The Rural Rambler

Zero Waste Project Featured in Ohio University Publication

2011-05-09T11:36:00.000-04:00

Rural Action's "Zero Waste" project has been featured in the Ohio University publication, "Compass." To read the article click here.

Chersterhill Produce Auction Opening Day 2011, Thursday May 12th

2011-05-09T11:33:00.000-04:00

Thursday May 12th is the opening day of the Chesterhill Produce Auction, 8380 Wagoner Rd., Chesterhill Ohio 43728. The public is invited. 2011 will mark the 7th season for this Morgan County local foods destination. The Auction will run Mondays and Thursdays through October, featuring seasonal produce, plants, crafts, and more, at auction and in a wide variety of lot sizes, for both the home and business. Festivities will begin at 3:00pm with a community potluck and speakers followed by the Auction at 4:00pm. Nature activities will be available for children.

This year’s opening day will celebrate the unique combination of public and private investment that has made this regional local foods hub possible. The Chesterhill Produce Auction (CPA) was purchased by Rural Action in 2010 with financial support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, as well as a core group of local community investors, farmers, and supporters, and with a loan from the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development in Berea Kentucky. After working with the founders of the CPA for five years Rural Action collaborated with local stakeholders throughout the region to secure the future of this community based economic infrastructure.

In 2010 The Appalachian Regional Commission announced funding of $50,000 towards the cost of the CPA as part of its economic initiatives in Appalachian Ohio. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency which represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. The mission of the commission is to be a strategic partner and advocate for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia. “The member states of the Appalachian Regional Commission are funding more and more food related job creation projects to take advantage of Appalachia’s resources,” said Louis Segesvary, public affairs officer for the ARC.

“With the increased emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables as a way to improve health, initiatives that support the local farm production necessary to capture those markets allow us to win at both the economic and health level” noted Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator Tom Redfern.

For more information on the Chesterhill Produce Auction contact Tom Redfern at 740-767-4938, or tomr@ruralaction.org. Produce Auction results and information are also available at www.ohiofoodshed.org. Rural Action is a membership based organization promoting economic, social, and environmental justice in Appalachian Ohio.

Rural Action Waste Stream Development Project Recieves Cash Infusion

2011-05-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

The newly created Waste Stream Development Project at Rural Action, coordinated by Kyle O'Keefe, has been named as a recipient of an ODNR grant to improve recylcing and waste stream development in Athens and Hocking Counties. This project is a partnership between Rural Action, Athens Hocking SWMD, The Voinovich School, and other community partners. To view the press release issued by ODNR, click here

Volunteers Needed For Tree Planting On Wayne National Forest

2011-05-03T12:18:00.000-04:00

Tree planting volunteers are being recruited to help Wayne National Forest plant 1700 trees and shrubs on a 27-acre site near New Straitsville in Perry County.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters parking lot on US Hwy 33 near Nelsonville at 8 am on Tuesday May 10, 2011. The project is expected to be completed by 3 pm. Please wear sturdy footwear (boots), bring work gloves, and dress appropriately for the weather. Pack your own lunch and water.

Volunteers can also meet us at the site after 9:30 am. Take State Route 93 north out of New Straitsville approximately 1 mile to the parking area on the right side of the road (just before County Road 41-Rock Run Road to the west). Or take State Route 93 south out of Shawnee approximately 1.5 miles just past County Road 41.

The volunteer planting effort is just one phase of our latest project called “Devastation to Destination,” an initiative to restore public lands after being impacted during the coal-mining era.

By planting wildlife-friendly plants, it will aid in soil stabilization, combat non-native invasive species, provide wildlife food and cover, and beautify the area, making it more attractive for public use in the future. The Forest hopes to also have a hiking trail loop, interpretative signs about the area’s history, and wildlife & bird-watching opportunities in the near future.

You’re invited to spend the day with us, or even just a couple of hours.

For additional information, please contact Gary Chancey, Wayne National Forest Volunteer Coordinator at (740) 753-0862 or email at gchancey@fs.fed.us.

Workshop on How to Conserve Family Lands

2011-05-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

Appalachia Ohio Alliance, a non-profit land trust, announces a spring
workshop for landowners interested in protecting their lands for future
generations. Topics will include: forestry management, agricultural
easements, habitat and watershed protection, regional planning goals and
federal tax credits available to properties with qualified conservation values.

Please RSVP to Susi Rankis at (740) 767-4938 or susi@ruralaction.org
The workshop focuses on the Hocking River watershed with outreach to
residents of Southeast Ohio with an emphasis on Hocking, Athens and Fairfield counties.

The workshop will be:
May 12th, 6-8 pm at the Olde Dutch Restaurant in Logan, Ohio. At 5 pm a
room is reserved for a no-host dinner buffet, displays and personnel will be available for individual consultations. Please check AOA's web site www.appalachiaohioalliance.org

Olde Dutch Restaurant
12791 State Route 664 S
Logan, OH 43138-8985
(740) 385-1000

AOA has been actively helping families protect their lands since 2002.

This event is also being sponsored by:

New USDA Rule Encourages Purchasing Of Local Produce

2011-04-27T12:39:00.000-04:00

Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin Concannon announced that USDA’s child nutrition programs are implementing new rules designed to encourage use of local farm products in school meals. The final rule, published in the Federal Register, will let schools and other providers give preference to unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products as they purchase food for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, Child and Adult Care, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable, and Summer Food Service programs. The rule is part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 signed into law by President Obama and one of the key provisions to bolster farm to school programs across the country.

“This rule is an important milestone that will help ensure that our children have access to fresh produce and other agricultural products,” said Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin Concannon. “It will also give a much-needed boost to local farmers and agricultural producers.”

The rule supports USDA’s ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative which emphasizes the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers. The effort builds on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides for increases and flexibility for USDA programs in an effort to revitalize rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ is helping to break down barriers that keep local food systems from thriving, create new opportunities for farmers, ranchers, consumers and rural communities, and expand access to healthy food throughout the country. USDA expects consumer demand for locally grown food in the U.S. to rise from an estimated $4 billion in 2002 to as much as $7 billion by 2012.

The Farm to School component of this effort is designed to help connect schools with regional or local farms in order to serve healthy meals using locally-sourced products in their cafeterias. USDA currently is sending teams out to select school districts to work on farm to school issues. Some of these programs also incorporate nutrition-based studies, as well as food-learning opportunities such as farm visits, gardening, cooking, and composting activities.

Improving child nutrition is also a focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that recently passed Congress and was signed by President Obama on December 13, 2010. This legislation authorizes USDA’S child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program and the Summer Food Service Program. It will allow USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, the chance to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is the legislative centerpiece of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative. To learn more, visit www.LetsMove.gov.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs including the Summer Food Service Program; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the National School Lunch Program; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Together these programs make up the federal nutrition safety net. USDA administers these programs in partnership with state and local agencies and works with faith and community-based organizations to ensure that nutrition assistance is available to those in need. Additional information about the programs can be found at www.fns.usda.gov and the USDA’s Farm to School initiative at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/.

Spring Float Down Raccoon Creek

2011-04-25T13:01:00.000-04:00

Join the Raccoon Creek Water Trail Association for a spring float down Raccoon Creek Sunday, May 1st at 10:00AM. Bring your own boat or reserve a canoe for free! We will be meeting at Hope School, which is located across from the Lake Hope State Park dam in Vinton County. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED for all attendees! Canoes are available on a first come, first serve basis, or bring your own. Get your reservation in soon! There are a limited number of canoes available for free.

Please check our website for updates or changes, www.raccooncreek.org. For directions, maps, or to reserve a canoe, visit www.raccooncreek.org, email molly@freestylecanoeing.com, or call 707-6655.

Sunday Creek 5K "Dash For The Darter" - May 21st

2011-04-19T11:55:00.001-04:00

Registration is now open for the Sunday Creek Watershed Group’s (SCWG)“Dash for the Darter” 5K and nature hike on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 at 1:30pm! Dash for the Darter 5K is a trail race at Burr Oak State Park. The 5K is on the Buckeye Loop, which winds its way through deciduous and pine forests, open meadows, and lake vistas. Pre-registration, due by May 16, is $12 for adults and $10 for high school students. Day of race registration is $15. Medals, made by local artist Jim Hart, will be given to overall winners and first place racers in each age category. Registration is open from 12:15pm – 1:00pm and the 5K starts at 1:30pm. A nature hike led by Joe Brehm, Rural Action Environmental Education Coordinator, is free and open to the public. The nature hike will start at 1:40pm. It will be a great day to enjoy the spring weather and view the wildflowers in the watershed. Registration is available on line at www.sundaycreek.org. For more information contact Amber Leasure-Earnhardt at (740) 767-2225, amber@sundaycreek.org. Dash for the Darter 5K Sponsors include: Frog Ranch Foods, Irish Ridge Pet Grooming, Smoke Rise Ranch, Airclaws, Bryant Heating and Cooling, Glouster E-Z Mart Subway, Purely American, Burr Oak State Park, Holzer Clinic, and Road ID.

Electrofishing With Sunday Creek Watershed Group

2011-04-18T10:12:00.000-04:00

Healing Heart Herbals Health And Harmony Fair

2011-04-18T08:59:00.000-04:00

Health & Harmony Fair and Fund Raiser - 2011

Fun Filled Opportunity to Support Sustainable Work both locally: food project for donating produce in Meigs County and globally: send funds to help the people in Japan.

When? April 30th,11-7 & May 1st,11-3:30.

Where? Meigs County, 32654 McCumber Rd.- Rutland, Ohio.

Vendors * Classes * Door Prizes

Experienced folks sharing knowledge and products focusing on healing, trees, herbs, tarot, massage, movement, meditation, aromatherapy, green cleaning, community, spirituality, gardening, cooking, green energy, and more.

Recycle * Reuse

Donation station for “stuff” some people are ready to let go of and that someone else can use.

Thanks to all for co-creating this special day!

All donations greatly appreciated.

For more information or to receive tickets, and map, contact:
Cindy Parker: 32654 McCumber Rd.- Rutland, OH 45775
hhherbals@frognet.net; 740-742-8901; www.HealingHeartHerbals.com

Good Agricultural Practices Training and Farm Tour in April

2011-04-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

The week of April 18th will feature two important learning opportunities for agricultural producers. On Monday April 18th Hal Kneen of OSU Extension will be providing a full day of Good Agricultural Practices ( GAP, i.e. food safety) training in Chesterhill, OH.

1) At 9:00 am Hal will lead a food safety farm walk at Joe Hershberger’s farm located at 7385 SR 555, Chesterhill Ohio 43728. This session is open to interested farmers and will provide an opportunity to see and discuss ways to implement food safety practices on our farms.

2) From 1:30 to 4:30 pm Hal will be conducting an Ohio State University Food Safety training. This training qualifies participants for the educational requirements of GAP certification under the recently developed Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement. This training has a cost of $40 dollars by OSU. Through food safety educational funding Rural Action is able to pay $20 for the first 30 participants, making the cost $20. Please RSVP if you wish to attend. This presentation will be at the Marion Community Center, 7474 College St. Chesterhill, Ohio 43728. This will be a non-electronic training utilizing paper “flip charts.”
We feel that this is a great opportunity and encourage CPA farmers to attend. It will allow us to continue to strongly market the food safety and quality of our produce.

On Wednesday April 20th Joni Hershberger, 5400 Tabor Ridge Rd. Stockport, Ohio 43787 will be hosting a CPA growers farm tour. Guest speakers will be Brad Bergefurd from OSU Extension, Fred Finney and David Raber from the Mt. Hope Produce Auction. This session will last from 9:00am till 2:00pm and will allow for a broad discussion of ways to improve both our crops, and our Produce Auction.

Please write or call if you wish to attend the GAP certification training. We think this GAP training is a valuable opportunity to show that our Auction wants to be a leader on good food safety practices, and therefore attract more customers. All of these events are open to anyone wanting to attend, please spread the word to anyone who you think might be interested.

Raccoon Creek Partnership Family Fun Day

2011-04-08T08:23:00.000-04:00

Kids, bring your parents out to the Waterloo Aquatic Education Center for a Family Fun day on Saturday, April, 9th with the Raccoon Creek Partnership. We will be fishing on Penrod Lake and using an archery range. The activities begin at 12:00 noon. Be sure to dress for the weather and be ready to have some springtime fun! Adults and youth 16 and older must have a valid Ohio fishing license to fish. For more information and directions visit www.raccooncreek.org, or contact Sarah at 740-525-3972 or by email at sdlanders@gmail.com

Next Eco-Cafe To Address Food Security Issues

2011-03-29T13:25:00.000-04:00

Garlic Mustard Pulls Begin April 2nd

2011-03-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

As in past years, volunteers will remove garlic-mustard from Strouds Run State Park, City-owned preserve land, Athens Conservancy preserves, and along the Hockhocking-Adena Bikeway. Doing so will help protect our native flora from this troublesome invasive weed. Garlic-mustard reproduces prolifically, displacing the diverse wildflowers and ferns that were there before the mustard invaded. Garlic-mustard also suppresses the fungal partners (called mycorrhizae) in the root system of most trees and many other plants, which the plants depend on to help absorb enough water and minerals from the soil. New research indicates that the overabundance of white-tailed deer is contributing to the spread of garlic-mustard by eating many of the competing native plants. Deer find garlic-mustard distasteful and seldom eat it.

Everyone is welcome to participate in any of the events, whether or not you are affiliated with the sponsoring organizations. You do not need to notify anyone in advance in order to participate, but a contact person is listed below for each event in case you have questions. In general, heavy rain will cancel outings but a light drizzle will not.

Children are welcome at most of the work sessions, but caution is needed in Blue Ash Valley and the Bluebell Preserve because the mustard in these areas is intermixed with lots of wildflowers, which are easily trampled. Children with a gentle temperament will do fine even at these sites, but rambunctious kids may do more damage than good.

