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Youth Opportunities
Geauga Stream Team
Formerly the Millennium Youth Conservationists (MYC)
General 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, Geauga Stream Team 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 Stream Team 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 Stream Team 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 Stream Team 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 underlying sediment. The relative number of pollution intolerant and pollution tolerant species gives a quantifiable picture of the quality of that segment of creek or river 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 Scenic Rivers program within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources so they can 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 Stream Team 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 Stream Team 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 underlying sediment. The relative number of pollution intolerant and pollution tolerant species gives a quantifiable picture of the quality of that segment of creek or river 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 Scenic Rivers program within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources so they can 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 2026, as the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) celebrates the 71st Annual Stewardship Week from April 25 to May 6, 2026, the theme “Soil. Where it all Begins,” celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
Conservation districts across the country work every day to protect this vital resource. Through education, technical support, and local partnerships, they help landowners and communities keep soil healthy, productive, and resilient. Districts also provide free educational resources to schools, families, and community groups to inspire the next generation of soil stewards and help people of all ages connect with conservation in meaningful ways. Whether it is helping farmers manage erosion or supporting school gardens in town, conservation districts lead the way in caring for the land.
When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.
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. 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 2026. 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. Each student is encourage to express this theme in their poster. For more information email Katie Nainiger, or call 440-834-1122 ext. 1765. 2026 Conservation Poster Contest Flyer and Form
Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
Conservation districts across the country work every day to protect this vital resource. Through education, technical support, and local partnerships, they help landowners and communities keep soil healthy, productive, and resilient. Districts also provide free educational resources to schools, families, and community groups to inspire the next generation of soil stewards and help people of all ages connect with conservation in meaningful ways. Whether it is helping farmers manage erosion or supporting school gardens in town, conservation districts lead the way in caring for the land.
When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.
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. 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 2026. 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. Each student is encourage to express this theme in their poster. For more information email Katie Nainiger, or call 440-834-1122 ext. 1765. 2026 Conservation Poster Contest Flyer and Form
Past Poster Contest Winners
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