February 24 , 2022 The Beacon • 17
Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District
Reflecting on 2021 “ Providing Leadership to Educate and Assist Landowners in the Wise Management of our Natural Resources ”
Our Beginnings
The Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District ( SWCD ) is a legally organized subdivision of State Government given the responsibility of protecting soil and water resources . The Coshocton SWCD has been part of this community for 79 years , formed by a referendum vote in the spring of 1942 .
2021 Board of Supervisors from left : Adrian Garber , Kristy Leindecker , David Lapp , Beth Mullen , and Greg Waters .
Our Leadership
The Coshocton SWCD is directed by a Board of Supervisors which consists of five local people who are elected by members of the community . This governing body formulates policy and manages the business affairs of the District . These public officials serve three year terms and serve without pay to govern the local program . Four full time employees carry out the day to day priorities established by the Board of Supervisors . Since 1942 , 48 individuals have served our community as board members . The success of the SWCD program is directly related to the dedicated support of our Board of Supervisors who currently have a combined 73 years of volunteer service . Their commitment to the wise use of our soil and water resources make our community a better place to live .
Local and State officials learned about recently installed conservation practices that protect our natural resources at the Officials Tour in August . Shown is a pollinator plot installed through the NRCS EQIP program .
BF-16220
Jim and Wendy Schumaker were named the 2021 Outstanding Conservation Farmer at the SWCD Annual Meeting & Banquet in October . Presenting their award is Supervisor Greg Waters .
Education and Outreach
Supervisors and Staff were happy to move forward in 2021 with education and outreach events . The Ag Day Celebration was a “ hybrid ” event with a drive-thru meal celebration held at Schumaker Farms in March . From that point forward we gained momentum and hosted several events that were “ in-person ” including a County Officials Tour , First FARM Friday , Annual Meeting and Banquet , Pasture Walk , and Summer Supervisors School tour for the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts . We were finally able to get back into the classroom and did presentations both in person and on the computer . We provided pine seedlings to schools in April for Arbor Day and sponsored the 5th Grade Poster Contest for the Coshocton County Fair . We continue to hold our Tree Seedling sale each spring and print five SWCD newsletters yearly . Reaching out to our community about the importance of caring for our soil and water resources remains a top priority for our program . We continue to follow local and state health guidelines and are grateful for the opportunity to interact one-on one with our community in a safe manner .