Hello, my name is Matthew Sperry, and I am the new Urban Specialist for Clermont Soil & Water. I grew up in Indiana and moved to Fairfield, Ohio in 2013. I graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Applied Biology in Environmental Science and completed a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. At Miami University, I worked extensively in two different labs. In one lab, I studied sediments and soil pattern formations in Nevada. In the other lab, I studied spider ecology, and published a paper studying wolf spider thermal biology. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside doing activities such kayaking. I am also a big fan of metal music, and you might find me at any local metal concert. I look forward to working with Clermont County communities and being a part of Clermont Soil & Water.
Tuesday, August 26, 9:00am – 3:00pm
4445 Oxford-Middletown Rd, Trenton, OH
Join Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont County Conservation Districts for a day of learning at the beautiful Cox Farm in Butler County.
Keynote speaker, Kent Sonnenberg, will share his regenerative farming experience on 1700 acres of row crops and running Sun Mountain Dairy in Henry County, OH.
Hear from a panel of local producers on increasing their ROI through conservation practices, from a soil health specialist on potential glyphosate alternatives, and from Jack Irvin, Vice President Public Policy, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation on state and national policy impacts.
The day includes lunch and a visit from the FLUB’S Ice Cream Truck, sponsored by County Farm Bureaus.
On August 20th, we hosted a pasture walk at Grassy Acres Horse Retreat, owned by Elaine Miller. The event focused on plant/root physiology, mud management, conservation practices, grazing sticks, forage calculations, weed identification, and poisonous plants.
Previously, Soil and Water has assisted Grassy Acres Horse Retreat with various conservation programs. In 2013, Elaine Miller received the Clermont Soil and Water Cooperator of the Year award for her dedication to conservation efforts on her property. Over the years, she has implemented numerous projects through the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), with four contracts funded in 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2013. These projects included installing a manure storage facility, dry hydrants, an access road, a heavy use area, and waterers.
OSU Extension played a crucial role in organizing the event. Gigi Neal, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Clermont County OSU Extension, led a session on soil testing pastures. Christine Gelley, an Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator at Noble County OSU Extension, presented on plant and root physiology and forage calculation, including using grazing sticks. Sara Masteller, an Associate Professor from OSU ATI in Equine programs, conducted a session on forage and poisonous plant identification.
Interested in other horse related programs? Go to https://forages.osu.edu/events to see upcoming events hosed by OSU extension!
Contacts:
Resources:
Equine pasture, nutrition, and parasite resources:
About Ohio State ATI:
The Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District will be hosting a scrap tire collection event on 9/12 and 9/13 at the Clermont County Fairgrounds. Hours will be 8AM–2. Traffic can enter from SR 132 and follow the signs to the drop-off location. This years event is funded by the Ohio EPA and the Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this service to rid their property of accumulated tires which are not only unsightly, but can pose an environmental and potential health risk.
The following disposal fees will be collected (cash or check only) from residents at the time of unloading:
$1.00 for each car/SUV/light truck/trailer/ATV tire
$10.00 for each commercial-type vehicle tire (semi tractor-trailers, dump trucks, etc.)
$20.00 for each tractor tire (must be cut in half if larger than 60″ outside diameter)
No additional fees will be imposed for tires that are mounted on rims, but residents should separate on-rim tires and off-rim tires in advance for ease of disposal at the drop-off site. Residents may be responsible for unloading any tires they bring to the location.
Tires can only be accepted if they are originating from Clermont County household, meaning tires accumulated by private companies during the course of their business are not allowed. A maximum of 10 tires per resident will be accepted unless prior arrangements are made.
For additional information, email DSNYDER@ClermontCountyOhio.gov or call (513)732-7744.
This fall, Clermont Soil & Water is partnering with the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments and Taking Root to distribute free trees to landowners in certain areas of Bethel and Tate Township. The distribution is made possible by funding received through an Urban Forestry grant provided by the Ohio Division of Forestry. Registration will open in the near future.
Once registration is open, residents can check if they are eligible by going to OKI’s Tree for Me site and clicking “Active Distributions”.
Species distributed will be non-ALB host species including oaks, beech, basswood, and more. Pickup is on 9/19 from 10AM-6PM, and 9/20 from 9AM-12PM, at the Village of Bethel maintenance garage. Those receiving trees will be required to sign a non-binding maintenance pledge.
For more information, contact (513) 732-7075 ext. 4, or email jhahn@clermontcountyohio.gov.
Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with native plants that collect and absorb stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (where water cannot infiltrate) like roofs and driveways. Instead of sending polluted water straight into storm drains, rain gardens slow the flow, filter out contaminants, and allow the water to soak into the ground. This reduces erosion, improves water quality, and helps protect local streams (and your backyard!).
If you’ve struggled with water pooling in your yard or are just looking to add some natural beauty, a rain garden might be the solution. Clermont Soil & Water is offering a Master Rain Gardener course this fall that walks you through everything you need to know to plan, design, and build your own. Upon completion, you will be an official Master Rain Gardener and receive a shirt for you and a sign for your garden!
For more information, visit www.cincyraingardener.org
