Our Rich Land

Wetlands at Work: The Fowler Woods Project

In our first episode featuring three expert guests, we explore the importance of wetlands, the challenges they face and how restoration and mitigation efforts are making a difference. We also dive into the Fowler Woods wetland project here in Richland County.
Thank you to our special guests:
Jim Palus – Restoration Ecologist at The Nature Conservancy
Mark Dilley – Chief Scientist at MAD Scientist Associates, LLC
Jenny Adkins – Director of Business Development & Marketing at MAD Scientist Associates, LLC
Wondering about wetlands?
Common Wetland Plants of Ohio - https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Pub5530_WetlandPlantsWEB_R1221.pdf
Wetland Soils, Hydrology, and Geomorphology https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/pubs/jrnl/2014/nrs_2014_jackson_001.pdf
Classification and Types of Wetlands https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/classification-and-types-wetlands#undefined
AmphIBI Field Manual https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/epa.ohio.gov/Portals/35/wetlands/AmphIBI_Field_Manual.pdf
Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Manual https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/wetlands_9invertebrate.pdf
Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM) https://mwbinst.com/courses/ohio-rapid-assessment-method
Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/fowler-woods-state-nature-preserve
TNC Request for Proposals Fowler Woods https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/tnc-rfp_fowler-woods_design-build_final.pdf
Sackett v. EPA https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-454_4g15.pdf
Connect with us
Richland SWCD https://richlandswcd.net/about-us/contact-us/ or call 419-774-8986
Kingwood Center Gardens https://kingwoodcenter.org/
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/ohio/
MAD Scientist Associates LLC https://madscientistassociates.net/
Musical Talent
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme), and "A Brand New Start", "Confident Kurt", "Walk Through the Park", "A Night Alone", "Sunday", "Blue Ribbons", and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe.

Raptors of Ohio - Conservation in Action

Raptors of Ohio: Conservation in Action - with Louie Andres and Amanda Vanderford
Ohio skies are home to powerful predators, but on the ground, raptors face serious threats. In this episode of Our Rich Land, we talk with Amanda Vanderford Curator of Birds for the Ohio Bird Sanctuary and Louis Andres, former naturalist program specialist for MWCD and current Public Works Director for Mansfield, about efforts to protect Ohio’s vultures, kestrels, ospreys, and other birds of prey. Learn about the challenges these raptors face and how you can help support their future.
Bird Nerd Resources
Raptors of Ohio Field Guide https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Pub%205386%20Raptors%20of%20Ohio%20FIeld%20Guide.pdf
Owls of Ohio Field Guide https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Pub%205423%20-%20Common%20Owls%20of%20Ohio%20R0123_WEB.pdf
Valley Forge Audubon Society- Secondary Rodenticide Poisoning in Birds https://valleyforgeaudubon.org/2024/09/13/secondary-rodenticide-poisoning-in-birds/
While-Tailed Deer and the Balance of Nature https://glenhelen.org/land-stewardship-news/white-tailed-deer-and-the-balance-of-nature/
National Audubon Society – Black Vultures https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-vulture
National Audubon Society – Osprey https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/osprey
National Audubon Society – American Kestrel https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-kestrel
National Audubon Society – Bald Eagle https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/bald-eagle
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/hellbender
Contact Us
Richland SWCD https://richlandswcd.net/about-us/contact-us/ or call 419-774-8986
Kingwood Center Gardens https://kingwoodcenter.org/
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) https://www.mwcd.org/
Ohio Bird Sanctuary https://www.ohiobirdsanctuary.com/
 
Musical Talent
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme), and "A Brand New Start", "Confident Kurt", "Walk Through the Park", "A Night Alone", "Sunday", "Blue Ribbons", and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe.