What to bring: drinking water, bag lunch or snack, sun protection, sturdy footwear, garden gloves (optional, but recommended if you are allergic to poison-ivy). No tools are needed; the mustard plants pull out easily. For protection against poison-ivy and thorns, long pants and socks are strongly recommended.

Between April 18 and May 15, anyone working in the woods should wear a bright orange vest or cap because these sessions fall during turkey hunting season. Turkey hunting is permitted only in the morning between April 18 and May 1. From May 2 until May 15, it is permitted all day.

These events are organized by the Athens Forest Stewardship Club in collaboration with the Athens Conservancy, Athens Trails, Friends of Strouds Run State Park, the Appalachian Ohio Group of the Sierra Club, and Rural Action.

Work Dates

Saturday, April 2, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Trace, Finger Rock, and Athens Trails in Strouds Run State Park
Meeting place: The first parking area on the right (south) side of Strouds Run Rd. as you enter
the park coming from Athens
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338)
It will be necessary to wade a small stream, which is usually ankle-deep but may be deeper following rainstorms; keep in mind when choosing footwear.

Saturday, April 2, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: along Sundown Trail in the first valley east of Dow Lake dam
Meeting place: Dow Lake dam parking area, off US-50
Contact: David Tees (tees@ohio.edu; 594-6796)

Sunday, Apr 3, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Baker conservation easement (Athens Conservancy)
Meeting place: parking area on west side of SR-690, 0.5 mile north of US-50, about 1 mile east of Dow Lake dam parking lot.
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338)
Note: It will be necessary to wade a small stream, which is usually ankle-deep but may be deeper following rainstorms; keep in mind when choosing footwear.

Sunday, April 3, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: along Sundown Trail in the first valley east of Dow Lake dam
Meeting place: Dow Lake dam parking area, off US-50
Contact: Bob Houdek (houdek@ohio.edu; 664-2122)

Saturday, April 9, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Rockhouse Trail (City of Athens preserve land)
Meeting place: Sells Park parking lot, at north end of Avon Place, Athens
Contacts: Lora Munsell (munsell@ohio.edu; 593-3675) and John Knouse (jaknouse@frognet.net; 502-608-2394)

Saturday, April 9, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: along Sundown Trail in the first valley east of Dow Lake dam
Meeting place: Dow Lake dam parking area, off US-50
Contact: David Tees (tees@ohio.edu; 594-6796)

Sunday, April 10, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Blue Ash Valley in Strouds Run State Park
Meeting place: parking lot behind Hampton Inn, next to University Mall
Contact: Bob Houdek (houdek@ohio.edu; 664-2122)

Sunday, April 10, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Baker conservation easement (Athens Conservancy)
Meeting place: parking area on west side of SR-690, 0.5 mile north of US-50, about 1 mile east of Dow Lake dam parking lot.
Contact: John Knouse (jaknouse@frognet.net; 502-608-2394)
Note: It will be necessary to wade a small stream, which is usually ankle-deep but may be deeper following rainstorms; keep in mind when choosing footwear.

Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Bluebell Preserve (Athens Conservancy)
Meeting place: Le-Ax headquarters, Poston Station Rd.
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338)
[We will enter through a gate, which will be locked behind us, so it is important that you arrive promptly at 9:00. This is not a good work session for young children because the mustard is intermixed with dense wildflowers that are easily damaged by carelessly placed feet.]

Saturday, April 16, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: The Ridges (the mature woods that borders SR-682)
Meeting Place: steps of the Ridges Auditorium (NW of the main building)
Contact: Bob Houdek (houdek@ohio.edu; 664-2122)

Saturday, April 16, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Baker conservation easement (Athens Conservancy)
Meeting place: parking area on west side of SR-690, 0.5 mile north of US-50, about 1 mile east of Dow Lake dam parking lot.
Contact: David Gedeon (dgedeon@compuserve.com; 592-6074)
Note: It will be necessary to wade a small stream, which is usually ankle-deep but may be deeper following rainstorms; keep in mind when choosing footwear.

Sunday, April 17, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: along Hockhocking-Adena Bikeway between mile 5.5 (Armitage) and 7.0
(The Plains)
Meeting place: end of Armitage Road, where it meets the bike path
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338)

Sunday, April 17, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Blue Ash Valley in Strouds Run State Park
Meeting place: parking lot behind Hampton Inn, next to University Mall
Contact: David Tees (tees@ohio.edu; 594-6796)

Saturday, April 23, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: along Sundown Trail in the first valley east of Dow Lake dam
[or hike to Haley Trail if Sundown is finished]
Meeting place: Dow Lake dam parking area, off US-50
Contact: David Tees (tees@ohio.edu; 594-6796)

Saturday, April 23, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Baker conservation easement (Athens Conservancy)
Meeting place: parking area on west side of SR-690, 0.5 mile north of US-50, about 1 mile east of Dow Lake dam parking lot.
Contact: John Knouse (jaknouse@frognet.net; 502-608-2394)
Note: It will be necessary to wade a small stream, which is usually ankle-deep but may be deeper following rainstorms; keep in mind when choosing footwear.

Sunday, April 24, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: The Ridges (the mature woods that borders SR-682)
Meeting Place: steps of the Ridges Auditorium (NW of the main building)
Contact: Bob Houdek (houdek@ohio.edu; 664-2122)

Sunday, April 24, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Blue Ash Valley and Crumley Ridge in Strouds Run State Park
Meeting place: parking lot behind Hampton Inn, next to University Mall
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338) and Tanner Filyaw (tanner@ruralaction.org; 330-466-5082)

Saturday, April 30, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Strouds Run State Park, vicinity of Haley and Hank Trails
Meeting place: Horsemen’s parking area on Lake Hill Rd.*
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338)

Saturday, April 30, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Strouds Run State Park, vicinity of Haley and Hank Trails
Meeting place: Horsemen’s parking area on Lake Hill Rd.*
Contacts: David Tees (tees@ohio.edu; 594-6796)

Sunday, May 1, 9:00 a.m.
Work site: Trace, Finger Rock, and Athens Trails in Strouds Run State Park
Meeting place: The first parking area on the right (south) side of Strouds Run Rd. as you enter
the park coming from Athens
Contact: Phil Cantino (cantino@ohio.edu; 594-3338)

Sunday, May 1, 1:00 p.m.
Work site: Strouds Run State Park, vicinity of Haley and Hank Trails
Meeting place: Horsemen’s parking area on Lake Hill Rd.*
Contacts: David Tees (tees@ohio.edu; 594-6796)

Friday, May 13, Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, starting 1:00 pm each day.
Campout and extended mustard-pull at the Chestnut Grove Campsite on the Athens Conservancy’s Blair Preserve. Meeting place: The first parking area on the right (south) side of Strouds Run Rd. as you enter the park coming from Athens
Contact: John Knouse (jaknouse@frognet.net; 502-608-2394)

*The parking area for the Haley and Hank Trail work sessions is about a 20-minute drive from Athens. Go out Strouds Run Rd. and into the state park. At the main junction in the park, instead of turning left to the campground or right to the beach, continue straight on Strouds Run Rd. You will climb a steep, winding hill, with a junction at the top (Scatter Ridge Rd.). Stick to the right at this point (the name of the road you want to follow changes at this point to East Scatter Ridge Rd.). Soon you will pass Pete Smith Rd. coming in from the left. Continue on E. Scatter Ridge Rd. (more than a mile) until you see Lake Hill Rd. on your right. There is a sign there for horse trail access. Turn right on Lake Hill Rd., and the parking area is on the right a short way up the road. Although the route winds a lot, you will get there if you take the right fork at every junction after the steep climb.

Tree Planting - Volunteers Wanted April 9th and 10th

2011-03-23T10:10:00.000-04:00

There will be a tree planting at the Sugarbush Farm located on Baker and Marion Johnson Rds. on Saturday and Sunday April 9 & 10. This planting is the second part of a riparian forest buffer to help protect Margaret Creek. Approximately 1440 trees will be planted over the weekend. Volunteer duties could include planting, mulching, staking, and tree tube placement or assembly. Hand tools will be a good asset to have for this event. Holes will be pre-dug with an Auger, so shovel use will be limited. Saturday planting will start at 9am and will continue until dark. Sunday planting will begin at 1pm and will contiune until dark. For more information about this event, or if you would like to volunteer, contact Susan Roth at susan@ruralaction.org, or by phone at 740-767-4938.

Raccoon Creek Spring Field Day and Apple Grafting Workshops

2011-03-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

Come join Raccoon Creek Partnership on Saturday, March 26th for a morning filled with spring-time adventure. Hike with us through enchanted woodlands in search of wildflowers and wood frogs. The fun begins at 10:00am and lasts until 1:00pm. Please dress for the weather (sunscreen, bug spray, rain coat) and bring a packed lunch. This FREE day camp occurs at the Waterloo Aquatic Education Center. Space is limited, so register today by calling Heike at 664-3248 or for more information and directions visit www.raccooncreek.org. See you there!

Raccoon Creek will also be holding an Apple Grafting Workshop at 9am on Satruday, April 2nd at the Waterloo Aquatic Education Center. The cost is $10 per participant, which covers the cost of one Apple tree to take home and plant. For more information contact Sarah at 740-525-3972

Kids on Campus and AmeriCorps- A Great Match

2011-03-22T13:20:00.002-04:00

Rural Action's Environmental Education Program and AmeriCorps members from Monday Creek Restoration Project and Sunday Creek Watershed Group have teamed up with Kids on Campus to provide environmental education activities for Trimble Elementary School students. Environmental Education Program Coordinator Joe Brehm worked with the after school Kids On Campus program to include learning activities centered on the environment and natural systems. The Environmental Club has been meeting once a week throughout the school year and will continue until the end of March.

This past Friday's activities focused on food chains. 1st through 4th grade students split into two groups to learn about the progression of energy provided by the sun and how it is passed on to other species forming a continuous chain. The sun provides the energy to make the grass grow, the grass provides the food for energy for the insects, the insects provide the energy for the snake, etc. After learning the basics, the students make dream catchers to represent the food chain they had learned about. AmeriCorps members Elise Gage, Emily Hammon and Leah Graham helped the students with the concepts and assisted with crafting the dream catchers.

Rural Action's AmeriCorps program focuses on watershed restoration working with six restoration groups in our region. Providing environmental learning activities with our youth is a big part of their mission to educate and instill stewardship concepts to those residing in our local watersheds. There may be no better way to meet that goal than working with our kids. Learning activities like these will continue throughout the summer, culminating in week long watershed day camps, library programs and other school related activities. To find out more information about Environmental programming contact Joe Brehm at joe@ruralaction.org.

Friends of Monday Creek Meeting - Featuring "Birds of Prey"

2011-03-16T00:05:00.000-04:00

The Monday Creek Restoration Project would like to invite you to join them on Thursday, March 24, 2011 for a Friends of Monday Creek Meeting!

Guest speaker Pat Quackenbush, Naturalist at Hocking Hills State Park, will present a family-friendly version of the life history and habitat requirements of Ohio’s “Birds of Prey”. If you have never heard Pat speak, we encourage you to come for the fun!
Children will be sure to love the opportunity to view beautiful, live birds, and hear about their unique behaviors.

The pot-luck style meeting will be held at Dunkle Hall in New Straitsville (SR 93, behind the Municipal building) from 6:30 - 8:00pm.
Please bring your curiosity and a dish to share.

ALL ARE INVITED AND WELCOME TO COME!!

For additional details of questions, contact a member of the Monday Creek staff at 740-394-2047

Ohio Environmental Council Lobby Day

2011-03-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

Join the OEC and Ohio's environmental-conservation network for Environmental Lobby Day on May 4 in Columbus. Bring your concerns and priorities for Ohio's environment to state lawmakers and agency officials. The OEC will team you with an experienced leader to meet with lawmakers. The day includes lunch with lawmakers and staff, and a Cocktails & Conversation reception at the end of the day. To learn more and register, click her e.

Save $5 when you register before April 8!

Native Plants Conference To Be Held In Pomeroy

2011-03-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

This year The OSU Extension Native Plant Conference will be held on April 14th at the Mulberry Community Center in Pomeroy Ohio. This years theme is titled "In A Garden Of Eden: The Medicinal and Edible Plants of the Appalachian Mountains." The deadline for registration is March 17th, and is fast approaching. For more information about the event go to http://meigs.osu.edu/events/in-a-garden-of-eden

Free Organic Weed Control Webinar

2011-03-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

The Countryside Conservancy and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) announce the final session for 2011 of a three part series for specialty crop farmers titled “Effective Weed Management Strategies for Your Organic Farm.”

Leading the discussion will be Dr. Matthew Liebman, Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture and Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University.

Weeds remain one of the top constraints for organic crop production. Successful weed management without herbicides requires more than better cultivation equipment. Multiple physical, biological, and cultural tactics woven together with basic ecological processes can lead to more effective, lower cost strategies for weed suppression. Liebman will illustrate this approach with examples from agronomic and horticultural cropping systems.

The webinar will begin at 10 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday March 22, 2011.

This web-based seminar will deliver training through the Internet directly to a participant’s computer. They will be able to view the presentation through their browser and listen to the audio portion through their computer speakers or using a call-in phone number. The session will be interactive and allow participants to ask questions and communicate directly with the presenter. All three webinars in the series will be recorded and available on the Countryside Conservancy and OEFFA websites afterwards.

To register for the webinar, go to https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/224583790. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required.

Partial funding for this webinar series is provided through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant.

For more information, contact Rebecca Cole at (330) 657-2542 x 228 or rcole@cvcountryside.org, or Michelle Gregg-Skinner at (614) 421-2022 or michelle@oeffa.org.

Athens County Landowner Named Outstanding Tree Farmer Of The Year

2011-03-09T09:35:00.000-05:00

Steve Stone of Nelsonville has been named the 2011 Ohio Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry.

