Ag Day 2025
On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District was invited to participate in Ag Day at Bright Elementary by the Mowrystown FFA. John Etienne, assisted by Josie Crabtree set up the Soils Tunnel and guided over 150 4th through 6th graders on a scavenger hunt promoting conservation.
Little State STEAM
On Thursday, May 8, 2025 the Highland Soil & Water Conservation District had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Little State STEAM event at the Brown County Fairgrounds. Chuck and Nathan were able to promote careers in the AG industry with over 1700 youth in attendance. They informed the students about surveying.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025 the Highland Soil & Water Conservation District had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Little State STEAM event at the Brown County Fairgrounds. Chuck and Nathan were able to promote careers in the AG industry with over 1700 youth in attendance. They informed the students about surveying.
Local Envirothon Students Honored
The Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts held their annual State Envirothon June 3-5 at Hocking College and Lake Snowden. The top four scoring teams from each of the five area Envirothons were eligible to participate in the State Envirothon. This year the Lynchburg-Clay Gold team received 1st place in forestry and oral presentation. They also tied for first in soils. Once the results were tallied, the Lynchburg-Clay Gold team won first overall in the state competition. SWCD recognized the outstanding Lynchburg-Clay Gold team who challenged their knowledge in this competition; (L to R): Kylie O'Connor, Abigail Shepherd, Abby Manning, Gage Thompson and Coach: Lara Hamilton
The Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts held their annual State Envirothon June 3-5 at Hocking College and Lake Snowden. The top four scoring teams from each of the five area Envirothons were eligible to participate in the State Envirothon. This year the Lynchburg-Clay Gold team received 1st place in forestry and oral presentation. They also tied for first in soils. Once the results were tallied, the Lynchburg-Clay Gold team won first overall in the state competition. SWCD recognized the outstanding Lynchburg-Clay Gold team who challenged their knowledge in this competition; (L to R): Kylie O'Connor, Abigail Shepherd, Abby Manning, Gage Thompson and Coach: Lara Hamilton
2024 County Soils Winners
Every year the Highland SWCD holds a soil judging competition for the five-county school FFA Chapters. The competition allows the students to evaluate soil pits to determine soil properties, limitations, recommended conservation practices, and appropriate land uses for either an urban or rural setting. Students also had to complete two written test. One consisted of questions on a packet given to them from the Web Soil Survey and the other tests general knowledge of soils. In the Ag soil judging contest, students evaluate the soil based on its suitability for agriculture, forestry, pasture and wildlife uses. In the urban soil judging contest, students determine the soil’s ability to be used for roads, lawns, gardens and landscaping, home building sites and septic systems. This year the competition was held September 26 at the Tom Cook Farm. Ollie Sponcil graciously volunteered his time and equipment to dig the soil pits for the competition. The County winners received a plaque that was donated by Farm Credit Mid-America. Pictured is SWCD Board Member Dan Chambers, Braylon Murray as the top individual in the Urban category, Katie Cook as the top individual in the Ag category.
Every year the Highland SWCD holds a soil judging competition for the five-county school FFA Chapters. The competition allows the students to evaluate soil pits to determine soil properties, limitations, recommended conservation practices, and appropriate land uses for either an urban or rural setting. Students also had to complete two written test. One consisted of questions on a packet given to them from the Web Soil Survey and the other tests general knowledge of soils. In the Ag soil judging contest, students evaluate the soil based on its suitability for agriculture, forestry, pasture and wildlife uses. In the urban soil judging contest, students determine the soil’s ability to be used for roads, lawns, gardens and landscaping, home building sites and septic systems. This year the competition was held September 26 at the Tom Cook Farm. Ollie Sponcil graciously volunteered his time and equipment to dig the soil pits for the competition. The County winners received a plaque that was donated by Farm Credit Mid-America. Pictured is SWCD Board Member Dan Chambers, Braylon Murray as the top individual in the Urban category, Katie Cook as the top individual in the Ag category.