From the Farm to the Statehouse: A Conversation with Director Baldridge

In this episode we sit down with the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Brian Baldridge, to discuss ODA’s mission, their diverse responsibilities and Director Baldridge’s journey into leadership. He also shares advice for Ohio farmers, reflects on his favorite farm memories and talks about the department’s role in supporting Ohio fairs.
Resources
Spongy Moth that Director Baldridge mentioned https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/spongy-moth
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) https://www.aphis.usda.gov/
H2Ohio Information and application https://richlandswcd.net/agriculture/h2ohio/
Come see Richland SWCD at the Richland County Fair! https://richlandcountyfair.com/
Check out the Wayne County Fair! https://waynecountyfairohio.com/
Contact Us
Richland SWCD https://richlandswcd.net/about-us/contact-us/ or call 419-774-8986
Kingwood Center Gardens https://kingwoodcenter.org/
Ohio Department of Agriculture https://agri.ohio.gov/home
Musical Talent
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme), and "A Brand New Start", "Confident Kurt", "Walk Through the Park", "A Night Alone", "Sunday", "Blue Ribbons", and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe.

Lettuce Feed the City - Walt Bonham, The Food Lab LLC

Wondering where your food comes from? Walt Bonham, founder of The Food Lab LLC and founding member of The Richland County Grow Op, has answers! In this episode, we dig into urban gardening, food security, perennial crop systems and how community driven efforts are transforming access to fresh food.
Garden Nerd Resources
The Food Lab LLC http://eatthefoodlab.com/
Richland County Grow Op https://richlandgro-op.com/
North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) https://www.necic-ohio.org/about-us
Richland County Food Producers https://richlandswcd.net/agriculture/richland-county-food-producer-list/
Biotechnology in Agriculture (Gene splicing) https://portal.ct.gov/caes/plant-science-day/1999/biotechnology-in-agriculture
Ecosystem Services https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/ecosystem-services#:~:text=Ecosystem%20services%20are%20the%20direct,support%20and%20sustain%20human%20livelihoods.
Food Deserts https://foodispower.org/access-health/food-deserts/
RSWCD Urban Gardening Newsletter Articles: Sub Irrigated Planters (SIP) and Urban Composting 
 
Contact us
Richland SWCD https://richlandswcd.net/about-us/contact-us/ or call 419-774-8986
Kingwood Center Gardens https://kingwoodcenter.org/
Musical talent
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme), and "A Brand New Start", "Confident Kurt", "Walk Through the Park", "A Night Alone", "Sunday", "Blue Ribbons", and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe.
 

Giving Pollinators the Right-of-Way, Part 2 - Marne Titchenell, OSU Extension

The anticipation is over - pollinators part 2 is here! In this episode we continue our conversation with Marne Titchenell, Program Director for Wildlife at OSU Extension. Join us as we explore the ingredients of pollinator habitat, learn about pollinator species many aren’t aware of and more!
Episode Resources
Number of bee species: USGS and Ohio Bee Guide
Need to read it to believe it? "Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role and Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants" by Heather Holms
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation
"The Living Landscape" by Rick Darke and Doug Tallemy
Ohio Trees for Bees Fact Sheet
Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/
For further information
 Plant Phenology Network: https://www.usanpn.org/
Monarch Watch: https://www.monarchwatch.org/
OSU Bee Lab: https://u.osu.edu/beelab/
Attracting Pollinators Fact Sheet: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-47
“The Bees in Your Backyard” by Joseph S. Wilson and Olivia Messinger Carril
Michigan State University: Bees and Pollinators
Contact Us!
Marne Titchenell https://senr.osu.edu/our-people/marne-titchenell
Richland SWCD - Call 419-747-8686/ https://richlandswcd.net/
Kingwood Center Gardens https://kingwoodcenter.org/
Music
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks:
“Run One Down” by Dan Lebowitz
“Squirm Worm”, “Jane Street”, and “Easy Stroll” by Track Tribe
Thank you!