In the family for nearly 100 years, Stone’s Meadowview Farm is a typical southeast Ohio hill farm in the heart of prosperous coal mining activity.

“Steve Stone and his family have long promoted forest conservation on their 68 acres of woodlands,” said Robert Boyles, state forester and chief of the Division of Forestry. “Through prudent forest management practices, this Athens County tree farm has been a showcase for other landowners, and a model of the Ohio Tree Farm principles of woods, water, wildlife and recreation.”

Among the sustainable forestry practices accomplished by the Stone family are boundary line marking, access road and trail improvements, grapevine and invasive species control, wildlife food plots, crop tree release and timber harvesting.

Additionally, Stone's Meadowview Tree Farm has been a long-time member of the Ohio Forest Tax Law program.

In cooperation with several area conservation agencies, a public field day is planned for October 1 at Stone’s Meadowview Farm, which is located near Nelsonville in Athens County.

The state Outstanding Tree Farmer honor is awarded annually by the Ohio Tree Farm Committee, which plans and administers the Ohio Tree Farm Program. The Ohio Forestry Association and the ODNR Division of Forestry are sponsors of the committee.

The Ohio Tree Farm Program, organized in 1946, brings foresters together with landowners to apply the American Tree Farm System standards of sustainable forest management in Ohio. The system includes 1,700 woodland owners across the state committed to caring for their land under a comprehensive plan developed by a professional forester. Landowners interested in the American Tree Farm System should visit www.ohiotreefarm.org.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Huff Run Watershed Partnership Winter Newsletter Now Available

2011-02-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Huff Run Watershed Partnership now has their most recent newsletter available on their website. Click here to link to the document.

Come Check Out the "Eco-Cafe" Discussion Session On March 2

2011-02-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

The first of several collaborative discussion sessions, know as the "Eco-Cafe," will be held on March 2nd from 5-6:30 pm in the Baker Center Front Room. These discussions are designed to address issues and developments occuring in Appalachian Ohio, as well as the broader region.

The first session is titled "Where in the World Are You? A Changing Appalachia," and will be facilitated by Ohio University Professor of Geography, Geoff Buckley, and Rural Action Executive Director, Michelle Decker. This discussion will provide an overview of; natural history, historical context, and transitional strategies in the region.

Tales From The Watersheds - Emily Hammon, AmeriCorps member with Monday Creek Restoration Project

2011-02-22T09:13:00.004-05:00

On January 15th, MCRP hosted a Chinese Auction to help raise funds for summer programs and other costs. Nate, Elise, and I went to local businesses in Athens, Nelsonville, Logan, and New Lexington to collect items for people to bid on. We were very pleased at how willing and generous people were in their donations and received some great items for the auction. The Auction was held at Delyn Auditorium in New Straitsville. The weather held off for us and we had about 50-60 people show up to spend their Saturday night supporting MCRP. In addition to selling tickets for the auction, we also had a 50/50 drawing and sold sandwiches, chips, and pop to keep the people fed and happy. Overall, we raised $642.50 and after a donation to the Village of New Straitsville for use of the building and costs for food and supplies, we grossed around $500.00. We were very pleased with how well it turned out and how many people showed up and supported our organization. We had several volunteers to help set up and also had a couple of kids volunteer to be the ‘runners’ to deliver the prizes to the rightful winners. People really enjoyed the event and got to learn about what we do at MCRP and Rural Action, and it’s always great when we can get our message out to folks who may not be familiar with who we are and what we do.

Presentation About Oil and Gas Development Tonight: Addressing Issues and Concerns

2011-02-22T09:06:00.000-05:00

Rural Action Energy Committee will host a presentation by Chris Perry and Tom Tomastik of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on the subject of Ohio's Regulations on Natural Gas Development and Disposal of Oilfield Wastes. This is part of an ongoing series of presentations to provide information to the landowners of the area on the topics associated with the new methods of deep natural gas exploration. Education on this topic is a common goal of Rural Action, the Sierra Club and the Appalachian Ohio Alliance.

The presentation will be held tonight, Tuesday, February 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Plains Library and is expected to last no more than 2 1/2 hours. The library is at 14 S. Plains Rd. in The Plains.

Tales From The Watersheds - Leah Graham, Sunday Creek Watershed Group AmeriCorps Member

2011-02-21T00:07:00.000-05:00

When I was out well-head sampling with Michelle Shaw, our intern, we saw a Pileated Woodpecker. It was the closest I have seen one: only 20 feet away. It’s large red crested head was so beautiful and big as it was pecking away at a pine tree! Also driving in to work this morning, I spotted a Rough-Legged Hawk that Joe had spotted yesterday and told us about. I was excited, especially since Joe said they don’t come this far south. It’s nice to be reminded why we do the work we do. While we are working to help people in the community, we are also working to make habitat (& water) suitable for animals. It is exciting to be able to connect people to these animals as a way to explain why we do what we do.

Tales From The Watersheds - Maureen Wise, Huff Run Watershed Restoration Partnership Coordinator

2011-02-18T00:07:00.008-05:00

This December has been unusually snowy and cold. We normally have a more smooth transition from chilly field work to frigid field work in major snow, so AmeriCorps member Emily Ankney had to scramble a bit to find warm field gear and adapt to the sampling changes but did so with icy smoothness. One specific sampling day at our Belden Restoration Project will be a day for the record books. Not only was it cold, but there was a lot of ice. It seems to me that Belden does not ice over quite so often as other sites but somehow it did this past month. I remember taking lots of samples from the piping system within the project in mid winter on many occasions without trouble. This sampling round though, all of the pipes had a thick layer of ice over flowing water. Had we known about the ice, we would have brought a shovel or something hard to break it up. Without such a tool, we were left to try to use rocks or our boots. Emily became an ice breaking champion in my book that day. We have a picture of her holding up a chunk of ice five inches thick! (maybe this ice is like a fisherman’s story but I’m sticking with the five inches!) She got down into the pools of water and kicked the ice with her boots, found rocks to hammer away at the ice and did whatever she could to break it up. She did all of this ice breaking as a matter of duty, something that had to be done and did so with little complaining. It was not an easy day and we were both glad for it to be over.

Tales From The Watersheds - Sarah Landers, AmeriCorps member with Raccoon Creek Partnership

2011-02-17T09:07:00.001-05:00

The Winter Owl Prowl was just magical! I was so worried all day because the road that leads to the Waterloo Aquatic Education Center (State Route 56) did not get plowed until 2:00 that day. In the morning I woke up to 4 inches of snow and a level 2 snow advisory and wondered if anyone would even come to our event. We started preparations in the afternoon by cleaning up the center and putting on the hot chocolate. Before I knew it, it was 5:00 and behold, our first two visitors showed up. As I was running around keeping them occupied with hot beverage and owl pellets, a group of kids arrived, and then another family and another. People braved the bad roads (some came from Logan) and they braved the cold (I heard that it was 6 below 0) to come to the owl prowl. And they were rewarded! Pat Quackenbush, the naturalist for Hocking Hills brought two owls to show us and teach us about. The moment he brought the first owl (a Great Horned Owl) out of its’ cage, my jaw dropped. I saw my own fascination reflected on the faces of the children and adults in the room. I had never seen an owl so close, heck, I don’t even remember a time that I had ever seen an owl before that evening. Pat did a great job teaching us about the owl and also brought out a Barred Owl. After ogling the owls and learning about their anatomy and hunting habits, it was off on the prowl. We set out into the 4 inches of fresh snow with our flashlights and bodies bundled against the cold January air. The night was clear and the stars were twinkling and the snow was twinkling back. We stood in silence as Pat called: “who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all” and we waited, and waited for the Barred Owl to respond. The silence continued with a few kids shuffling and mumbling every now and then and getting shushed by the group. Then we heard a call back, and then another, and then another. Yes, there were three Barred owls that responded. We stood silent and listened as Pat conversed with the owls, claiming the territory, and then relinquishing it back to them. Once the owls began to move on into the night we hiked through the snow back to the education center, exhilarated, despite the bitter cold.

Presentation On Oil & Gas Development and Disposal of Oilfield Wastes

2011-02-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

The presentation will be Tuesday, February 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Plains Library and is expected to last no more than 2 1/2 hours. The library is at 14 S. Plains Rd. in The Plains.

Raptors Of The Rolling Hills

2011-02-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

By Joe Brehm
Environmental Education Coordinator
Rural Action

On a typical winter day gallivanting around Appalachian Ohio, it is not uncommon for me to spy four or five different species of raptors. Even just driving from home to work, or from my office to meetings, I have regularly spotted multiple winged hunters along roadsides. The usual suspects are the red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, coopers hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, American kestrel, and the occasional bald eagle.

These five birds of prey range widely in size, habitat, and life history, but have two things in common: they eat meat and are found in Ohio. Red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks are similar in size, diet, and habitat, though differ enough to coexist. Red-tailed hawks generally have one reddish-brown band across an otherwise white breast, and usually have reddish tail feathers. Red-shouldered hawks, however, have mostly reddish orange breasts and striking black tail feathers with white bands. Red-shouldered hawks are typically found more in riparian areas, or near water, and red-tailed hawks are typically perched overlooking fields or roadside meadows. Both eat small mammals, birds, snakes, and red-shouldered hawks have even been observed eating salamanders migrating to and from breeding pools in the spring.

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Coopers and sharp-shinned hawks are perhaps even more similar than the two hawks above. They are Accipiters, a family of hawks with the speed and agility necessary to hurry through dense forests and catch birds in mid-air. They are often seen in suburban or even urban areas, and I have seen both in Glouster and Athens. Coopers hawks are larger and capable of killing birds such as pigeons, or rock doves.

American kestrels are the most common and most colorful species of falcon in North America. They are only slightly larger than a blue-jay, and eat small mammals, insects such as grasshoppers, and birds. They can see in ultra-violet light and the urine of small mammals such as voles appear a bright yellow to these small birds of prey. They can be seen perching on telephone wires or hovering in mid-air above a potential meal during all Ohio seasons.

American Kestrel

Bald eagles have made an extraordinary comeback in Ohio after populations declined severely during the 1960’s and 1970’s. During the winter, bald eagles can be found at or near Lake Logan. They are drawn to the large numbers of ducks that spend the winter there. I occasionally spot adult and juvenile eagles along Route 33 between Logan and Lancaster, usually soaring above the Hocking River. They are also a riparian species of birds, typically nesting near wetlands, lakes, or large rivers. They hunt and scavenge, and can be seen ripping apart deer carcasses during the winter in Ohio.

Drive safely as you find yourself out and about this winter, but keep an eye out for perched or soaring birds of prey that may be right in your backyard.

Huff Run Valentine's Day Fundraiser

2011-01-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

Huff Run will be teaming up with Taggarts Restaruant in Magnolia Ohio this Valentines Day to help raise money for the continued restoration of the Huff Run Watershed. Drop by to help support your local businesses and community organizations.

Library Presenter Gives A Hoot; Kids Try To I.D. It

2011-01-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

By Danaline McPhail Bryant - Athens Messenger Staff Journalist

For an hour on Wednesday, the Glouster Public Library was turned into an owl education center.

Like all branches of the Athens County Public Library, the Glouster library frequently has educational and fun programs for children.

The owl program was presented by Joe Brehm, environmental education coordinator for Rural Action, and Leah Graham, an AmeriCorps volunteer working with the Sunday Creek Watershed Group, a division of Rural Action. During Wednesday’s program, they engaged their audience in games and hands-on lessons about the types of owls found in Southeast Ohio.

Using a large chart, Brehm identified the owls that can be observed in the area. In order of the smallest to the largest, they are the saw-whet owl, eastern screech owl, barn owl, long-eared owl, barred owl, and great-horned owl.

Brehm then played recordings of owl calls and sounds and gave the audience an opportunity to identify the type of owl.

Owl legs and feet vary considerably between species, Brehm said, and with the help of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources he was able to demonstrate that in his lesson. The department loaned him a large case containing samples of avian feathers, wings, feet and talons.

Holding one foot before passing it around to participants, Brehm gave a tracking tip.

“If you ever see owl tracks, they are almost always like an X,” he said, passing the sample to Mallory Spencer, 11.

“Oooh, it’s soft,” Mallory said.

Brehm passed around the foot of a hawk to show the difference in tracks left by other species.

“They’re bigger,” said 10-year-old Tatum Schultz as she compared the hawk’s foot and talons to the barn owl’s. “(The talon) is sharper. More like a point.”

The youngest in attendance was 4-year-old Olivia Koon. Her grandmother, Mary Duncan, said they learned of the presentation earlier in the day when they went to the library to sign Olivia up for a library card. Duncan said her granddaughter has a keen interest in birds and animals.

“She doesn’t like animals — she loves them,” Duncan said.

Graham told the children a Native American story about owls and explained how owls, which are nocturnal hunters, can see so well in the dark. She taught them several games, all based on knowledge of owl anatomy and how it helps them hunt. She also showed them how to make an owl call.

As he ended his lessons, Brehm challenged the children to use what they had learned.
“Listen for the calls, especially this month,” he said. “At night, peek outside before you go to sleep and listen for them.”

Mallory said she’d wanted to attend the presentation because she’s had a special interest in owls for about a year.

“I’ve been reading a lot about them. I just like owls,” she said. “I liked learning how to make a sound like an owl.”

Tatum said she hoped the presentation will help her identify the type of owl that lives near her home. She said she can hear the owl’s call sometimes.

“There’s an owl in the deeper woods, but I don’t know what it is. I liked (the lessons),” she said. “I thought they were cool.”

Brehm said Rural Action has a two-fold goal in making these kinds of presentations.

“First, we want to give the kids something to do that is fun and educational,” he said. “And we want to teach them as much as possible about the place where they live and the critters they share it with. We take ownership of the land when they learn more things about it. Instead of just seeing a forest, they can say that’s a white oak, a deer track or that is the sound of the great horned owl, a nocturnal hunter, and he may be out hunting.”

