Our Rich Land

Richland SWCD
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

...is a combined effort of Richland Soil & Water Conservation District & Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio. Hosts Josh Steffen (Kingwood’s director) and Evan Stern (a District technician) explore issues and topics regarding the protection and enhancement of natural resources, while trying to keep the mood light and the jokes abundant. Who said learning about conservation couldn’t include a few laughs?!

  1. FEB 5

    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.

    1h 37m

  2. 11/12/2025

    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.

    1h 13m

  3. 08/08/2025

    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.

    37 min

  4. 05/12/2025

    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.

    1h 11m

  5. 02/10/2025

    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!

    51 min

  6. 10/28/2024

    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.

    54 min

  7. 01/17/2024

    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.

    48 min

  8. 06/14/2023

    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

    39 min
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About

...is a combined effort of Richland Soil & Water Conservation District & Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio. Hosts Josh Steffen (Kingwood’s director) and Evan Stern (a District technician) explore issues and topics regarding the protection and enhancement of natural resources, while trying to keep the mood light and the jokes abundant. Who said learning about conservation couldn’t include a few laughs?!

Information

  • Creator
    Richland SWCD
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Our Rich Land