Celebrating the Past; Looking to the Future - Richland SWCD's 75th Anniversary

In this episode, we recap Richland SWCD's big year of 2023 - our 75th anniversary! To mark the occasion, you will hear from District employees, supervisors, and partners past and present. It was also a big year for other reasons. Listen to find out more!
NERD SECTION!!! (We love conservation nerds)
1) Visit the page on our website for more on Richland SWCD history: https://richlandswcd.net/about-us/mission-vision-and-history/
2) Take a look at our archive of historical district photos: https://richlandswcd.net/about-us/reminisce/
3) The watershed map that Matt Christian mentioned: https://richlandswcd.net/stormwater-drainage/watersheds-of-richland-county/
4) More on the USDA-NRCS programs that Jason Ruhl mentioned: https://richlandswcd.net/agriculture/usda-nrcs-programs/
Contact Us!
2) Richland SWCD: https://richlandswcd.net/, call 419-747-8686
3) Kingwood Center Gardens: https://kingwoodcenter.org/
Music
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme), and "A Brand New Start", "Confident Kurt", "Walk Through the Park", "A Night Alone", "Sunday", "Blue Ribbons", and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe. 
 

Giving Pollinators the Right-of-Way, Part 1 - Marne Titchenell, OSU Extension

We're back! And we have quite the show for you. In this episode, we are honored to be in the presence of Marne Titchenell, Program Director for Wildlife at OSU Extension. She chairs the Pollinator Right-of-Way committee which was instrumental in creating pollinator habitat on OSU Mansfield's campus. What's that? You'll find out! Plus, what are pollinators, what do we rely on them for, and how can we save them from going the way of the dodo? All this and more as Our Rich Land continues to bring you stories and insight on conservation in our small corner of Ohio. 
NERD SECTION!!! (We love conservation nerds)
1) Read more on the pollinator plots at OSU Mansfield: https://u.osu.edu/monarchplot/
2) Discover the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative: https://www.ohiopollinator.org/
3) Pollinator Partnership: https://www.pollinator.org/
4) The Xerxes Society for Invertebrate Conservation: https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/about-pollinators
Contact Us!
1) Marne Titchenell: https://senr.osu.edu/our-people/marne-titchenell
2) Richland SWCD: https://richlandswcd.net/, call 419-747-8686
3) Kingwood Center Gardens: https://kingwoodcenter.org/
Music
Permission was generously granted for the use of the following tracks: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz, and "Squirm Worm", "Jane Street", and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe. 

Reimagining Natural Problems to be Natural Solutions, Naturally!

Have you ever noticed that you flush your toilet with the same water that come out of your tap? Have you ever wondered why you pay someone to take away yard waste and then pay for fertilizer? Have you ever wanted to not water your yard so much? Then this episode is especially for you. "The problem is the solution" is a simple conceptual phrase coined by Bill Mollison, the Australian co-creator of the modern Permaculture movement. Often if we take the time to think about it our natural resource problems can often be solutions, either to the problem itself or to another problem that we have. Still confused? Hopefully we explain it a little better in the episode! We also discuss why this concept is important and relevant for natural resource conservation. 
 
 LINKS!!!
1) Special thanks to News 5 Cleveland for allowing us to use a an audio clip from their broadcast of the June 2022 tornado in Richland County! The broadcast was posted to their website here: Richland County Tornado - News 5 Cleveland
2) Bill Mollison's first book was written with David Holmgren, and was entitled: Permaculture One: A Perennial Agriculture for Human Settlements. He also wrote a handful of other informational books on permaculture. 
3) To learn more about permaculture online, you can explore permaculture's key principles here, and read some common definitions and concepts relating to permaculture here, and read the article the article that Josh quotes from here.
4) Visit our websites! Richland SWCD's Residential Programs & Kingwood Center Gardens
 
MUSIC
Permission was generously given to use the following tracks! "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz, and "A Brand New Start" and "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe

It’s All Downhill From Here (Literally) – Watershed Stewardship & You

Actually, it really does all go downhill from Richland County...water, that is. Why? Well, listen in to Josh and Evan as they explore the concept of a watershed and what's unique about Richland County's water drainage (hint: there is a continental divide involved!). They also discuss basic water conservation principles for any site (including your home), and why that's important to watershed health. Additionally, Evan talks to Dan Herrold again (an SWCD technician) about some of the success stories he has seen for rain garden and rain barrel installations. With a few more fun and informative segments weaved in, this episode seeks to help you understand the principles and importance of watersheds and their stewardship.
 