Copyright 2011 The Athens Messenger

Living Downstream - Moving Showing Februrary 4th

2011-01-25T09:38:00.001-05:00

February 4, 7:00-10 P.M.Baker Center Theatre Ohio University, Free Admission

Living Downstream, an eloquent 60 minute film, is based on the acclaimed book by ecologist and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber,Ph.D., dubbed the Rachel Carson of her generation.

Dr. Steingraber’s poetic and haunting narration traces her year across North America, working to break the silence about cancer and its environmental links. By doing so, she vividly recounts not only her own struggle with cancer but also her struggle with the public and private policies that may contribute to the causes of this disease.

Living Downstream is a powerful reminder of the intimate connection between the health of our bodies, air, land, and water, and the importance of individual activismhttp://www.livingdownstream.com/.

Film with panel and audience discussion will be introduced by Ted Bernard, Environmental Studies Ohio University. Panelists, Ellen Mee, Ohio Environmental Council, Theresa Mills, Center for Health and Environmental Justice, Harold Perkins, Environmental Studies Ohio University and Amber Leasure- Earnhardt, Sunday Creek Watershed, Rural Action.

Sponsored by Center for Health and Environmental Justice, Ohio Environmental Council,
Ohioans for Health, Environment and Justice, Ohio University Environmental Studies, Rural Action, Sunday Creek Watershed Group, Southeast Ohio Watershed Council, Beyond Pesticides Ohio, Ohio Citizen Action, Ohio Hospital Association.

Contact: Loraine McCosker, Environmental Studies, mccosker@ohio.edu

Seirra Club Showing "Gasland" - Tuesday & Wednesday Nights

2011-01-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Sierra club will be presenting the film "Gasland" at the Athens County Library on Tuesday, January 25th at 6:00 p.m. The film will also be shown at Stuarts Opera House in Nelsonville on Wednesday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m. Information about the film can be found here.

Free Webinar Series For Specialty Crop Producers

2011-01-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Registration is now open for a three part webinar series designed for specialty crop farmers. Individual sessions will address advanced production techniques, season extension, and market connections. The webinars are being offered by the Countryside Conservancy and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).

These free, web-based seminars deliver training through the internet directly to a participant’s computer. They will be able to view the presentation through their internet browser and listen to the audio portion through a call in phone number. The sessions will be interactive and allow participants to ask questions and communicate with the presenter. Each webinar will be recorded and available on the Countryside Conservancy and OEFFA websites afterwards.

• The first webinar titled, “Improving Efficiency on your Organic Farm,” will be held Monday, January 31, 2011 at from 7-8 p.m (EST). Two successful organic vegetable producers will lead this webinar: Jon Cherniss of Blue Moon Farm in Illinois and Jim Crawford of New Morning Farm in Pennsylvania. Each of these farmers has over three decades of experience growing and marketing certified organic produce. They will describe how they have improved the efficiency of their farm operations by hiring and managing labor and by carefully evaluating and investing in capital improvements like buildings and machinery. To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/178199998

• The second webinar titled, “Building Mutually Profitable Relationships with Independent Chefs and Restauranteurs,” will be led by Chef Douglas Katz from Fire Food and Drink located in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It will be held at 10 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, February 24, 2011. As a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and a passionate “locavore,” Chef Katz will give participants a first-hand look into how farmers can connect with restaurants in their area. He’ll take participants through the entire process, from approaching a restaurant, to providing samples, the ordering process, customer service expectations, and average volumes of produce ordered in a typical week. Chef Katz was most recently noted in Crains Cleveland Business as a “Who’s Who, 150 names to know in Northeast Ohio.” To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/247897358.

• Our third and final webinar in the series titled, “Effective Weed Management Strategies for Organic Farming Systems” will be led by Dr. Matt Liebman, Henry A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. This webinar will be held in March; details, including the date, time, and registration link to be announced.

Registration for each webinar is limited to 50 participants. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required.

Partial funding for this webinar series is provided through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant.

For more information, contact Rebecca Cole at (330) 657-2542 or rcole@cvcountryside.org or Mike Anderson at (614) 421-2022 or mike@oeffa.org

Raccon Creek Owl Prowl - January 21

2011-01-18T13:05:00.001-05:00

Join the Raccoon Creek Partnership for a winter Owl Prowl at the Waterloo Aquatic Education Center on Friday, January 21st. Arrive around 5:30 and get cozy by a campfire, and enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows. Our program begins at 6:00 with special guests, Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist, Pat Quackenbush and his owls. Then we will go for an evening walk and try to call in our region’s most stealthy predator, the owl! Bring a flashlight and be sure to dress for the weather. Call Heike at 664-3248 or email heikeperko@ohiohills.com to learn more or get directions to the event. You can also visit www.raccooncreek.org for directions. We hope to see you there!

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Extends Sign-Up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program

2011-01-18T09:37:00.000-05:00

Today the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (N.R.C.S.) announced the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (C.S.P.) has been extended to January 21, 2011. Producers interested in C.S.P. should submit applications to their local N.R.C.S. office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2011.

The “C.S.P. benefits rural communities across the nation by protecting and preserving critical natural resources,” said N.R.C.S. Chief Dave White. “We encourage those producers who have already made conservation a priority to apply and work with us to expand the scale of conservation on their land.”

C.S.P. is offered in all 50 states, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change.

Producers are encouraged to apply for the C.S.P. throughout the year to be considered for current and future application ranking periods. Those producers who apply by Jan. 21, 2011, may be eligible for current available funding. The program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and nonindustrial forestland.

A C.S.P. self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if C.S.P. is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about C.S.P. eligibility requirements, contractual obligations, and potential payments. It is available from local N.R.C.S. offices or online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_CSP/CSP.html

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Announces Appointments

2011-01-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director David Mustine today announced the appointments of two new chiefs and the department’s legislative liaison, as well as five acting division chiefs.

“I am pleased to begin building a team of natural resource professionals who will work with me and Assistant Director Scott Zody to support Governor Kasich’s plan of bringing jobs to Ohio, while serving as dedicated stewards of our environment,” said Director Mustine.

David Payne will oversee the Division of Parks & Recreation. Mustine noted Payne’s solid experience in state government, which includes working in the offices of the Governor, Auditor of State, and Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Payne has a diverse management background and excels at marketing and strategic development. Payne said he prides himself on bringing people together and working productively with a broad base of constituents. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Payne is committed to the governor’s plan for getting Ohioback on track, which includes strengthening the Division of Parks & Recreation. He has a passion for Ohio’s award-winning state parks system and enjoys camping, hiking, and ice fishing. Payne lives in Franklin County with his wife and two daughters.

Laura Jones was appointed Chief of the Office of Communications. She brings to the position more than 25 years of experience in the media and public relations industry, said Mustine. Most recently, Jones was audio-visual production manager and Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp program administrator for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Previously, she served seven years in ODNR Director Sam Speck’s communications office, two years with Governor Bob Taft, and nearly 14 years with the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Statehouse bureau. A resident of Franklin County, Jones is an avid outdoors woman who likes to fish, hunt, hike, and camp.

Ben Pendery joins the ODNR administrative staff as its legislative liaison. Pendery most recently served with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Pendery lives in Franklin County and personal interests include fishing, boating and hunting.

Other appointments announced today by Director Mustine include:

Bob Boyles as acting chief for the Division of Forestry. Boyles has been with the department for 28 years. For the past 11 years he has served as Southern District Forest Manager out of Chillicothe.
Ted Lozier as acting chief for the Division of Soil & Water Resources. Lozier has been with the department for more than 24 years, and has served on several core management teams for division.
Vicki Mountz as acting chief for the Division of Wildlife. Mountz began her career at ODNR as the department’s first commissioned female watercraft officer. As Wildlife's executive administrator for Information and Education, she has a total of 25 years with the department.
Carla Camp as acting chief for the Office of Budget & Finance. Camp spent her first 21 years of state service in the fiscal section of the Department of Youth services, and has been the assistant chief for ODNR.
Assistant Director Scott Zody will temporarily oversee the Office of Human Resources.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

The Holland Center is offering FREE income tax assistance

2011-01-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

The Holland Center is offering free tax assistance to help low and moderate income individuals obtain free federal and state income tax return preparation assistance. You earned it and you should keep it! Free income tax preparation assistance is provided through the Ohio Benefit Bank, a Web-based, counselor-assisted program. The Benefit Bank is a free service designed to help you get all of the benefits and tax credits you may be eligible for, resources that can make a real difference in your life. A trained counselor will help individuals prepare and file their tax returns at no cost. Free tax filing programs are offered to anyone whose household income is less than $60,000 per year. You can now file online and receive your refund in as few as 7-10 days with no fees or other charges with direct deposit. You keep every penny! If eligible, clients can also claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a special tax refund program for working families and individuals who qualify for the program.

The Benefit Bank can also help you apply for a range of public benefits, such as Healthy Start & Healthy Families, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASAFA), Medicaid, Child Care Subsidies, Register to Vote and more.

The Holland Center is located at 116 West Main St. in Corning. Please call 740-347-0051 to schedule an appointment. Walk in’s are also accepted. Please bring with you W-2 or 1099s or any other income statement, Social Security Numbers for you and your family, Deduction/Credit Information: tuition bills or child care expenses, Prior years tax return, Adjusted gross income or your pin number from last year, Direct Deposit information for your savings or checking account, Last heating and electric bills if interested in applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Goodworks Walk For The Homeless January 15, 2011

2011-01-07T10:50:00.000-05:00

Goodworks Inc. will be hosting their 9th annual walk for the homeless on January 15, 2011. Registration for the event will start at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. Registration will be at the First United Methodist Church located at 2 South College St, and the walk will begin and conclude from the same location. For complete details go to http://www.walkforthehomeless.net

To find out more about Goodworks and their mission, visit http://www.good-works.net

Ohio State Forests Achieve "Green" Certification

2011-01-06T08:48:00.000-05:00

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced today that Ohio’s 21 State Forests have met the stringent environmental and social standards required for certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® program.

“This is a milestone achievement for the Ohio Division of Forestry,” said Dr. David Lytle, state forester and chief, ODNR Division of Forestry. “Certification reflects the Division’s dedication to the sustainable management of Ohio’s 200,000 acres of state forest land.”

In order to achieve certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® (SFI®) program, the Ohio Division of Forestry demonstrated to independent, third-party auditors that its forest management met standards related to the protection of biodiversity and water quality, public involvement and transparency, and sustainable timber harvesting. The Division of Forestry will also undergo annual compliance audits in order to demonstrate its continued commitment to sustainable management.

With increasing consumer demand for “green” products, SFI® certification will also benefit Ohio’s $15 billion forest products industry. “Consumers purchasing products made from wood grown in Ohio’s State Forests can be assured that they are making a ‘green’ choice,” said Lytle. “Since almost all of the timber harvested from state forests is purchased by Ohiocompanies, certification will help Ohio’s forest product industry expand their businesses into new markets.”

Governor Ted Strickland issued an executive directive to the Division of Forestry to seek certification of Ohio’s State Forests under the SFI® program, as well as a similar program run by the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). The Division of Forestry has also undergone an audit for FSC ® program standards, and anticipates certification under this program within weeks.

“The Division of Forestry continues to set the example for proper forest management,” said Sean Logan, ODNR Director. “Ohio’s State Forests are the only forest lands in Ohioto have earned SFI® program certification. This effort ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy Ohio’s diverse forest habitats and that these same forests will continue to provide an economic boost to the state.”

For more information about certification, please visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry. For information about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ®, visit www.sfiprogram.org, and for information about the Forest Stewardship Council ®, visit www.fscus.org.

Ohiogrows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Monday Creek Hosting Chinese Auction

2011-01-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

On Saturday January 15th, 2011 the Monday Creek Restoration Project will be holding a Chinese Auction event at the Delyn Auditorium in New Staitsville, Ohio. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the auction will start at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Monday Creek Restoration Project. Funds will be used to improve the quality of the watershed and enhance the community by increasing recreational and educational opportunities for both youth and adults.

If you have items that you would like to donate contact the Monday Creek office at 740-394-2047 before January 12, 2011.

Ginseng Culture Video

2010-12-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

This is a really great video put together by some folks in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The video highlights many of the key issues that growers of wild-simulated ginseng are facing, as well as stewards of wild American ginseng.

North Central Ohio Dairy Grazing Conference: January 27 & 28, 2011

2010-12-17T09:55:00.003-05:00

The 2011 Grazing Conference will be held at the Buckeye Event Center, located at 624 Henry Street in Dalton Ohio. This two day program is full of information and opportunity to network with dairy graziers across Ohio and the Midwest. Speakers include Oregon dairy grazier Jon Bansen, Pennsylvania dairy grazier Cliff Hawbaker, US Dairy Forage Researcher Geoff Brink, Holmes County dairy grazier Noah Yoder, and Tuscarawas dairy grazier John Mark Troyer, producer panel and other information sessions. Both days offer beginner and advance sessions for dairy graziers.

The cost for the conference is $45 for the two days. Registrations are due by January 20, 2011. For a brochure or more information, contact Leah Miller at Small Farm Institute, 28850 SR 621, Fresno, Ohio 43812; leah@smallfarminstitute.org or 740.545.6349. Click here to see a conference brouchure.

U.S. Forest Endowment Celebrates Launch Of Shadefund

2010-12-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

A vision that the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (the Endowment) and its partner The Conservation Fund have been working on for many months got a kick-start today as Mercedes-Benz USA announced the first corporate investment in ShadeFundTM. “Since our inception we’ve been committed to finding new vehicles to advance sustainable management of the nation’s working forests and increasing family-supporting jobs in rural communities,” said Endowment President & CEO Carlton Owen. “ShadeFund is an adaptation of microfinance models deployed in developing countries to capitalize community-based entrepreneurship. ShadeFund deploys this capacity across America,” he continued.

