PO Box 410
14269 Claridon Troy Road
Burton, OH 44021
ph: 440-834-1122
fax: 440-834-0316
gswcd
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.
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
Beneficial Bats*
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
2019 Summer Stream Quality Monitoring Program!
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.
2019 MYC Summer Schedule T.B.A
Programs are held on the following Thursdays at 10:00 am:
– Whitesburg Park , Chagrin Falls, 498 High St, Chagrin Falls, 44022
– Mitchells Mill, Chardon Twp, Across street from 9311 Wisner Rd, Chardon 44024
– Swine Creek Reservation, Middlefield Twp, Geauga Park District
– to be determined (Geauga Park District)
– Whitesburg Park, Chagrin Falls, 498 High St, Chagrin Falls, 44022
– Mitchells Mill, Chardon Twp, Across street from 9311 Wisner Rd, Chardon 44024
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 2019 Camp Canopy, held Sunday, June 9th - Friday, June 14th 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.
2019 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.
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 National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).
Geauga SWCD and the OFSWCD Auxiliary and NACD sponsored the 2020 Conservation Poster Contest. 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 recgonized 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.
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
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 regularly offers teacher workshops throughout the year. These workshops are designed to enable teachers to receive continuing education credits while teaching them on the use of various outdoor teaching curriculums that are available. Gail Prunty, Education/Communications Specialist, and Katie Nainiger, Conservation Education Coordinator, are certified to lead workshops for the following environmental educational curriculums: Project WILD and Aquatic WILD, Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife, Growing up WILD, 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.
Workshops Featured in Farm and Dairy
The Wonders of Soil & Wonders of Watersheds
The Geauga and Portage SWCDs partner to host three-day educator workshops. Times and locations vary each day, but we typically meet from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in various location throughout Geauga and Portage Counties. This workshop is offered every other year.
During the very busy week, participants receive training and guides for the following curriculums: Project Learning Tree, the Wonders of Wetlands, and Soil Health For Watershed Function. Along with great resources and information, participants have the opportunity to go on many interesting field trips throughout Geauga and Portage Counties and this year - Cleveland! A number of resource specialists from many agencies including ODNR Divisions of Wildlife and Forestry, local park districts, and nearby universities share knowledge and resources throughout this wonderful workshop. One to two graduate credits are offered through Ashland University. Stay tuned for more information!
Advanced Wonders of Watersheds (WOW)
The 2019 Advanced WOW workshop will be held Monday, June 24 - Wednesday, June 26 at Old Woman Creek Estuary in Huron, Ohio. Potential scholarships are available for this extraordinary opportunity! Limited to 10 teachers - register by May 31st.
2019 Advanced WOW Registration Form and Info
Thanks to Sunrise Springs and Great Lakes Cheese, the District offered 3 full scholarships to Geauga County Teaechers! Thab!
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 Wildlife 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. One to three graduate credits are offered through Ashland University.
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
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.
Fall 2019-2020
"Ag in the Classroom"
Grant opportunity now available!
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! New this year Geauga SWCD will be offering "Ag in the Classroom" grants up to $1,000. Please share and help spread the word!
Fall 2019-2020 Ag in the Classroom Grant Proposal
Fall 2019-2020 Ag in the Classroom Grant Information
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 Clinic
The Geauga and Portage SWCDs present a free Pond Clinic biannually. Topics covered at this two hour workshop generally include pond construction, fish stocking and management, vegetation identification, 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:
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PO Box 410
14269 Claridon Troy Road
Burton, OH 44021
ph: 440-834-1122
fax: 440-834-0316
gswcd