Special to 1812Blockhouse
While at the upcoming Richland County Fair, visit with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) at the Nature Park, Monday through Friday, August 9 to 13 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
There are many activities planned. Enter the Only Rain Down the Drain contest sponsored by Meijer. The first-place prize is a Coleman cooler and two hydro cups. The second-place prize is a bird feeder and bird food. The third-place prize is a tree sling. Contest rules will be posted at the Nature Park.
What happens to litter and chemicals when they go down a storm drain? They ultimately end up in lakes, streams and rivers. Find out how to help keep storm drains clean at the Only Rain Down the Drain exhibit.
Children will have fun making and wearing farm animal-themed headbands.
Learn about what cover crops are and their benefits. Check out the roots and plant structure of clover, rye, vetch and turnip/radishes. Attend “Cover Crops-What They Are and Their Benefits” on Tuesday, August 10 at 3 PM with Matt Wallace, Richland SWCD Technician, at the Nature Park stage.
If you’re a Richland County farmer, attend an H2Ohio informational meeting on Thursday, August 12 at 7:30 AM at the Nature Park. The program offers funding to farmers who implement proven conservation practices that limit agricultural phosphorus runoff from fertilizer. Phosphorus runoff is the primary cause of algal blooms in Lake Erie. Farmers must sign up before August 31 to get paid for developing a Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan. H2Ohio sign up is handled on a first come, first served basis so farmers are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Farmers, Agriculture Service provides, CCAs and Agronomists can also stop at the Nature Park Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM to learn about the H2Ohio program.
While at the Fair, take time to stroll through the native gardens or relax on a bench under a shady tree at the Nature Park. The Nature Park is an oasis of natural beauty and native plants maintained by members of Richland County Master Gardeners and the community.
Stop by the booths of partnering organizations such as the Richland County Park District, Richland County Master Gardeners, City of Mansfield Engineering Department, Richland County Solid Waste Management Authority, Richland Area Beekeepers Association and Malabar Farm State Park at the Nature Park Building. Building hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily during the Fair.
