWCDs also partner to host exciting, local educator workshops, though these are not offered every year.  Times and locations vary each day, but are typically held 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in various locations throughout Geauga and Portage Counties.  Participants receive training, resources, and curriculum guides, along with the opportunity to go on many interesting field trips!  Resource specialists from many agencies including ODNR Divisions of Wildlife and Forestry, local park districts, and nearby universities share knowledge and lessons, and one to two graduate credits are offered through Ashland University.  Stay tuned for more information!

Soil to Spoon Educators Workshop

This is a workshop that will expose educators to the curriculum of Nutrients for Life Foundation.  Visits to several local agricultural establishments such as a large dairy farm, orchard, and an organic farm may also be incorporated.  If you are interested in a workshop, please contact Katie Nainiger, 440-834-1122, ext 4# to schedule a Soil to Spoon Workshop for your school or group.

Agriculture Resources for Teachers

"Ag in the Classroom" Grant

2020-2021

Are you an educator with a fantastic idea to add the amazing world of agriculture into your classroom?!  Have you met roadblocks financially? Let Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District help you put that idea intoaction!  Geauga SWCD will be offering "Ag in the Classroom" grants up to $1,000. 

Ag in the Classroom Grant News Release

 Ag in the Classroom Information

Ag in the Classroom Grant Application

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offered two grants for the 2019-2020 school year to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of agriculture in the youth of Geauga County.

2019-2020 Fall "Ag in the Classroom"  Grant recipient Anthony Forfia of Gaitway High School  

  This years’ recipient, Anthony Forfia, school administrator at Gaitway High School in Chagrin Falls received $900.00, to enhance his project “The Benefits of Gardening: Extending the Growing Season.”  Mr. Forfia along with the advisory committee comprised of Aaron Hendrickson, Morgan Shannon, Leslie Mapes and Bill McSherry.

“The project will be used to benefit students who are challenged by social and emotion needs and help them develop social skills as well as 21^st century employability skills.  We will be using Geauga county resources-both physical and research-based resources to gain knowledge and teach environmentally sound horticultural practices.  In doing so, students will explore not only economic benefits, but also fiscal and emotional benefits of maintaining close ties to our food resources.  It is our desire to see students advance in collaborative skills, communication skills, math skills, and economic skills.” shares Anthony Forfia.

Congratulations to Anthony Forfia and his team at Gaitway High School for their hard work and dedication to environmental education!

2019-2020 Spring "Ag in the Classroom" Grant recipient Mike Sustin of West Geauga High School 

Mike Sustin of West Geauga High School was awarded the Geauga SWCD "Ag in the Classroom" Grant to assist with the continued growth of his Aquaponics project.  The goal of the project is to engage students in the feeding a growing population.  Science students are responsbile for fish and feeding a growing populations. Science students are respnsible for fish and plant health and maintaining a healthy chemical and nutrient balance. Fruits of their labor are yummy Thai basil, arugula and leaf lettuce. We look forward to watching this project "grow" and are proud to partner with locals schools to assist in innovative education.

 Agriculture, The Geauga County Way Video

Nutrients for Life Foundation

Veggie U

Project Food, Land and People

Dig It! Cultivating Creavity in the Garden

Perc Through the Pore Project FLP Sample Activity

 Workshops for the General Public

Pond Clinics 

The Geauga and Portage SWCDs present a free Pond Clinic biannually.  Topics covered at this two-hour workshop may include fish stocking and management, aquatic vegetation identification, nutrient management, and wildlife issues.  Stay tuned for more information on our next Pond Clinic workshop to be held in the spring of 2021!

 More information about Pond Management

General Workshops for Residents

Geauga SWCD is also available to speak at any other meetings and events. Please contact Gail Prunty, Education/Communication Specialist, at 440-834-1122 x2 to schedule a presentation.  Suggested presentation topics are listed below, although custom presentations can also be arranged.  

• Building Healthy Soil 
• Let Your Yard Be a Solution to Water Pollution
• Geauga County Watersheds
• Reducing Household Hazardous Waste
• More Trees, Please!
• Rain Gardens and Native Plants
• Beneficial Buffers & Riparians
• Stream Quality Monitoring
• Wetlands
• Manure and Nutrient Management
• Best Management Practices for Erosion and Sediment Control
• Composting
• The Story of the Great Lakes Compact

Agriculture Based Workshops 

Geauga SWCD offers Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) and Equine Environmental Assurance Program (EEAP) training sessions.  Livestock producers meet eligibility requirements for cost share available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Attendees also earn valuable points used in determining qualifiers for the EQIP program administered by USDA/NRCS.  Topics covered include:

"Ag in the Classroom"

Grant opportunity coming 2020 stay tuned...