LINKS
1) USGS Huc Map: https://water.usgs.gov/wsc/map_index.html
2) What the Heck is a HUC?: https://www.tfma.org/blogpost/1861890/348671/What-the-Heck-is-a-HUC
3) RSWCD interactive maps
- Watersheds of Richland County: https://richlandswcd.net/stormwater-drainage/watersheds-of-richland-county/
- Water Data Map: https://richlandswcd.net/stormwater-drainage/water-data-map/
- Continental Divide Tour: https://richlandswcd.net/stormwater-drainage/stormwater/continental-divide-tour/
4) RSWCD Rainbarrel/Raingarden Pages: https://richlandswcd.net/residential/programs/#rain-gardens
5) USGS Science In Your Watershed Tool: https://water.usgs.gov/wsc/
6) USEPA How’s My Waterway: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/hows-my-waterway
 
Richland SWCD’s (NEW) website!: https://richlandswcd.net/
RSWCD's Phone #: 419-747-8686
Kingwood’s Website: https://kingwoodcenter.org/
 
MUSIC
We have been generously granted permission to use the music in this podcast by the artists who made it. Songs used are: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme music), "Smokey's Lounge" & "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe.
 
Thanks for listening!

A ”Gateway” to the World of Stormwater Management - Mark Rufener, Mark Hoover & Dan Herrold

We have three special guests this time and a jam packed episode all about stormwater management! We talk extensively with Mark Rufener (PE, CPESC, CPSWQ) from K.E. McCartney & Associates (a local engineering firm) regarding "The Gateway Project", Kingwood Center Garden's capital plan to create a new garden entrance and visitor experience, completed in the last few years. As part of this plan, Kingwood integrated several stormwater BMPs (Best Management Practices) into the new visitor center and parking lot. Mark Rufener is a professional in stormwater infrastructure engineering and management and played a large part in the design of these BMPs. He also worked closely with another Mark (Hoover) who is Kingwood's lead horticulturalist (translating as "plant wizard"). Mark Hoover was in charge of selecting the plant material to be used in some of the BMPs, because as you'll discover, plants play a critical role in stormwater management. Additionally, Evan caught up with Dan Herrold who is another technician at Richland SWCD. Dan heads up the MS4 program there, which ties into what we talk about in the rest of the episode. So, sit back and enjoy!
 
LINKS!!!
Kingwood's Interactive Map: https://kingwoodcenter.org/kiosk/garden-gateway/
North East Ohio Rain Garden Manual: www.geaugaswcd.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/2013_RainGardenManual_GeaugaSWCD.2762917.pdf
North East Ohio Master/Professional Rain Gardener Certification: https://neomasterraingardener.org/
Richland SWCD's Stormwater resources
- General: https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/stormwater
- Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels: https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/rain-gardens
- Do I need a Stormwater Permit? https://richlandswcd.net/services/do-i-need-a-permit
- Interactive Richland Co Watershed Map: https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/watersheds-of-richland-county
- Water Quality Data Map for Richland Co: https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/water-data-map
More on Best Management Practices:
- https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/stormwater/epa-best-practice
- https://sswcd.summitoh.net/sites/default/files/2019-01/Post%20Construction%20O%26M.pdf
 
OUR WEBSITES/PHONE NUMBERS
K.E. McCartney & Associates: https://kemccartney.com/
Richland Soil & Water Conservation District: 419-747-8686 | https://richlandswcd.net/
Kingwood Center Gardens: https://kingwoodcenter.org/
 
MUSIC
We have been generously granted permission to use the music in this podcast by the artists who made it. Songs used are: "Run One Down" by Dan Lebowitz (our theme music), "Busy City" & "Easy Stroll" by TrackTribe.