ShadeFund will be administered by The Conservation Fund to spur a greener economy by providing financial resources to entrepreneurs and innovators who use natural resources creatively and responsibly.

The Endowment took lessons from successful organizations such as Kiva and Donors Choose to get capital into the hands of local businesses. The Endowment’s Board of Directors made a $1 million grant to The Conservation Fund to research, build and manage what has become ShadeFund. “We couldn’t be more pleased that a global icon like Mercedes-Benz would become the inaugural sponsor of the program by investing in 10-12 Mercedes-Benz Signature ShadeFund Entrepreneurs,” said Owen. The first two investments in the program are Connecticut-based City Bench and Bluebird Hill Farm of North Carolina.

During a time when even the most creditworthy businesses are having a hard time getting loans, green entrepreneurs face especially steep challenges. Often, green business models are unfamiliar to traditional financial institutions and they are unwilling to make small loans of less than $50,000 because there is not enough profit to balance transaction costs and risk.

“Together we can create conservation solutions that spur economic development and reward environmental and social responsibility,” said ShadeFund’s director, Rick Larson. ShadeFund is asking individuals, companies and foundations across the U.S. to make donations to help green entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs. As donations are received, they are pooled by ShadeFund and can be used to support qualified small businesses nationwide. Once the entrepreneurs repay their loans, those same dollars will be recycled to new endeavors.

Eligible industries include sustainable farms, forestry and forest products, eco-tourism and small-scale renewable energy production. ShadeFund loans range from $5,000 to $50,000 and can be used for working capital, as well as for acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment and certification.

To apply for a ShadeFund loan or support an entrepreneur, visit: www.shadefund.org

For more information contact:
Carlton N. Owen
President & CEO
U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
864-233-7646
Email: carlton@usendowment.org

Organizations Endorse State Broadband Project

2010-12-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Rural Action is a member of the Central Appalachian Regional Network (CARN) and applauds the work of its colleagues to bring visibility and real solutions to the issue of high speed internet in West Virginia.

On December 14th, Central Appalachian Regional Network partnered with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy to host a press conference on WV Broadband Efforts. A copy of the press release is below. Click to view photos, hear the press conference, or download the press release. Visit www.CARNnet.org for more news and events.

Winter Snow’s: Schoolyard Enhanced Learning Conference

2010-12-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

The Environmental Education Council of Ohio’s (EECO) 28th Annual Winter Conference will be geared to how environmental literacy and environmental education methodology fit within the context of the 21st Century. Sessions will also examine how the schoolyard and site-specific locations can provide the venue to enhance learning opportunities for students and the greater community.

Many sessions will be aligned to the state of Ohio Academic Content Standards. CEU and one semester hour of graduate credit $278.00 will be available through Ashland University. For details contact Dr. Herb Broda at hbroda@ashland.edu.

The fee for the entire weekend conference is $145. For members of EECO or CVNPA the fee is $135. The fee includes lodging at Camp Nuhop as well as all meals and materials.

Full conference information and registration will be available at www.eeco-online.org.

Camp Nuhop is surrounded by The Mohican State Forest, Pleasant Hill Lake and Malabar Farm State Parks. These nearby attractions in combination with Camp Nuhop provide an excellent venue for winter activities like hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and bird watching.

Register for Winter Snow to learn, commune with nature and to experience what the Mohican Valley has to offer during the Winter.

Strand One: Schoolyard and Site Based Enhanced Learning

Strand Two: Arts and Environmental Literacy

Strand Three: 21st Century Skills and The Environment

Trimble Middle Schoolers See Where Good Food Comes From

2010-12-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

This article was published in the Athens Messenger on December 8, 2010.

By DANALINE McPHAIL BRYANT Messenger staff journalist

Thanks to two local organizations, 60 Trimble Middle School students traveled to an area organic farm, where they tasted new foods, learned about growing organic vegetables and had some fun encounters with farm animals.

The field trip was one of a series of activities sponsored by Rural Action and Community Food Initiatives (CFI).

Joe Brehm, environmental education coordinator for Rural Action, and Molly Jo Stanley, Edible Schoolyard coordinator with Community Food Initiatives, planned the trip as one of the activities they sponsor with Trimble Local School students. Rural Action is a nonprofit organization that aims to foster social, economic and environmental justice in Appalachian Ohio. CFI is an Athens-based nonprofit that works to increase food security.

In the spring and summer, Brehm and Stanley helped Trimble students create raised vegetable gardens, and, after the fall harvest was over, they helped the students get the beds ready for winter.

Recently, as an extension of this project, Brehm and Stanley contacted Mellisa Bailes, middle school activities coordinator, about taking a group of students to Starline Organics farm near Athens. Bailes selected 60 fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders who traveled to the farm in two groups.

“They really enjoyed the trips,” Bailes said. “A lot of the kids had never seen goats, pigs or cows before, and they were totally taken away with the experience. It was a great trip, and they learned a lot about healthy eating. The kids just loved it.”

Brehm said the ultimate goal of activities like the trip to Starline Organics is to give area children knowlege of farming and healthy eating as a way of life.

“Our ultimate goal is to effectively raise this generation of Appalachian Ohioans’ knowledge of how they can make a living sustainably, and the trip to the organic farm was to show them the tools they need to be able to live where they grew up and to make a living here. Often they don’t see a lot of opportunities for jobs here, but showing them an organic farm and letting them see people like Matt and Angie Starline, who are using best practices of farming, can help them see the tools they need to become farmers.”

While at the farm, students sampled homemade puffed spelt, an all-natural product that tastes much like heavily processed, sweetened cereal. The product, which the farm sells at the Athens Farmers Market, has no additives or preservatives. It is made using only spelt, honey and coconut oil. Bailes said many students tried it for the first time and said they liked it much better than commercial pre-sweetened cereals.

Students also were served butternut squash soup made with organic vegetables grown on the farm. While some students didn’t like it, many did.

“When we got back, 15 kids asked me for the recipe,” Bailes said.

On Tuesday, several students talked about their day on the farm.

“I really liked it,” said Sarah Parker, 11. “I thought it was a good field trip, especially with the cows. The soup was good, and the spelt was good. It was an almost perfect field trip.”

“I liked the animals. The goats were funny,” said Robert Scott, 13.

“It was the best,” said Sharron Buchman, 11. “It was very fun. The cows licked our hands. I liked the goats, too. We saw their big dogs, too. They’re mountain dogs that are used for hunting.”

“It was cool. I liked the animals,” said Brandon Hammon, 11. When asked if he worked on the raised gardens at the school, Brandon said he did and enjoyed it.

“We put seeds in the garden and then waited for them to grow,” he said. Katie Riley, 12, said she, too, liked working in the garden. She said the school garden and the trip to Starline Organics gave her the chance to sample new foods.

“I tasted this green thing that tastes like celery. It was good,” she said. “I liked going to the farm. We saw a cow, sheep, dogs and lambs. I liked the cow licking my hand. It had a crazy tongue.”

Monday Creek Interview

2010-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a short video that aired on Channel 4 News, featuring Monday Creek Coordinator Mike Steinmaus.

Huff Run Recieves Award For Reclamation Project

2010-12-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

The Huff Run Partnership has recieved an award for their Thomas Reclamation Project. Click here to find out more.

Monday Creek Restoration Project Featured On Channel 4 News Tonight

2010-12-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

Mike Steinmaus, Coordinator of the Monday Creek Restoration Project, was recently interviewed by Channel 4 news about the restoration of Monday Creek Watershed. The interview will air tonight at 5, 6, and 11 p.m. Check it out if you have the opportunity.

Rolling Stone Interviews "The Dark Lord Of Coal Country"

2010-12-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

Click here to read an interesting article about the CEO of Massey Energy, Don Blankenship.

Rural Action Video From 2010 Fundraising Breakfast

2010-12-03T10:26:00.000-05:00

2010 Video

2009 Video

AmeriCorp Members Travel To Dysart Woods For Ecological Immersion

2010-12-02T12:05:00.000-05:00

Besides water sampling, environmental education activities, data analysis, community outreach and all the other daily tasks each AmeriCorps member has committed to an extensive training program for this year. On October 29th all eight Rural Action Watershed AmeriCorps members joined the Environmental Education Program Coordinator, Joe Brehm, for a hands-on learning experience at Dysart Woods. The purpose of the trip was for members to gain knowledge about our native woodlands, flora and fauna and what better place to do it than Ohio's last remaining portion of old growth forest. Members spent the day learning how to identify native trees, recognize bird species and learn about the history of Ohio's woodlands.

Member Lauren Armeni of Leading Creek Watershed commented, " Initially walking into Dysart Woods felt like going back in time; where the land was still untouched and noise pollution did not exist. All that surrounded us were trees of all sizes and the critters that lived amongst them." Elise Gage of Monday Creek Restoration Project noted, " It was amazing to see such a unique tract of land in Ohio. Not only did we learn to identify some of the native trees and birds, we also learned the characteristics of an old-growth forest." Everyone marveled at Joe's depth of knowledge about the forest environment as he lead them through the natural landscape. It was a memorable experience for all. One member wrapped up the overall feelings of the group as they reflected on the day while traveling home, " We felt somewhat sad since this was just a small remnant of what used to be. However sad we were, we felt very lucky to have had this experience and marvel in the beauty that is Dysart Woods. This trip made us further realize how important it is to appreciate everything around us, because we never know when it will be gone!" The knowledge gained and memories of their experience will only serve to strengthen the members commitment to watershed and environmental restoration efforts.

Enhancing the skills of members through experiential learnings is a key part of the overall AmeriCorps goal. By providing trainings like the Dysart trip, members build their capacity and gain a unique perspective on the work they have chosen to accomplish during their year of service. Sharing their experiences will hopefully encourage others, especially young people, to become active in environmental restoration efforts building a strong base of community support for local projects and injecting a real appreciation for our natural world that will translate into good stewardship practices for a lifetime.

Chesterhill Produce Auction Gift Certificates Available For Holidays

2010-11-30T12:12:00.001-05:00

This year give the gift that supports both the work of Rural Action as well as our Local Food System! Chesterhill Produce Auction Gift Certificates are now available for purchase by contacting Tom Redfern at 740-767-4938 or tomr@ruralaction.org. These gift certificates are available in increments beginning at $10. The 2011 opening day for the Chesterhill Produce Auction has been set for Thursday May 12th! Give a Holdiay gift that lets people look forward to the bounties of spring!

Also for 2011, the Chesterhill Produce Auction (CPA) will be continuing our partnership with the Community Food Initiatives (CFI) Donation Station. CFI will be purchasing fresh local food and vegetable plants from the CPA for distribution to those in need. Chesterhill Produce Auction Gift Certificates can be donated to the Community Food Initiatives Donation Station through Rural Action, just let us know when you place your order!

For more information on the Chesterhill Produce Auction check us out at www.ohiofoodshed.org.

Southeastern Ohio Woodland Interest Group To Hold Holiday Meeting

2010-11-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

The SEOWIG December meeting is a special holiday meeting.

It is scheduled for Monday, December 13 and will take place at The Inn at
Hocking, at 6:00 pm. The Inn at Hocking is located in Nelsonville, and is
close to Hocking College. This is a time for members to share a meal and
some festive Holiday Spirit with one another.

Directions:

The Inn at Hocking is located at 15770 State Route 691, Nelsonville. Take
SR 691 West off of US 33 (coming from Athens this is a left turn, if coming
from Logan, it is a right turn). At the junction of US 33 and SR 691 there
are traffic lights and large billboard that advertises The Inn at Hocking.
Turn on to SR 691 and go past the entrance to Hocking College, which will be
on your right.

Go about another one-quarter of a mile and look for the entrance to The Inn
at Hocking on your left. The Inn at Hocking is not easily visible from
SR691, it is situated back behind the Tri-County Career Center and has a
long lane or drive way in to its parking lot.

A room has been reserved for the group by Joyce Miller for the evening.

A couple of appetizer platters will be ordered, courtesy of
SEOWIG while members order and pay for their entrees from the regular menu.
Joyce Miller has looked at the menu and says that entrees range in price
from $10 to $16. Please arrive shortly before 6:00 pm if possible, so
orders can be taken beginning at 6:00 pm.
While waiting for the meal orders to be prepared and served, Steve Stone,
SEOWIG member, will talk about some of the woodland management projects he
has planned and carried out on his farm that have made it eligible for an
American Tree Farm award.

Members are encouraged to bring spouses, other family members
or any special guests. In order to help The Inn at Hocking prepare for the
evening and room set-up, please RSVP your intention to participate in the
evening to the Athens County Extension office at (740)
593-8555 by noon on Monday, December 6. Please let us know your name and
how many people will be coming with you. If you prefer to RSVP by email,
send me the information at: lewandowski.11@osu.edu.

Happy Thanksgiving From Rural Action

2010-11-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Hope everyone has a good holiday and safe travels

AEP Ohio Adds 26,000 Acres to ReCreation Land

2010-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio continues to add to their conservation legacy with the opening of an additional 26,000-acres in the ReCreation Land agreement area located in Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Guernsey counties, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This area will be in addition to the existing 34,000 acres of the ReCreation Land for a new total of approximately 60,000 acres in a cooperative management agreement with ODNR’s Division of Wildlife.

The AEP ReCreation Land is the largest of five agreement areas owned by AEP Ohio that allow for public use of the property including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking and camping in designated areas. With the addition of these acres, AEP has more than 85,000 acres of agreement land in more than nine counties including Athens, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Perry counties. Other AEP lands that are in agreement with the Division of Wildlife include: Avondale Wildlife Area (4,919 acres), Conesville Coal Lands (14,640 acres), Gavin Wildlife Area (6,885 acres), and Poston Plant Lands (2,300 acres).

