February 28, 2019

Don’t Dump! What to Do With Household Hazardous Waste

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With spring cleaning just around the corner, many residents will encounter leftover paint, chemicals, solvents, and automotive fluids that they may not know how to dispose of. These items should never be dumped down the storm drain or in the street because they go directly to our streams, rivers, lakes, and water supplies. There are safer ways to dispose of hazardous household chemicals and automotive fluids that do not threaten our water quality or public health.

In an effort to prevent household hazardous waste contamination, Clermont County and the Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District have worked hard to make the disposal of household hazardous waste more convenient for county residents. Disposing of old motor oil, brake or transmission fluid, and antifreeze can be tough. The good news is that residents can bring these used fluids, at no cost, to the Fleet Management garage, located on Filager Road just off SR 222 north of Batavia. These items are accepted Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Other hazardous household chemicals such as paints, thinners, and solvents can also be disposed of properly. Unused latex paint can be left open in the container until dry, then disposed of in general waste. There are also local outlets for other materials, such as tires, car batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, propane tanks and more. You can search for disposal or recycling locations at http://oeq.net/recycling/.

If no local outlets are available, the Solid Waste District will issue Clermont residents a voucher, which allows them to take the material to Environmental Enterprises on Spring Grove Avenue in Cincinnati and the District will pay the disposal fee. To obtain a voucher, or for more information on Solid Waste District programs, call (513) 732-7894 x3.

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February 28, 2019

Want to Get Serious About Single Use Plastic Waste?

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Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These items are things like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and most food packaging. Single-use plastic is almost entirely about convenience.  Thankfully, there are industries making great strides to reduce their plastic waste. Many airlines have begun recycling plastic cups and straws, and companies such as Nestle and Unilever pledge to make all plastic packaging either 100% recyclable or reusable by 2025. Kroger will be eliminating single use grocery bags as of 2025. Nevertheless, significant progress is yet to be made and much of the effort comes down to us changing our behavior as consumers.

Here’s what YOU can do:

  1. Stop buying water in single-use plastic bottles. Get a sink or jug-mounted filter at home. Buy a bottle that you can leave in your car. Or even buy a separate one for your car, purse, office and home.
  2. Use cloth or recyclable bags for your groceries. You can find these bags for sale at most retailers, or alot of organizations give them away as free promotional items.
  3. Don’t use plastic bags for vegetables you’re going to wash anyway. Earthwise & Purifyou have mesh produce bags available, or skip bagging all together.
  4. Bring your own coffee mug to your favorite coffee vendor.
  5. Own your own straw, or stop using one. Paper, metal, and glass alternatives exist.
  6. Stop using ziplock bags and use glass or Tupperware instead. Even plastic Tupperware is made of recyclable (and even recycled) material!
  7. Rinse out and recycle your plastic bottles. These can be recycled many times when properly disposed.
  8. Participate in litter / river cleanups…. Clermont County has a Spring Litter Cleanup on April 13, 2019. See our website for updates: https://www.clermontswcd.org/.
  9. Lobby your local and state government to make recycling a priority. You can go to https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislators/district-maps to find out who your state representatives are and how to contact them.

In total, more than 60 countries have enacted plastic bans and/or fees in order to cut down on plastic waste, and many more are likely to follow soon. Let each of us do our part to cut down on plastic waste.

 

Posted in: Uncategorized
January 7, 2019

Local Farmers Invited to Upcoming Workshop

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Pictured: Greg Nause hosting a cover crop field day.

Southwest Ohio Agricultural Conservation Menu

The Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Brown, Clermont, Clinton and Highland counties are working together and looking for farmer input to develop a new website, the Southwest Ohio Agricultural Conservation Menu (SOACM), to share information on conservation programs and technical services that are available locally to advance farming practices.  The SOACM website will be a one-stop clearinghouse for all conservation programs.  The site will also include information and regular updates on watershed health and local water quality monitoring efforts.  The intent of the SOACM website is to provide local farmers with the services and information they need to choose the right agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can advance their farming operations and provide protection for local rivers and lakes.  If you’re interested in participating in this project, please register here or call the Clermont SWCD: (513) 732-7075.

Register below to participate in 2019 Focus Group Meetings!

Posted in: Uncategorized
December 6, 2018

Hollaender Honored as SWCD Cooperator of the Year

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Ted Hollaender (left) receiving recognition from Clermont County Commissioner David Painter

Ted Hollaender was honored as Clermont SWCD’s Cooperator of the Year at its 75th anniversary annual meeting on September 13. Ted farms about 700 acres of corn and soybeans in northern Clermont County, and is constantly exploring different ways to improve his operations, especially for conservation. He has participated in the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program to make improvements on his land using management practices such as no till, nutrient management, conservation crop rotation, cover crops, and he has plans for pollinator plantings. Ted is also enrolled in the Conservation Stewardship Program, which serves to reward producers for being good stewards of the land, while making further improvements.

