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Youth Opportunities
Millennium Youth Conservationists
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.
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.
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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). In 2025, as the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) celebrates the 70th Annual Stewardship Week from April 27 to May 4, 2025, the theme “Home is where the Habitat is” takes center stage in recognizing the importance of these habitats year-round, as we work together to ensure their health and resilience for future generations. Let’s continue our efforts to make a lasting impact on both natural and managed environments.
An award for first place and second place will be awarded in each category and winners will be recognized at the District Annual Meeting fall 2025.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.
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 2025 theme is "Home is where the Habitat is." Each student is encourage to express this theme in their poster.For more information email Katie Nainiger, or call 440-834-1122 ext. 1765. 2025 "Home is where the Habitat is" Flyer Habitat Worksheet
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 2025 theme is "Home is where the Habitat is." Each student is encourage to express this theme in their poster.For more information email Katie Nainiger, or call 440-834-1122 ext. 1765. 2025 "Home is where the Habitat is" Flyer Habitat Worksheet
Past Poster Contest Winners
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