Visitors of the AEP ReCreation Land and all other AEP agreement areas must obtain and carry a lifetime permit issued by AEP. The permit is free and can be obtained online, from the McConnelsville American Electric Power office, the Division of Wildlife or at many local convenience stores in the area. An AEP permit allows recreational use of lands that are posted as public recreation areas only. Visitors to all AEP agreement areas are responsible for obtaining maps of the areas and reminded to respect fences, gates and the boundaries of these areas. Entering AEP properties that are not open to recreational use is prohibited by law.

Recreational users must obey all Ohio laws and regulations in addition to regulations specific to AEP agreement areas. An updated map of the area is available online, by calling the McConnelsville AEP office at (740) 962-1205 or by calling ODNR’s Division of Wildlife at (740) 589-9930.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

USDA Funding To Restore Non-Industrial Private Forestlands

2010-11-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today said that $18 million will be made available to assist nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners restore lands damaged by natural disasters. The
funds are provided through USDA's Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

"Restoration activities promote rural resiliency, forest health, and support sustainable economic development. The Obama Administration is committed to helping forest landowners restore property damaged by floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters across the nation," said Vilsack. "Through this new program, USDA will continue to assist landowners in their efforts to improve the health of privately held forest lands."

EFRP participants will use the money to implement emergency forest restoration practices, including emergency measures necessary to address damage caused by a natural disaster to natural resources on NIPF land and restore forest health and forest related resources on the land. The damage from the natural disaster must have occurred on or after January 1, 2010.

The program is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). To be eligible for EFRP, land must:

Have existing tree cover (or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster and is suitable for growing trees); and,

Be owned by any nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation, or other private legal entity that has definitive decision-making authority over the land.

In addition, the natural disaster must create damage that, if untreated, would:

Impair or endanger the natural resources on the land; and, Materially affect future use of the land.

All of the above conditions must be met for EFRP eligibility. FSA county committees determine land eligibility based on on-site damage inspections, taking into account the type and extent of damage.

FSA will use new web-based software developed for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to implement the EFRP. This new web-based software will more efficiently process applications and improve payment tracking. County offices will establish signup periods beginning on or after Dec. 6, 2010.

For further information on how to apply and eligibility requirements for EFRP, NIPF landowners may visit the FSA county office where their farm records are maintained or http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov

Rural Action Seeking Financial and Administrative Assistant

2010-11-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

Rural Action is seeking applications for a Financial and Administrative Assistant. This position is part-time (25 hrs./week). Please contact Candi Withem for a full position description by calling 740-767-4938, or emailing cswithem@yahoo.com. The closing date for this position is December 10, 2010.

ODNR Dedicates New State Forest and Wildlife Area

2010-11-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

Today, Governor Ted Strickland and Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sean Logan announced the opening of Ohio’s newest state forest, the 12,089-acre Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest, as well as the neighboring 3,405-acre Vinton Furnace State Wildlife Area. Together, the two new conservation areas represent a rare, contiguous block of forestland, which is home to a wide array of native Ohio flora and fauna, including a number of endangered species. The site also hosts one of the most important forest research centers in the country.

“Today’s opening of this great forest is an example of true private-public collaboration at its strongest. And with today’s dedication, Ohio now has more acres of public land available to more people in more places than ever before,” said Governor Ted Strickland. “The Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest and Wildlife Area represents an innovative model for conservation that will play a vital role in improving southeast Ohio’s economy while protecting wildlife and furthering educational research.”

In addition to formally opening the new property, Governor Strickland and Director Logan applauded several companies and organizations which contributed the majority of the funding used to purchase the new forest.

“This is an exciting day for ODNR, our many partners, and all who benefit from and enjoy Ohio’s forests,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “For the past four years, we have worked with private and public entities to ensure this amazing forest and all of its features will bring great value, both economic and environmental, to Ohio. We could not have done this alone, so I offer my deep thanks to all those who worked so hard to make this possible.”

The project’s partners included American Electric Power (AEP), The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Rockies Express Pipeline, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, and ODNR’s divisions of Forestry and Wildlife. Non-state sources comprise 70 percent of the funding needed to purchase the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest and Wildlife Area.

"For over a century, AEP has strongly believed in giving back to the communities where we live and work," said Bob Powers, president of AEP Utilities. "Today, we continue that tradition through our proud support of the Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest. Our continued partnership with ODNR and our ongoing environmental stewardship have helped to provide Ohioans a protected recreational area for generations to come."

"In keeping with The Conservation Fund's goal to preserve our nation's working forests, we're thrilled to support this terrific effort," said Dan Sakura, vice president of The Conservation Fund’s government relations. "We commend Governor Strickland, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, American Electric Power, Ohio's bipartisan congressional delegation, USDA Forest Service, Rockies Express East, the Forestland Group and other partners for their vision and leadership to leave a lasting conservation legacy for future generations."

"We can heap accolades on this project all we want, and we should, because we’ve saved one of the last great swaths of Appalachian forests left in Ohio," said Josh Knights, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. “But the most important songs of praise will come in spring, when the cerulean warbler returns from its winter in South America and sets up a nest here. Its song will be welcomed by all the other animals that live in this forest, and by the people who will come here, just to listen.”

“The Vinton Furnace tract represents a major milestone in the protection of more than 2 million acres of working forest land in the United Statesthrough the Forest Legacy Program,” said Robert Lueckel, field representative for the USDA Forest Service. “We in the Forest Service are proud to partner with the state of Ohio and others to ensure that working forests are a vital part of the Ohio landscape.”

The Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest is one of the most biologically diverse woodlands in the country and has hosted on-going forest research for more than 50 years. Located 75 miles southeast of Columbus, the forest is home to the state’s largest known population of bobcats, and is also home to black bears, timber rattlesnakes, cerulean warblers and several rare plant species.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Athens Community Center Goes Solar Powered

2010-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

SolarVision LLC and the City of Athens together with Dovetail Solar and Wind will be dedicating the largest municipal solar system in Ohio (225 kilowatts). What a great combination - solar and carports!!!

- Please JOIN US for this special event -

Thursday, November 18th at 11am

Athens Community Center
733 East State Street
Athens, OH 45701

Sunday Creek Art Basket Raffle

2010-11-10T11:22:00.002-05:00

Sunday Creek Watershed Group will be raffling off two"Art Baskets" containing beautifully crafted works of art from local artists.

Tickets are 1 for $1, 6 for $5, or 25 for $20. All proceeds benefit the Sunday Creek Watershed Group. Winner of the raffle will be notified by December 17th. Buy tickets online at Sundaycreek.org, or write checks to Rural Action and send to the Sunday Creek office at 69 High St. Glouster, OH 45732. Please contact the office at 740-767-2225 or email amber@sundaycreek.org for more information.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE!!

Artists work featured in the baskets include:

Glouster Artist - Tim Lemoine
Perry County Artist - Jim Hart
Rendville Art Works
Starbrick Art Gallery
Nelsonville Pottery
Passionworks
C Square
Pottery Museum and Heritage Center
Athens Artist - Leah Graham
Heron Dance

Wayne National Forest Celebrates 75th Year

2010-11-10T08:24:00.000-05:00

Friday, November 12, 2010 marks the 75th anniversary for the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio.

The Forest will celebrate its birthday throughout the coming year with various activities. On Friday, several employees will participate in local community service projects. In the spring, the Forest is planning to host a public event to celebrate its anniversary at its Forest headquarters in Athens County.

The planning for a national forest in Ohio started in 1934, when Ohio leaders passed the Consent Act of 1934, allowing the federal government to begin purchasing public lands. On November 12, 1935, with the purchase of almost 43 acres in Lawrence County, a national forest was born.

Since the first land purchase, the Wayne National Forest has grown to more than 241,000 acres with lands in 12 counties. Today, a workforce of 70 full-time employees manage the Forest for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife.

The Wayne National Forest falls under the United States Forest Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that has existed for more than one hundred years.
The Forest is one of 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land in the United States.

In the last 75 years, the Wayne National Forest has purchased lands that were so impacted by destructive logging, mining, and agriculture that nobody else wanted the land. Some of the lands were even abandoned and were tax delinquent. Once purchased, the first priorities became erosion control, reforestation, control of wildfires, and the reintroduction of wildlife species.

A Forest once bare of trees from its early days is now reforested with trees that are helping improve the habitat for wildlife. Since 2001, the Forest has completed 32 abandoned mine land projects that have improved the water quality for area watersheds. Today, more than 500,000 visitors come to the Forest annually to experience the great outdoors. From Ironton to Marietta and Nelsonville, the Forest has invested in recreation opportunities for the public to camp, fish, hike, and bike. In the early 1990?s, the Forest opened a designated off-highway vehicle trail system that is visited by thousands of people from across the region helping the local economy.

In 2001, the Forest Service built a new Forest Supervisor?s office in Athens County, a facility that takes into account the local rich history of farming, mining, and also the brick industry.

As we look to the next 75 years, the 2006 Forest Plan emphasizes our continued commitment to improve wildlife habitat and ecosystem restoration.

To learn more about the Wayne National Forest, visit our Forest web site at www.fs.usda.gov/wayne. For further information, the public is also welcome to stop by the Forest Welcome Center located off US Hwy 33 between Nelsonville and Athens or call (740) 753-0101.

Funding Available to 61 Ohio Counties for Hazard Ash Tree Removal and Replacement

2010-11-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Federal grant funds totaling $600,000 are available to communities impacted now or in the future by the emerald ash borer (EAB) in 61 Ohio counties. Click here to view the full ODNR News Release and to see eligible counties.

GoBus: State Of The Art Public Transportation Coming To Town!

2010-11-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

What is GoBus? GoBus is an exciting new transportation initiative operating round trips twice daily beween Athens and Columbus and Athens and Cincinnati with stops in-between for a fare of only $10!

The 2011 GoBus fleet of brand new motor coach buses will feature wireless internet, electrical outlets, and extra leg room. First Class Amenities for First Class Travel!

GoBus is affordable, easy to use, environmentally friendly, and a great way to travel. Come to learn how you, your friends, neighbors, or customers can use this service for only $10.

This collaborative effort is being made possible by the Federal Transit Administration, Ohio Department of Transportation, the City of Athens, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, Greyhound Lines, and Lakefront Lines.

There will be a kick-off celebration on Tuesday November 9th at the Athens Community Center, located at 701 E. State Street in Athens OH. There will be food, door prizes, and a raffle for 20 $50 GoBus tickets.

For more information visit www.ridegobus.com or contact Carolyn Conley at (740)767-4500 or Carolyn@hapcap.org

Fall Canoe Float Down Raccoon Creek.

2010-11-03T09:01:00.000-04:00

Join the Raccoon Creek Water Trail Association for a fall float down Raccoon Creek this Saturday, November 6th at 10:00AM. Catch a glimpse of the changing seasons from a canoe or kayak! Bring your own boat or reserve a canoe for free! This float is not advised for novice paddlers. We will be meeting at Bob Evans on State Route 588, east of Rio Grande. The take out will be at State Route 141 and we will shuttle back once the float is over. Be sure to dress for potentially cold weather (layers that do not include cotton), bring a lunch and plenty of water.

Please check our website for updates or changes, www.raccooncreek.org. For directions, maps, or to reserve a canoe, visit www.raccooncreek.org, email molly@freestylecanoeing.com, or call 707-6655.

If you are interested in learning more about the Raccoon Creek Water Trail Association, please contact Molly Gurien at 707-6655 or email molly@freestylecanoeing.com.

Hocking College Energy Institute Recievies S.E.E.D. Award

2010-11-03T08:43:00.000-04:00

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has chosen the Hocking College Energy Institute to feature as their first Sustainability Education & Economic Development (SEED) Success Story. Click here to find out more about what's happeing at the HCEI

U.S. And Canada Seeking "White List" Of Allowable Plants

2010-10-27T09:22:00.000-04:00

The U.S. and Canadian governments are planning to introduce a "white list" of plants that are allowed entry into each country under a joint Canada-USA greenhouse certification program. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are requesting comments from stakeholders on a proposal to replace the current list of prohibited plants with this new list of allowed plants. What this means is that if a plant is not on the allowed list it cannot enter the U.S. from Canada or vice versa. Many thousands of plants including many herbs will be barred entry under the proposal.

This change is highly significant for both countries because it appears to be a first attempt to implement a controversal "white list" approach to the control of cross-border plant movement. The proposed "white list" is far more restrictive than the current "black list" of prohibited plants that has been in place since the inception of the binational Greenhouse Certification Program in 1996. The proposed "white list" of allowed plants includes less than 1000 plant genera, out of over 12,600 genera of flowering plants known to man. The current "black list" of prohibited plants has fewer than 100 genera.

Gardeners, herbalists, commercial growers, and the gardening and herbal media are encouraged to submit comments.

The deadline for comments is October 31, 2010.

United States: Email your comments to Michael D. Ward, Senior Accreditation Projects Manager, USDA-APHIS-PPQ (michael.d.ward@aphis.usda.gov)

Canada: Email your comments to the CFIA
(horticulture@inspection.gc.ca)

The relevant documents, including the proposed lists of authorized genera and families, are available here.

Become a Fan of Rural Action of Facebook!

2010-10-25T12:04:00.000-04:00

For all of you Facebook folk out there- become a fan of Rural Action on Facebook!

Find out more about what we're working on, check out upcoming events and workshops and read the Rural Rambler, all in one place! We'll be posting pictures (and we'd love to see yours too!) we'll have some fun contests and we're looking forward to gaining more feedback from members utilizing this popular networking tool!

So head on over to www.facebook.com/ruralaction and "Like Us" would ya?

Ohio Environmental Coalition Supports States GreenTransoportation Infrastructure

2010-10-25T10:04:00.000-04:00

Imagine a transportation network that puts clean air, energy efficiency, mobility, and jobs first.

A network with ample options for walking and biking, public transit, and passenger rail. A system that encourages more movement of freight by energy-efficient water and rail routes. A policy that enourages green technologies and seemless connections for travelers and shippers, alike.

Is this the kind of transportation network you want for Ohio? Then join me in attending one of these unique, interactive workshops, sposored by the Ohio Department of Transportation:

All Workshops 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.)