When applying fertilizer, he follows the 4-R strategy (Right source, Right rate, Right time, and Right place) of nutrient management, and includes the use of variable rate applications recommended in the Tri-State Fertility Guide.

Ted has also been willing to help the District with different projects, including researching the benefits of using the Haney soil test, and allowing us to collect soil samples to help better calibrate the East Fork Soil and Water Assessment Tool model.

Ted plants about 450 acres of cover crops each year – about 2/3 of his fields. He has experimented with several different types of cover crop mixes to build soil health and increase infiltration at a faster pace than would occur with a single species.

Posted in: 75th Anniversary, Annual Banquet, cooperators
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December 6, 2018

Clermont SWCD Thanks Our 2018 Cooperators

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Thanks to all our Cooperators for all the Conservation Best Management Practices installed in 2018

Roy Barger Jr                          Brush management (2)

Robert Bolce                            Brush management (2)

Boy Scouts of America          Brush management (3)

Chatham Farms                      Prescribed grazing

Cincinnati Nature Center     Conservation cover

Cornwell Farms                      Grassed Waterway

Emily Clark                              Pipeline (2), HUA, watering facility (2)

E Wiederhold Farms LLC     Cover crop, nutrient management

William Eckert                        Grassed Waterway

Charles Ernstes                       Tree/shrub establishment, brush management (2)

Robert Fee                               Nutrient management

Lousie Gartner                        Cover crop, IPM, high tunnel (2), nutrient management

Ted Hollender                         Nutrient management, cover crop, no-till

Mark Jones                              Weed control, conservation cover

League for Animal Welfare   Brush management

Lee J Farms                            Cover crop

Lori Lenhart                            High tunnel, Subsurface drain, roof runoff structure, underground outlet

James Liming                         Cover crop, nutrient management

Mark Liming                           Cover crop, nutrient management

James Metzger                       Brush management (3)

Jeremy Mount                        Brush management (5), Tree establishment, forest stand improvement

Jeremy Myers                         Nutrient management, cover crop, tillage management

Anthony Panetta                    Nutrient management

David & Joseph Pelosi          Grassed waterway

Tyler Peron                              Critical area planting, roof and cover, HUA

Martha Rose                            Nutrient management

Richard Rosselot                    Cover crop, nutrient management

Donald Smith                          Brush management (2)

Charles Stahl                           Cover crop

James Stahl                             Nutrient management

John Stahl                               Cover crop

Jason Tolliver                         Forest stand improvement, brush management, tree/ shrub site prep

Varick Family Trust               Brush management (4)

Laura Weber                           Tree/shrub establishment, brush management (2), weed control

Daniel Weber                          Tree/shrub establishment, tree/shrub site prep.

David Werring                        Nutrient management, cover crop

Tim Werring                            Nutrient management

Tony Werring                          Nutrient management

Wolfer Farms                          Cover crop

Posted in: cooperators
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December 6, 2018

Ohio River Sweep Coordinator Needed

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We need help keeping the Ohio River clean! Clermont County is seeking a coordinator for the Ohio River Sweep held each year on the 3rd Saturday in June. The Sweep Coordinator would be responsible for promoting the event, registration and delivering cleanup supplies from ORSANCO to the site coordinators in New Richmond, Moscow, Neville and Chilo.  The coordinator usually dedicates about 40 hours total to organize the event. This is a paid position through Valley View Foundation, which will provide support to the coordinator. If you are interested, contact Vanessa Hannah at vhannah@valleyviewcampus.org, or at (513) 218-1098.

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December 6, 2018

Thanks to our 2018 Sponsors and Partners!

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Clermont SWCD would like to express our appreciation of the following individuals, businesses and organizations for their support through donations to the 75th Anniversary Celebration and other district events:

GOLD SPONSORS: Park National Bank, Farm Credit Mid-America

SILVER SPONSORS: Five Points, Lykins Energy Solutions, S&ME, Inc., Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber

BRONZE SPONSORS: US Fabrics, Auxier Gas, IBI Group, Inc., McGill Smith Punshon, Abercrombie & Associates, Clermont County Farm Bureau, Strand Associates, Inc., Bethel Feed & Supply, Duke Energy

Special Thanks to: Shaw Farms, JD Equipment, Clermont YMCA, Carneys Feed Mill, Pilot Todd Winemiller, Old Firehouse Brewery, Grant’s  Farm & Greenhouse, Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Clermont County Visitor’s Bureau, Jones Fish & Lake Management, Southern Ohio Association of Realtors and Clermont SWCD’s Amazing Supervisors!

