Jim Linne of White Clover Farm took home top honors at this years’ Annual Meeting by being named the 2016 Cooperator of the year by the Highland SWCD supervisors and staff. Linne was selected due to his devotion to agricultural and the determination to improve soil health and water quality throughout his operation. Linne has installed and utilized various conservation practices over the years. He are a well-respected leader in the agricultural industry and provides an outstanding example of how to incorporate conservation practices that will protect the natural resources of Highland County.
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2017 Tri-County R.O.W. Announced!
The Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Brown, Adams and Highland counties are excited to present the third year of “Tri-County R.O.W.” - Real Outdoor Women. This is a series of evening events that will take place the third Thursday of June, July and September. Each program will introduce participants to a new outdoor pursuit. Our topics for the 2017 series are as follows: The Importance of Pollinators – July 20, Introduction to Handguns - August 17, Cookfires and Canning – September 21. Danielle Thompson with the Brown County SWCD is coordinating registration for the series. “We encourage women to try a new skill, spend an evening with ladies who have similar interests and learn from experts in the field. This is a great opportunity for ladies of all ages who have an interest in outdoor pursuits but may not know where to start.” Pre-registration is required and a fee of $15.00 for each evening provides participants with a light meal and materials used during the event. For more information or to receive a brochure, call the Brown County SWCD office at 937-378-4424, ext. 3078. Many partners are working together to make the R.O.W. program a reality. Thanks to the ODNR – Division of Wildlife and Pheasants/Quail Forever for their support. We also appreciate ODNR – Division of Parks, ODNR – Division of Forestry and Chatfield College for assisting with the facility requirements. 
75 Trees to Celebrate SWCD’s 75th Anniversary
To honor their 75th Anniversary the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) donated 75 red maple tree seedlings to the Rocky Fork State Park. The Highland County Boy Scout troops joined in the efforts to plant the trees as their Community Service Project on April 12, 2017. The Highland SWCD was the first District formed in the state 75 years ago to promote the wise use of our natural resources. Planting trees is one of the most sustainable ways to positively affect the environment. By participating in this event the District continues to follow the same mission statement it has since 1942. Clear Creek RCPP USDA Funding Awarded
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. Lead Partner, Highland Soil and Water Conservation District was recently awarded funding for The Clear Creek RCPP Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat Initiative with the help of various partners including Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife, City of Hillsboro, US Fish and Wildlife, and National Wild Turkey Federation. This innovative project will implement a series of agricultural best management practices to protect water quality, improve soil health and provide habitat for at risk species in the Clear Creek Watershed. It will also help protect the City of Hillsboro’s drinking water supply and provide prescribed habitat for Ohio’s diminished Bobwhite Quail population and native pollinators. Project goals for conservation practices include the installation of cover crops, nutrient management, grassed waterways, and certain prescribed wildlife management practices that improve habitat for targeted species. The project will utilize the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and partner funds to meet the project goals. Implementation of BMPs will be prioritized upstream of the City of Hillsboro’s drinking water intake and within the wildlife focus area for Bobwhite Quail. If you are in the Clear Creek Watershed and would like more information on the program you may contact the NRCS/SWCD office at 937-393-1922. |
SWCD Celebrates Anniversary!
A celebration was hosted on April 18 by the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Highland County Historical Society to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Highland SWCD and the 60th Anniversary of the World Plowing Match. Former Division of Soil and Water Conservation Chief, Larry Vance was the featured speaker to highlight the 75th Anniversary of the District. He spoke about the District being the first formed in the state on April 18, 1942 and read the testimonials from locals as to why there was a need for the District. All past Highland Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors were honored for their service during the event. The SWCD was privileged to receive proclamations in recognition of their 75th Anniversary from the Highland County Commissioners, Speaker Clifford A. Rosenberger of the Ohio House of Representatives, Congressman Brad Wenstrup and Ohio Governor John Kasich. John Wickerham was the featured speaker to highlight the 60th Anniversary of the World Plowing Competition. He shared memories of the match held in Adams County in 1957, where Highland County resident Duane Mootz was named the Contour Plowman Champion. Historical memorabilia was displayed by the Highland SWCD, the Highland and Adams Historical Society, Southwestern Ohio Farm Toy Collector Club, the Highland County Antique Machinery Club, the Highland County Recycling and Litter Prevention and the Highland County Farm Bureau to focus on conservation awareness and the heritage of agriculture. 
2017 FARM TOUR DATE ANNOUNCED
The Highland Soil and Water Conservation District and the Highland County Farm Bureau are excited to announce that plans for the 4th Annual Highland County Farm Tour are underway! Please mark your calendars for the tentative date of September 16, 2017 for this year’s Tour! This collorabitive event will feature unique farms in the Greenfield area that are incorporating conservation practice in their operation to enhance water quality and reduce soil erosion. This event will showcase farms in the community and allow people the opportunity to learn first-hand by visiting their facilities. Once the event is finalized we will post a detailed list of the farm stops on our websites. Visit www.highlandswcd.com or www.ofbf.org/counties/highland periodically for more details. If you would like to be added to the Farm Tour mailing list to receive notification of the event, please call the SWCD office at 937-393-1922 x 3. |
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 937-393-1922 Ext: 3 Located at: 514 Harry Sauner Road Ste. 2 Hillsboro, OH 45133 Due to limited Staff please call ahead to make an appointment |
MISSION STATEMENT
The Highland Soil and Water Conservation District will protect our natural resources while meeting the needs of the citizens of Highland County and will promote the wise use of natural resources through the use of technical and educational assistance with available funds. |
All Highland Soil and Water Conservation District programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.
