12611 Ravenwood Drive
Suite 240
Chardon, OH 44024
ph: 440-834-1122
Education 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.
Explore our Conservation Programs Brochure!
Ask us about outdoor and virtual program possibilities!
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 Learning Standards, Ohio Revised Science Standards and Model Curriculum Guide for grades K through 8th grade
- Hands-on, interactive, and fun
- Free of charge!
Pond Exploration
Beneficial Bats*
Buggin' Out*
Stream Team Detectives
Wildlife Detectives*
Wildlife in Winter*
Trees are TREEmendous!
Soil to Spoon
"Pond"ering Signs Left Behind*
Caterpillar Spring Butterfly Summer*
Contact Gail Prunty, Education/Communications Specialist, at 440-834-1122 ext 1764 or gprunty@Geauga.oh.gov to schedule a youth program or school presentation.
Millennium Youth Conservationists
Interested in exploring Geauga County streams and learning about their water chemistry and biology this summer? What about investigating 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 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Scenic Rivers Program we use kick seines, sediment sticks, water chemistry test kits, and more to analyze the health of area streams and riverswhile collecting official stream data. All ages are welcome. Join us for one outing or for all. MYC is free and only twice a month.
Contact Colleen Sharp by phone (440)834-1122 ext. 1766 or email csharp@Geauga.oh.gov for more information and the summer schedule.
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 # 1766.
Camp Canopy Scholarship Funding
Stay tuned for more information about next summer's Camp Canopy! Applicants must be a current Geauga County resident and enrolled in high school at the time of camp.
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to offer scholarship funding for the Camp Canopy, held each June 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.
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.
Please email application to Gail Prunty or mail or submit application in person to Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 240, Chardon, OH 44024. Call 440-834-1122 ext. 1764 if you have any questions about the scholarship.
For more information about the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp, visit www.ohioforest.org.
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 2022 theme is "Healthy Soil: Healthy Life" Each student is encourage to express this theme in their poster.
Did you know that almost all the food you eat, material for the clothes you wear, and wood for the house you live in is produced by soil? And there are thousands of different types of soil across the world! The USA alone has more than 70,000 varieties of soil. It also takes 500 years to produce an inch of topsoil, which is the most productive layer of soil! Soil is alive! There are more microorganisms in a handful of soil than there are people on Earth. Most importantly soil is a non-renewable natural resource we need to keep soil in place and not displaced throughout our watershed.
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.
Request a school program today for your class "Soil to Spoon" to help prepare your students get their creative juices flowing.
2021 Geauga SWCD Poster Contest Winners
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), in partnership with the NACD Auxiliary, announced the winners of the 2021 Poster Contest during the 76th NACD Annual Meeting. Congratulations Janna Winningham for placing 1st in the 4-6 grade category.
2020 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), in partnership with the NACD Auxiliary, announced the winners of the 2020 Poster Contest during the 75th NACD Annual Meeting. Congratulations Janna Winningham for placing 3rd in the 4-6 grade category.
2019 Geauga SWCD Poster Winners
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!
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
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), announces 2019 Poster Contest Winner Kaden Knake a senior at 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, and Climate Change Focused Guides. Don't miss these professional development opportunties like no other!
Advanced Wonders of Watersheds (WOW)
Stay tuned for Information on our 2023 Workshop!
The Advanced Wonders of Watersheds is a tried-and-true, yet newly-adapted 3-day program that investigates water quality, land use issues, and our link to the Lake Erie Basin. This intensive experience includes scientific investigations, activities, a watershed agriculture tour, and Lake Erie data collection with researchers from Old Woman Creek and the United States Geological Survey. Join us and learn new ways to meet content standards through engaging lessons, outdoor experiences, and real-world applications of increasingly important water quality and land use issues. Participants receive Healthy Water Healthy People, The Wonders of Wetlands, Project Aquatic WILD, and Teachers on the Estuary (T.O.T.E.) curriculum guides. One to two graduate credits are available through Ashland University. The registration fee for this workshop is $275 and covers the cost of all expenses excluding graduate credits.
Workshops featured in Farm and Dairy article!
The Wonders of Watersheds
The Geauga and Portage SWCDs also partner to host exciting, local educator workshops with various concentrations. 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 #1765 to schedule a Soil to Spoon Workshop for your school or group.
Agriculture Resources for Teachers
"Ag in the Classroom" Grant
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 into action! Geauga SWCD will be offering "Ag in the Classroom" grants up to $1,000 yearly.
2021-2022 Spring
"Ag in the Classroom" Grant recipients Lisa Starr of Burton Elementary for her Greenhouse Growing Project and Terry Markoff, Madeline Ramsey and Viktoryia Taran of Kenston High School for their Pollinator/Butterfly Garden
Congratulations!!
2020-2021 Spring
"Ag in the Classroom" Grant recipient Amy Hochschild of Burton Elementary School
This year's recipient, Amy Hochschild, a 6th grade teacher at Burton Elementary received $954.00 to instill excitement and curiosity in her students as they discover the wonderful world of soil through exploration and hands-on activities. Ms. Hochschild shares "that it is her passion to instill in her students the dire need to become involved in correcting the harm and protecting the future through re-using, reducing, and repurposing all we can with everyday efforts."
Congratulations to Amy Hochschild at Burton Elementary School for her passion and desire to explore the world beneath our feet.
2019-2020 Fall
"Ag in the Classroom" Grant recipient Anthony Forfia of Gaitway High School
This year's 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 21st 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
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 our next Pond Clinic in the spring of 2023!
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 x0823 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:
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12611 Ravenwood Drive
Suite 240
Chardon, OH 44024
ph: 440-834-1122