2021 Milkweed Pod Collection Results
Hancock SWCD would like to thank all the Hancock County residents that collected Milkweed Pods for the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative. We collected approximately 100 gallons of pods this year! These pods will be sent for processing and the seed will be used planting new habitat for Monarch Butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. If you would like more information on starting your own pollinator planting or the pod collection please visit the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative website or Hancock SWCD at 419-422-6569 ext. 105.
2022 Tree Sale
Our annual tree sale is now underway and orders will be until March 17, 2022. Please get you order in as soon as possible to ensure that we can fill you order. Download your order form here or pick one up at our office. If you have any questions please contact the Hancock Soil & Water office at 7868 County Rd 140 Findlay, Ohio or by phone at 419-422-6569.
Hancock Soil & Water Conservation District has announced the 2020 Outstanding Cooperator; Dave & Jan Reese
Dave Reese was a supervisor with Hancock SWCD from 2006-2020. Dave served as chairman of the board for a majority of those years. Dave and Jan, along with their family, have developed, Kaleidoscope Farms Christmas tree farm. The farm already has more than 25,000 trees growing as their main crop. The Cooperator of the Year award is based on the many conservation practices that Dave and Jan Reese have accomplished on their farm.
These practices include: a 7-acre riparian buffer protecting both banks of Ottawa Creek with a variety of hardwood trees that offer habitat for a diverse population of birds, pollinators, and wildlife while shading the stream and stabilizing the soil; two windbreaks accomplish most of the same things for the open farm ground. Ten acres of woodlands are managed for invasive species control and a paw-paw patch. Several acres of CRP ground and field border provide native plants for pollinators and wildlife and a clover cover crop around the Christmas trees does the same. The Reese’s practice Integrated Pest Management methods of disease and insect control to avoid the use of pesticides.
Dave & Jan have led Kaleidoscope Farms to be an Ohio Certified Tree Farm and member of The Ohio and National Christmas Tree Associations. Dave is past president and still serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association.
Please check out the H2Ohio page by clicking here to see more information about the H2Ohio Program.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Now Accepting New Applications for H2Ohio Program
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (Sept., 23, 2021) – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is currently accepting new enrollments for the H2Ohio Program.
Producers in the original 14-county targeted area of the Maumee River Watershed can sign up for the years 2022 and 2023. That area includes: Williams, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, Mercer, Fulton, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Auglaize, Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Hardin counties.
Farmers are required to submit a Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP) at the time of application. Enrollment is open until January 15, 2022, and no practices can be started prior to March 15, 2022.
Under Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio plan, ODA is leading efforts to reduce phosphorus runoff. Producers are being incentivized to implement proven, cost-effective best management practices.
Current Enrollees can now also add additional acres to the contract for years 2022 and 2023.
Please contact Sarah at Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.
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Manure Application Guidelines
UPDATE – The Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Soil and Water Conservation would like to remind producers and nutrient applicators of laws and restrictions on manure application. Click the following link to review the current information:
https://www.morningagclips.com/farmers-reminded-of-manure-application-bmps/
2021 Fall Newsletter
The Hancock SWCD Fall Newsletter is now available. Click here to download your copy!
Our Mission
To promote awareness and conservation of our natural resources through leadership, education, and services.
Our Vision
To be recognized as a leader in promoting responsible stewardship and conservation of our natural resources through partnerships to enhance the quality of life.