October 25, Monday - Columbus
COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St.

October 26, Tuesday - Cincinnati
Cincinnati Museum Union Terminal - Losantiville Café, 1301 Western Ave.

October 27, Wednesday - Bowling Green
Bowen-Thompson Student Union Bowling Green State University

October 28, Thursday - Portsmouth
Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Scioto Welcome Center, 342 Second St.

November 3, Wednesday - Cleveland
Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre 777 St. Clair Ave.

November 4, Thursday - Youngstown
Youngstown State Williamson Hall Auditorium, 101 West Rayan Ave.

November 9, Tuesday - Cambridge
Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center 7033 Glenn Highway

November 10, Wednesday - Athens
Nelson Commons - Ohio University 1 North McKinley Ave.

For more information or to RSVP, email Go.OHIO@dot.state.oh.us.

Also check out the Ohio Environmental Coalition

Rural Action Environmental Education Program Offers Project Learning Tree Workshop

2010-10-20T09:10:00.001-04:00

On Friday, November 12th from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Rural Action is sponsoring a Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshop at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters between Athens and Nelsonville. PLT is designed to assist educators, both formal and non-formal, to deliver hands on, inquiry-based lessons that focus on environmental topics.

This PLT workshop will cover the Forests of the World module of PLT, which emphasizes forest ecosystems, connections between forests and people, and also engenders critical thinking skills. This module is designed specifically for secondary education, but is also applicable to Middle School and post-secondary levels. In a region where forests are among our greatest assets, the PLT- Forests of the World module assists educators in utilizing this resource. Space is limited.

Please contact Joe Brehm to register at joe@ruralaction.org or via phone at (740) 767-2225. Light refreshments will be provided.

Advanced Energy Conference October 18-19

2010-10-19T00:21:00.004-04:00

TechGrowth Ohio will be conducting an advance energy workshop on Monday October 18th and Tuesday October 19th at Margaret M. Walter Hall located on the Ohio University Campus. The Keynote speaker for this event will be Dr. James Markowsky, the Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy from the U.S. Department of Energy. Registration for this event is $50. To regisiter and view agenda items, visit www.techgrowthohio.com

West Virginia Sustainability Summit and Expo

2010-10-18T09:55:00.000-04:00

Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation in partnership with the Center for Economic Options invites you to a Summit focused on West Virginia's rapidly growing sustainable business sector. The Summit will examine emerging sustainable business opportunities and entrepreneurship; building local sustainable economies; the competitive advantage for sustainable business, local governments and organizations; and job training. It will also provide an overview or highlight businesses that are transitioning or actively engaged in the sustainable economy. Keyneot speakers will include Senator Jay Rockefeller, Neil Hawkins Sc.D, from Dow Chemical, and Anthony Flaccavento from Scale Inc. This event will take place on November 12th at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, WV. For additional information or to register visit the Summit website here

100 Fruit and Nut Trees Available Free to The Plains Residents

2010-10-14T12:01:00.004-04:00

A local tree planting project working to replant trees in The Plains, Ohio needs donations of $20 a tree to cover costs. After a devastating tornado tore through the village on September 16, 2010 and destroyed many of the village’s trees local agencies are taking advantage of an opportunity to cover the community with edible fruit and nut trees for free. Ohio University’s College of Medicine Americorps program (OU Comcorps) will be planting 100 fruit and nut trees on Saturday, October 23, 2010 for the national program Make A Difference Day (MADD). The goals of the project are to increase food security in The Plains, Ohio and surrounding communities, sustainability of local food pantries, and to aid in the recovery and restoration of natural landscape in The Plains.

“Currently we have money to pay for trees that will be planted on municipal land but we need other monies that will pay for trees planted on private land” says OU Comcorps member Kurt Belser. “$20 a tree will not only pay for the cost of the planting and maintenance but will also provide nutritionally superior food for the families and community for generations. Please donate today.”

Collaborators include OU Comcorps, Community Food Initiatives, Athens County Health Department, Athens Arborist ltd., and many local community volunteers. Trees can be sponsored for just $20 a piece, with that cost covering the tree, fencing, mulch, and water. Make checks or money orders payable to Community Food Initiatives and mail or drop them off at 94 Columbus Rd, Athens, OH 45701. For questions or information contact Keri Brannon 740-593-2274 or Brannon@oucom.ohiou.edu

Tree Planting On The Wayne National Forest

2010-10-12T12:30:00.000-04:00

The Wayne National Forest will be conducting a tree planting on Wednesday October 20th at 9 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, meet at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters on Route 33 between Athens and Nelsonville at 9 a.m. Contact Gene, Plewe if you have questions at gplewe@fs.fed.us

Raccoon Creek Partnership 4th Annual Dinner

2010-10-12T09:20:00.000-04:00

The Raccoon Creek Partnership would like to invite you to attend our 4th Annual Dinner on Sunday, October 17th. Canoeing begins at 3:00 pm and dinner begins at 5:00 pm. There will be a special presentation by Pat Quackenbush, author of “Haunted Hocking”. Bring out the whole family and a dish to share. There will also be a silent auction and a drawing for a guided fishing trip. This event will be a great time to catch up on RCP accomplishments, renew your membership, or become a new member. Please RSVP to Amy Mackey at 740-597-1473 or by emailing mackey@ohio.edu. To learn more about R.C.P or this event, you can visit our website at www.raccooncreek.org.

15th Annual Forest Heritage Festival

2010-10-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

The 15th Annual Forest Heritage Festival will be held at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover on October 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry. The festival features entertainment, food, games, craft booths, demonstrations and an old-time fiddling contest. Admission and parking are free.

“The Forest Heritage Festival showcases the work of professional woodland stewards and the products, tools and expertise of the forest industry,” said David Lytle, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “We encourage woodland owners and other visitors to take advantage of a variety of educational activities featured at the festival.”

The festival also plays an important role for Akron Children’s Hospital. Co-sponsored by the East Central Ohio Loggers Chapter and the New Philadelphia Wal-Mart, the Forest Heritage Festival has donated more than $800,000 to the hospital – including $80,000 last year alone – as part of the Log-a-Load for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network programs.

These proceeds are raised through exhibitor fees, a silent auction, donations, food sales and a charity auction that will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 11 a.m. The auction will feature many Amish-made furniture items, quilts, autographed photos and sports memorabilia, and many other items.

The Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau has partnered with the festival again this year and will present the Storybook Barn with fun and lessons for all ages.

For more information, visit www.forestheritagefestival.com or contact Karen Korns at (330) 339-3991.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Fall Food Day Camp!

2010-10-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 16th, Rural Action and Community Food Initiatives will partner to provide a hands on, outdoor learning experience for children ages 8-13. Participants will spend the morning getting their hands dirty in raised beds at Trimble Elementary School, and then eat a delicious meal cooked by Rural Action’s own Bob Fydeski. Bob will use locally grown products to create this fabulous fall dish! Campers will also have the opportunity to take a tour of Starline Organics, a well-known presence at the Athens farmer’s market.

For more information, to volunteer, or to register your child, reach Joe Brehm at (740) 767-2225 or by email at joe@ruralaction.org.

Help Goodworks Fill Their Needs: Fall Wish List

2010-10-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Goodworks is in need of several items this fall to help fulfill their needs at the Timothy House. Donated items can be dropped off at the Timothy House located at 91 Central Avenue in Athens Ohio. Desired items include:

Coffee creamer
Sugar
Pasta and pasta sauce
Canned tomoato sauce
Fruit juice
Dish cloths and towels
Flatware
Umbrellas
Athens transit bus tickets
Liquid laundry detergent
Liquid floor cleaner
Spray disinfectants
Non-alcohol cold and flu medications
Tylenol
Ibuprophen
Household appliances in good usable condition: washers, dryers, gas &
electric cook stoves, food freezers,and refridgerators. Small appliances
include: 4 slice toasters, coffee makers,microwave ovens and vaccum cleaners
with belts and bags.
Plain white tee shirts and tie dye
Face paint
Coffee grinder
Tape measures,
Work gloves, ear plugs, and safety glasses

Athens and Hocking County Recycling Days Coming This Month

2010-10-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

Athens and Hocking Counties will be conducting "Recycling Days" during the month of October. During these events you will be able to drop off unwanted recycleable items inlcuding large appliances, tires, and furniture.
The Athens county date will be October 16th from 8a.m. to 12p.m. at the Athens Recycling Center located on St. Rt. 13 near Chauncey. The Hocking County date will be October 23rd from 8a.m. to 12p.m. at the Hocking County Recycling Center located on St. Rt. 93 North.

This service is sponsored by the Athens-Hocking Recycling Program. Staff will be on hand to help unload large items. The Following items will be accepted with a fee to help cover the handling and disposal cost:

Appliances:

Refrigerator – 8.00 ea. Washer, dryer, stove, Water heater, dishwasher, air conditioner – 5.00 ea. Small appliances(fan,toaster,vacuum cleaner, ect.)-1.00 ea.

Tires:
Car tire – 2.00 ea. Car tire on rim – 4.00 ea. Light truck tire – 4.00 ea. Light truck tire on rim – 8.00 ea. Truck tire – 7.00 ea. Truck tire on rim – 14.00 ea. Tractor tire – 15.00 ea.

Furniture:
Couch – 5.00 ea. Hide-a-bed – 10.00 ea. Chair (stuffed) – 3.00 ea. Mattress and box springs – 3.00 ea. T.V. (20”less)/microwave – 3.00 ea.

E-Waste & Scrape metal - FREE

Monday Creek Restoration Project Watershed Tour 2010

2010-10-06T08:38:00.000-04:00

As the Fall colors brighten the hills here in Southeast Ohio, the Monday Creek staff invites you to join us on a tour of the Monday Creek Watershed. On this year's tour we plan to visit some of the reclamation and historic sites found throughout the area. We will have personnel on hand to describe the projects and answer many of your questions.

The tour will take place on Friday, October 15 from 10:00am until 3:00pm. To assist us in planning for transportation and lunch, we ask that you please RSVP to the Monday Creek office by October 8, 2010. We can be reached by telephone at (740)394-2047 or email at eliseg@ruralaction.org. We will meet the day of the tour at the Monday Creek office at 115 West Main Street, in New Straitsville.

Sites to be visited include:

- Lost Run Headwaters Project – To neutralize the acid from past mining in the Lost Run Subwatershed, the US Forest Service is establishing positive drainage, closing subsidences and improving wildlife habitat. In addition, several open limestone channels, two steel slag leach beds and a water supply lake are being constructed. Hocking College students in the Heavy Equipment Operators course are performing the work.

-Upstream Rock Run Watershed Restoration Project – This project is within a 300-acre drainage that has been heavily impacted by past mining activities. The project involves opening approximately 16 blocked drainages and creating a small (3-acre) pond, ephemeral pools and a meadow. A handicap accessinble trail will go around the pond with benches and interpretive signs in areas where wildlife can be viewed.

-Old Stone Church Historic Site - This is the church ruins and cemetery of a congregation that that dates back to 1825. The building that is now falling to pieces was built in 1839. It was a magnificent structure for its day and is one of the landmarks of southern Perry County.

-The Ora E.Anderson Nature Trail/Rutherford Wetland – This nature trail was once part of the Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad and was also known as the Mineral Railroad. This branch spur was built in the 1870s to connect Nelsonville to a new town site named New Straitsville. Rutherford Wetland was formed as the railroad bed caused water to backup onto farm fields.

Biomass Energy Presentation Highlighting Sustainble Use

2010-10-04T11:32:00.000-04:00

Scott Bagley of the Athens-based National Network of Forest Practitioners will share about his trip to Austria back in early June to learn about wood-based biomass innovations and the role that farmers and forest owners are playing in making the country a leader in the use high-efficiency wood boilers for heating and combined heat and power. As we in Appalachian Ohio consider the role that biomass will play in our energy future, we will be well-served to look outward to countries such as Austria, which has chosen a path of emphasizing thermal applications of biomass. They have found that a more distributed system of small and medium-sized wood-to-thermal energy facilities has resulted in an efficient logistical system and more jobs for farmers and other rural people. Scott will highlight some of the Austrian innovations, as well as the role that forestry and agricultural organizations have played in enabling members to benefit from wood as a homegrown energy source, while ensuring sustainability.

This meeting will be held on October 18th at the OSU Extension Service Office in Athens Ohio.

Ohio Forest Tax Law and Chainsaw Safety Workshops

2010-10-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

Northeastern Ohio Forestry Association's Chainsaw Safety, Maintenance & Tree Felling Workshops. The Northeastern Ohio Forestry Association provides an annual series of chainsaw safety, chainsaw maintenance, and tree felling clinics for firewood cutters and woodland owners who want to take a more active role in managing their woodlots. These classes qualify for up to six hours of continuing education credit under the Ohio Forest Tax Law Program. Click here for the chainsaw training brochure.

2010 Ohio Solar Tour HappeningThis Weekend!

2010-09-30T09:15:00.000-04:00

About: Green Energy Ohio welcomes the annual 2010 Ohio Solar Tour! Green Energy Ohio is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), and GEO's 8th Annual Ohio Solar Tour is part of the National Solar Tour managed by ASES. This FREE statewide event on October 2 & 3 provides the unique opportunity for people to select from 243 open houses or 8 organized guided tours in 119 communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with owners living and working with clean energy technologies, including wind (33), solar thermal (49), solar electric (174), passive solar (34), LEED (35), hydroelectric (1), geothermal (33), Energy Star (20), energy efficient features (76), and biomass (11).

The economic benefits of investing in clean energy technologies have never been better. Learn how friends and neighbors are combating rising energy costs, slashing utility bills, reaping rich cash incentives and big new tax credits.

How to Participate: Visit the Ohio Solar Tour Welcome Page on the GEO website here. Read the detailed information on creating a ‘self-guided tour’ to open house sites or participate in an organized guided tour.