Posted in: Uncategorized
December 6, 2018

A Diamond of a Celebration for our 75th Anniversary

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Over 200 friends of conservation turned out at Shaw Farms on September 13th for the 75th Annual Meeting of the Clermont Soil & Water Conservation District. Prior to the official meeting, the district hosted an open house, where visitors could view photos and documents from years past, check out our new “augmented reality” sandbox, see antique tractors and take part in different Shaw Farm activities. Attendees also had a chance to visit with the Park District naturalist or the Newport Aquarium, which brought a sturgeon in a mobile fish tank funded by the Regional Storm Water Collaborative. The meeting got underway with the election of two board supervisors and a tasty meal by Taste of the Good Life Catering.

Several conservation partners were recognized for their 2017-2018 achievements in the conservation field. Ted Hollaender of Wayne Township was honored as the District’s Conservation Cooperator of the Year. Christa Burbage, 3rd grade teacher at Seipelt Elementary in Milford, was awarded the District’s Outstanding Conservation Teacher of the Year award.

Christa Burbage receives recognition from County Commissioner David Painter (right) and Rep. John Becker (center).

Christa has taught in the Milford School District for 14 years, and has been committed to bringing agriculture into the classroom. She grew up surrounded by agriculture, with her family raising cattle as well as market hogs which were sold to 4-H’ers in Clermont County. For the past 14 years, Christa has organized an “Ag” day at Seipelt, where FFA members bring livestock for her students to see, touch and learn about first hand, and teach students about crop production, cuts of meat and how farming has changed over time.

Christa is passionate about providing her students with as many “real world” opportunities as possible. She coordinates with the Cincinnati Area Coral Reef Enthusiasts so her students can learn about ecosystems in a hands on manner. In her classroom, she plans a week of science stations for each unit so that the students get an opportunity to work together on experiments and group projects. She and her students have also built a butterfly garden to provide habitat for monarchs.

The Clermont County Commissioners and the Ohio Congress and Governor’s office presented the award recipients with proclamations recognizing their accomplishments and dedication to promoting good land stewardship.

The district would like to extend a special thank-you to all individuals and businesses who donated funds or door prizes to help make the 2018 conservation banquet a great success.

Posted in: 75th Anniversary, Annual Banquet
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October 12, 2018

Shaw Farms Named Bicentennial Family Farm

On October 11, David Daniels, the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, visited Clermont County to recognize Shaw Farms in Miami Township as an “Ohio Bicentennial Family Farm.”

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Jean Shaw receives proclamation from ODA Director Daniels

On October 11, David Daniels, the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, visited Clermont County to recognize Shaw Farms in Miami Township as an “Ohio Bicentennial Family Farm.” This extraordinary designation identifies Shaw Farms as being owned and operated by the same family for over 200 years.

Founder Thomas Shaw moved to Clermont County from Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1807 when he purchased 68 acres in Miami Township. The following year, Shaw purchased an additional 63 acres from none other than General William Lytle, who some recognize as the “Father of Clermont County.” Thomas’ son, James Shaw, purchased the current property in 1834. His son, William, helped run the farm until he was captured during the Civil War and died at the notorious Andersonville prison camp.

Today, Shaw Farms is run by members of the family who are six to eight generations removed from the founder, and is led by matriarch Jean Shaw, who at age 87 still works full days at the farm. The future of the farm is in good hands, with ninth and tenth generation children living and playing on the farm. Shaw Farms is perhaps best well known for the produce they sell and their annual Fall Festival, which includes a corn maze, an interactive playground, hayrides and more. This year’s festival runs from September 15 through October.

In addition to Director Daniels, certificates of achievement were present to Shaw Farms by Senator Joe Uecker on behalf of the Ohio Senate, Representatives John Becker and Doug Green on behalf of the Ohio House of representatives, and Commissioner David Painter on behalf of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners.

Shaw Farms, located at 1737 SR 131, Milford, is holding its annual Fall Festival through October. The features a huge corn maze with a kid-friendly treasure hunt, two interactive playgrounds, horse and tractor drawn hayrides, pumpkins and fresh produce. Hours are from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. For more information on Shaw Farms, visit their web site at www.shawfarms.com.

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June 4, 2018

Clermont SWCD Awarded Grant Funding

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Clermont SWCD is proud to report that we are the recipient of a watershed management grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The grant will provide nearly $40,000 in the coming year to help with projects in the East Fork Little Miami River watershed, and may be renewed for two more years.

The district will consider various projects to address water quality of urban storm water runoff and hazardous alga blooms (HAB’s) that have affected Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park the last few years. A portion of the funding will be dedicated to Brown, Clinton and Highland SWCDs for activities in their portions of the watershed. Check our web site or follow us on Facebook to follow our progress.

Posted in: East Fork Little Miami River, watershed management
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