All About Birds

Support the Noble Soil Water Conservation District levy

An important issue is coming up in the spring election. It is the Noble Soil Water Conservation District Renewal Levy. There are many reasons it is so important to my family and I. My first introduction to soil and water conservation started in 1988 when I entered an essay contest to attend Ohio Forestry Camp that was sponsored by Noble SWCD. At Ohio Forestry Camp, I learned about soil and water conservation, forestry, and wildlife management. It was this camp that helped me decide and influence my decision to pursue a career in natural resources. This camp exists still today and has children attend that are sponsored by local SWCD's all across the state of Ohio. Noble SWCD not only sponsors this camp but many other camps held right here in Noble County. Noble SWCD, along with the OSU Extension Research Farm, has coordinated and organized Ag School Days for hundreds of Shenandoah and Caldwell third-graders for the last 11 years. "Wow!," is all I can say about this event. Where in the state are you going to find a hands-on outdoor classroom like this event? Children learn and get to experience everything from baby chick production to getting to stick their hand into an actual stomach of a beef steer to get to see how the animal digests its food. Although, I did not get to attend this field day in my younger years, my now 17-year-old daughter did when she was in the third grade and hopefully my 7-year-old son will get to experience this day in a couple of years. I have been lucky enough to be a presenter at this field day. I have personally witnessed the excitement and reactions of these students first hand. You would think every kid from Noble County has personally witnessed all of this stuff that goes on at Ag School Days, but that is not the case. It would surprise you of how many kids have never touched a baby lamb or got to experience fishing for the first time. The Noble SWCD also coordinates and organizes a two day Summer Environmental Camp at Wolf Run State Park. This, too, has been quite an experience for the kids of Noble County. Again, kids getting the chance to learn how to prepare their lunch and then cook it over an open fire, build bird houses, beekeeping, canoeing, and learn the importance of soil and water conservation. This is something our kids do not get out and do anymore during summer months. Instead, they sit at home playing video games, texting and sleeping all day. This is a camp that not only my kids have enjoyed but cousins, nieces and nephews have enjoyed as well. Noble SWCD does not only offer youth education field days, but has plenty of adult education field days they sponsor and coordinate such as forest/wildlife management meetings, pond clinics, and grazing meetings to name a few.

Source: Marietta Times

News

What does Dad want this Father's Day?

nwitimes.com - Jun 15, 2011

A guy who wears a tie maybe three times a year doesn't really need an addition to the rack, just like a guy who's only gone fishing twice in his life doesn't need a new tackle box. There are a lot of things out there that seem just perfect for a dad;