Contacts: Northeast/Northwest Ohio: Athan Barkoukis; (216) 526-5545; Athan@GreenEnergyOhio.org

Trimble Township Forest Offers Educational Opportunities

2010-09-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

On a recent early fall morning, Ohio University graduate student Nicole Finnicum placed a tiny sticker on the underside of a Monarch butterfly's hind wing. Rural Action's Joe Brehm caught this male monarch with a swift swoop of a butterfly net at the Trimble Township Community Forest (TTCF) as a group of first year MSES (Master's of Science in Environmental Studies) students looked on. Ms. Finnicum volunteered to help tag this beautiful lepidopteran as part of a project to learn more about their migration southward into Mexico.

The main purpose of these students' journey to the property, however, was to learn more about conservation and education efforts in rural southeast Ohio. The group of students, led by Loraine McCosker, ventured to the TTCF to meet Brehm and Appalachia Ohio Alliance's (AOA) Steve Goodwin for a hike and discussion.

Goodwin and Brehm explained to students the history of the TTCF and the successful partnership between AOA and Rural Action that protected this 1,200 acre patch of forest for the local communities, and also for a land lab for Trimble Local Schools.

The group hiked an oil and gas road into the diverse patch of deciduous forest and riparian meadow, spotting birds, butterflies, and other notable flora and fauna along the way. One notable spot was a rose-breasted grosbeak, likely beginning its migration southward.

The final destination was the land lab's vernal pools, constructed only months ago by Trimble High School students thanks to a project facilitated by the Little Cities of the Forest Collaborative. Much to the delight of Brehm, the MSES students discovered a gray tree frog around the pools, a sure sign that wildlife are already putting them to use.

Brehm spoke to the students about other ongoing and future projects at the land lab, and Goodwin gave a synopsis of his land trust's role in protecting this acreage. Goodwin and Brehm were both glad for the opportunity to explain and discuss this unique partnership and success story in conservation.

Ohio Chapter Coordinators Needed to Fight Hunger

2010-09-29T08:45:00.000-04:00

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to Ohio food banks.

“Last year’s effort in Ohio was great, with 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties receiving part of the 122,221 pounds of donated meat,” said Josh Wilson, operations director for FHFH. “Our volunteer organization can still use your help as part of the state is without coordinators or meat processors.”

Anyone interested in becoming a local Ohio FHFH coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the "Local FHFH" page at fhfh.org. The current list of coordinators along with their program names and the counties they are serving can be found there.

Prospective volunteers or meat processors can contact one of the existing coordinators to discuss time commitment or any other questions they might have about becoming a FHFH coordinator or meat processor.

Responsibilities of a local coordinator:
Organizing a network of at least one inspected, insured meat processor to cut, package and freeze the donated deer and one food bank or feeding ministry to distribute the meat to the hungry.

Developing a fundraising plan to raise the money needed to cover the meat processing and other local program expenses. FHFH will help you select some fundraising events and projects to work on and you can also approach individuals, businesses, churches, clubs and other organizations directly for support.

Promoting the program so that people can learn about FHFH and become involved as supporters and/or volunteers.

FHFH began in Maryland in 1997 after founder Rick Wilson encountered a woman along a Virginia highway looking for help loading a road-killed deer into her car to feed her children. Inspired to give hunters the opportunity to help feed the hungry, Wilson formed a program that would raise money to pay the butchering bills for hunters that donate deer.

More than 10 years later, FHFH has grown to include 130 local coordinators in 25 different states. Annual meat donation totals have topped 429,800 pounds—enough to provide meat for more than 1.72 million meals—and are expected to increase even further in the coming years.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Olney Friends School Summit Explores Green Economy In Appalachia

2010-09-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

How does an environmentally aware, independent Quaker high school evolve into something larger than itself? How can regional organizations work together to develop a new green economy in Appalachia? Through the summit process,we are growing a network of innovative thinkers. We hope you'll join the conversation!

The summit gathering will mix keynote presentations, panels, and group facilitation with hands-on learning, tours, performances, and exhibits. There will also be opportunities for silent meditation, informal hallway conversations, browsing of books for sale, exploration of the outdoors, and much more. There is no cost for the summit apart from meeting your own needs for transportation, housing, and meals. Check out the schedule, including speaker bios.

Visit http://www.olneyfriends.org/summit/ for more details

Ohio Leave No Child Inside Rally

2010-09-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

On Friday, September 24th, the Ohio Leave No Child Inside Collaborative is holding rallies across the state to showcase efforts to improve environmental education. The main event, held at the Grange Audubon Nature Center in downtown Columbus, includes a press conference with state and local officials introducing the Ohio Children's Bill of Rights and other Leave No Child Inside initiatives. Southeast Ohio's rally will be held at the Wilds. For more information, see LNCI's website:
http://kidsandnature.org/blog/

Reduced Price Energy Audits

2010-09-15T12:45:00.000-04:00

Save money. Cut energy costs, while major rebates are still available.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is providing the following information to make consumers aware of a program that is offered by Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Columbia Gas of Ohio continues to offer a low-cost home energy audit for its natural gas customers. The comprehensive audit will include a visit from a home energy auditor who will analyze your home to identify ways you can improve your home's energy efficiency. The cost of the audit is $50.00 ($20 for income-eligible customers) and is reimbursed when you make any qualified energy efficiency improvements.

Energy efficiency improvements may include:
• Attic and wall insulation upgrades
• Sealing cracks, gaps and holes
• High-efficiency gas furnace or boiler
• Programmable thermostat
• High-performance, energy-efficient showerhead
The more qualified energy efficiency improvements you make, the more you save. Schedule your audit during the month of September and complete the work within 30 days and you can receive an additional $250 bonus .

Brochures with additional information or you may visit the Columbia website at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com/HPS or call 1-877-644-6674 to schedule an audit.

Hocking College Presenting At Green Schools & Sustainable Communities Conference

2010-09-13T11:05:00.001-04:00

A Full-Day Special Focus Session at the Appalachian Regional Commission Conference
Appalachia’s Educational Assets: Investing in a Skilled Future

October 27, 2010 • 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Rome, Georgia

How can schools and communities promote sustainable development while creating new economic opportunities? The Green Schools, Sustainable Communities focus session will bring together education and community leaders to highlight and discuss best practices in developing environmentally sustainable campuses, and education-community partnerships that can support local economic growth.

The focus session, co-sponsored by ARC, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Second Nature, and the Community College Alliance for Sustainability, will be held on the third day of ARC’s Investing in a Skilled Future conference. ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl will open the session with discussion of the importance of sustainable management and practices from a policy perspective.

Moderators and panelists will include community leaders and representatives from educational institutions including the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Hocking College (Ohio), Haywood Community College (North Carolina), West Virginia University, and Agnes Scott College (Georgia). Presenters will focus on the policies, people, and resources needed to foster a sustainable approach to campus development and management, as well as school-community partnerships that can encourage and lead local policy efforts to improve energy efficiency, boost renewable energy production, and support local job creation.

Register soon! Space is limited. There are two registration options:

•Register for the full conference, including the special focus session ($175).
•Register for the focus session only ($50). Those registered for the focus session only are also invited to attend the October 26 conference reception and dinner at the Tellus Science Museum.

For more information or to register for either option, visit www.arc.gov.

Questions on the focus session or the conference? Contact ARC at conferences@arc.gov or 202.884.7700.

September Community Meeting At Sunday Creek

2010-09-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

Sunday Creek Watershed Group invites you to our September community meeting! The meeting will be held Wednesday, September 29 at the Sunday Creek Watershed Group office at 69 High Street in Glouster. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm, starting with a potluck dinner.

After the meal Joe Brehm, Rural Action’s Environmental Education Coordinator, will give a talk about the natural history of the Trimble Township Community Forest. The Community Forest serves as a “land lab” for Trimble Schools and is a valuable asset for everyone in our community. Joe will talk about some of the flora and fauna he has spotted in the Community Forest and will talk about how community members can take advantage of this great resource! Joe is a great speaker and really enjoys sharing some of the wonder of his rambles in the forest. For the dinner please bring a covered dish, salad, dessert, or beverages to share and place settings for your family.

Questions? feel free to call the Sunday Creek Office (740) 767-2225. Thanks and we hope to see you there!

Save the Date: 8th Annual 2010 Ohio Solar Tour on the Horizon

2010-09-08T08:33:00.000-04:00

Green Energy Ohio welcomes the 8th Annual 2010 Ohio Solar Tour! Green Energy Ohio is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), and GEO's 8th Annual Ohio Solar Tour is part of the National Solar Tour managed by ASES.

This FREE statewide event on October 2 & 3 provides the unique opportunity for people to select from 200+ open houses or a few guided tours. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with owners living and working with clean energy technologies. The economic benefits of investing in clean energy technologies have never been better!

How to Participate: Visit the Ohio Solar Tour Welcome Page on the GEO website at http://www.greenenergyohio.org/ost/page.cfm?pageId=719. Read the detailed information on creating a ‘self-guided tour’ to open house sites or participate in an organized guided tour.

Sponsors: Green Energy Ohio, The Ohio Department of Development, The Gund Foundation, American Electric Power, The University of Findlay, Third Sun Solar, AstrumSolar, Ameridian, Dovetial Solar & Wind, Extreme Solar and The American Solar Energy Society.

Contacts:
Northeast/Northwest Ohio: Athan Barkoukis; (216) 526-5545; Athan@GreenEnergyOhio.org Ohio:

Central/Southeast Ohio: Sarah Straley; (614) 985-6131; Sarah@GreenEnergyOhio.org

Southwest Ohio: Jack Clock; (513) 604-7251; Jack.Clock@GreenEnergyOhio.org

New Americorp Members Join Monday Creek Restoration Project

2010-09-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Monday Creek Restoration Project has two new Americorp members joining them for 2010-2011. Elise and Emily will be valuable assets to the project in the coming year. We are looking forward to all of their great accomplishments in the coming year. Continue reading below to find out a little bit more about them!

Elise Gage completed her undergraduate education at The Ohio State University in 2008, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Environment and Natural Resources with a focus on Water Law and Policy. While in college, Elise held an internship with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, where she worked to manage and maintain the state’s wildlife website and other online information.

Enthusiastic about the outdoors, Elise enjoys spending time learning, experiencing, and teaching others about Ohio’s natural resources. She believes great work can be accomplished for the environment when a community is brought together with common goals and interests for a sustainable future. Elise is looking forward to working closely with the local community to help restore the health of Monday Creek Watershed.

Emily Hammon is originally from Logan and graduated from The Ohio State University in June with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation. Hoping to put that degree to good use, Emily is excited to start her position at MCRP and to embark on a new journey into the world of watershed restoration. Her work will include water quality sampling, community outreach and service projects, and environmental education activities with students and residents of the watershed. She looks forward to working with Monday Creek partners, Rural Action, and the neighboring watersheds in the coming year and contributing to the inspiring work these organizations do.

Benefit For The Raccoon Creek Partnership Tomorrow Night

2010-09-02T11:24:00.000-04:00

Hey RCP members and friends! Please come and join us tomorrow, September 3rd at 9:00 p.m. at Jackie O's Pub and Brewery in Athens for a night of great music and fun! Cover charge to benefit protection, restoration and education efforts in the Raccoon Creek Watershed. Tommy Stumpp, That's What She Said, and The Seven Hill Swamp Queens will be providing us with the musical entertainment, and don't forget about all the great food and drink available from the bar and restaurant at Jackie O's Public House. Visit Jackie O's website http://jackieos.com/ for more info.

Hope to see you there!

Ginseng Seed And Goldenseal Rootlets For Fall Planting - Place Your Order Now

2010-08-31T14:39:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder for all you medicinal and native plant enthusiasts to place your orders soon for this years ginseng seed and goldenseal rootlet sale. Lots of orders are coming in and supplies won't last much longer. See below for this years pricing.

2010 Pricing:

Ginseng Seed - 1/4 Lb. = $20, 1/2 Lb. = $40, 1 Lb. $75, 5 Lb. & up = $70/ Lb.

Goldenseal Rootlets - 1/2 Lb. = $15, 1 Lb. = $25

To place an order, contact Tanner at 740-767-4938 or email tanner@ruralaction.org

Free Autumn Olive Control Workshop- The Wilds

2010-08-26T08:02:00.000-04:00

What: Invasive Species Workshop Autumn Olive: Discussing the problem & addressing potential solutions: This workshop is for land managers, landowners and farmers who want to learn practical and effective control strategies to manage this invasive
shrub. Public is welcome!

When: Friday, September 24th, 2010 from 9:45 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Participants will meet at The Wilds Main Parking Lot and Shuttle to The Conservation Science Training Center, 14000 International Road, Cumberland, OH 43732

Costs: FREE (without lunch) or $10 fee (with box lunch)

Agenda: Presenters from the Wilds, ODNR, Division of Wildlife, and others will discuss the issues associated with autumn olive and possible strategies to deal with its control, especially in Southeastern, Ohio. Local landowners and representatives from FDC Enterprise, Townsend Chemical and the Wilds will give live field demonstrations of autumn olive removal (both mechanical and chemical).

Registration: On-line at: http://www.oipc.info/

Directions: The Wilds website at: http://www.thewilds.org/visit/directions.asp

Contact: Shana Byrd, the Wilds Restoration Ecology Coordinator,
740-638-5030 x 2084. sbyrd@thewilds.org

This event is sponsored by:
The Ohio Invasive Plant Council, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and The Wilds.

U.S. Space Energy Policy - Free Presentation Tonight!

2010-08-24T10:41:00.000-04:00

The Rural Action Energy Committee is hosting a presentation by Dr. Don Flournoy on the topic of U.S. Space Energy Policy. The presentation will be held Tuesday, August 24th. at 5:30 p.m. at the Ridges bldg. 22. Everyone is welcome.

U.S. Space Energy Policy - Free Presentation Tonight!

2010-08-24T10:35:00.000-04:00