An Update on Natural Resource Conservation in Mahoning County

Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District | Fall 2020
Stormwater Awareness Week: Clean Water Starts With Us
We're joining forces with other Soil & Water Conservation Districts across Ohio to raise awareness of the importance of stormwater management. During Stormwater Awareness Week, Oct. 18-24, we're encouraging residents to “Be the Change for Clean Water” by becoming educated on water pollution prevention and taking action.
Here's How You Can Help Promote Cleaner Water
Runoff water ends up in local waterways and directly impacts our water supply, including drinking water. Each one of us can play a key part in preventing water pollution by monitoring our actions at home and being aware of how they affect our environment and water sources.

Click below to learn more about five simple things you can do to help prevent water pollution.
Got Milkweed Pods? Collection Coming to a Close Oct. 30
We are collecting milkweed pods through Oct. 30 as part of an initiative to provide a habitat and food source for the rapidly declining monarch butterfly population.

Individuals can drop off milkweed pods to Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District's office at 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Here are some tips for picking and storing milkweed seed pods, as well as instructions for drop-off:

  • Pods must be dry, gray or brown in color to be picked.
  • Store the pods in paper bags; plastic bags collect unwanted moisture.
  • Put the date and county collected on the bag when you turn them in.
  • Keep the pods in a cool, dry area until you can deliver them to our office.
  • Please wear a mask when delivering the pods to our office.
  • Pods can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
District Administrator Talks Milkweed Importance on WKBN
“Monarch butterfly are pollinators, which are critical to agriculture in Mahoning County and throughout Ohio,” said SWCD District Administrator Kathleen Vrable-Bryan during a recent interview with WKBN. “This annual milkweed seed collection effort is a great opportunity to help reverse the decline in the monarch population by providing a food source and a resting and nesting place for them. I truly believe we’ve seen an increase in the monarch species since this program began.”

Check out the WKBN story at the link below.
In-Person Voting Now Open for SWCD Board Supervisor
In-person voting is open now until Nov. 3, anytime between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the SWCD office located at 850 Industrial Road in Youngstown.

Individuals may also request an absentee ballot application by contacting the district office at (330) 740-7995 or askswcd@mahoningcountyoh.gov. Absentee ballots must be submitted by close of business Nov. 3.

Three candidates are running for one position on the district’s volunteer board of supervisors, the five-member body that governs the agency. They are:

  • Thomas A. Nock, P.E., S.I., M.Eng.
  • Elayne Bozick
  • Michael Harvey

Click below for more information.
Thanks For Supporting Our Annual Fall Fish Sale
About 15,000 fish were sold and more than 20 ponds/lakes are now stocked across Mahoning County. Thanks to everyone who supported our annual sale, including our wonderful friends at Fender's Fish Hatchery, who make it such a smooth success, and the Canfield Fairgrounds for allowing us to use the space.

We'd also like to thank WKBN for coming out to cover our event. Check out the story at the link below.

Our next sale will be in the spring. More details to come.
10 Things to Know About Your Impact on Watersheds
Did you know you live in a watershed? That means each one of us can play a significant role in helping to keep our watersheds clean. If we choose not to, we could be contributing to the pollution of our waterways, which may include our drinking water.

We help develop watershed action plans with the goal of preventing pollution and water quality issues.

Here's one more way you can take part in Stormwater Awareness Week. Learn more about best practices and watersheds in Mahoning County by reading our recent blog post.
What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)?
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) addresses erosion and sediment control during construction.

Developers and contractors are required to submit an SWP3 to our office when an acre or more of land is disturbed by clearing or “earth moving” activity. 

Sean McGuire, our Environmental Compliance Inspector and District Technician II, reviews SWP3s and addresses any concerns with erosion, flooding and sediment control, and provides best management practices.

For more details about what an SWP3 includes and why it's important, visit the link below.
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