By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
The Seneca Conservation District (SCD) celebrated three quarters of a century of promoting and enhancing conservation practices in the county during its 75th Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 29. The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the event, which gave the public the opportunity to connect with staff, learn about SCD’s history, and enjoy lunch by Smokin’ Sows Barbeque.
SCD District Administrator Morgan Metzger said SCD has changed throughout its 75 years to meet the shifting needs of the county.
“We’re influenced by resource needs,” she said.
Those needs are met through practical support and educational connections to all ages, from nature programs for children at Proving Ground Farm in Tiffin to farm tool rental services for farmers. SCD manages ditch maintenance for Seneca County, and it implements, at the county level, Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio program, which protects Ohio waters across the state.
“One of our big pushes is H2Ohio,” Metzger said. “We need to get this program straight to the farmers in Seneca County. We talk to farmers, businesses and agronomists. We’re adding more acres to the program.”
Farming practices have changed drastically in the last 75 years, and they have continued to evolve in the eight years that Metzger has worked for SCD.
“We go through phases,” she said.
As needs change, the staff adapts to learn different techniques and offer more resources for farmers. No-till drills are available for farmers to rent, and when farmers need subsurface fertilizer tools, SCD provides the equipment and the staff for the job.
“A staff member will do the work for the farmer,” Metzger said. “It lowers overhead cost for the farmer, and they get to try something new on their farm.”
When drones were first recognized as valuable tools on a farm, the SCD staff learned how to utilize them for agricultural needs.
“We had to adjust to learn about drone technology,” Metzger said. “It was something farmers needed, so we learned.”
Another big change to SCD in recent years was the acquisition of Proving Ground Farms. The farm is open to the public for hiking, birding and fishing, and the SCD staff hosts educational programs and events on the property. Proving Ground opened new educational opportunities for SCD.
“Instead of going to the classroom, we are bringing the classroom to nature,” Metzger said.
Several local dignitaries attended the anniversary celebration to honor SCD’s 75 years of impact on the county. Among them were State Senator Bill Reineke; State Representative Gary Click; District Representative for Congressman Bob Latta, Barbara Orange; Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart; Seneca County Administrator Barb Patterson and Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson.
“The Seneca Conservation District began its mission 75 years ago. They started before most of us were born in order to preserve Ohio’s natural resources for our generation,” Click said. “Now a new generation is at the helm conserving those same resources for the generations that follow ours. I congratulate them for faithfully carrying on this great tradition of stewarding our natural resources from generation to generation.”
As a lifelong farmer, Frankart understands the importance of SCD’s work. As a former SCD board member, he is part of the long history of the organization’s impact on the county.
“I would like to congratulate the Seneca Conservation District on 75 years of service to our county,” Frankart said. “As a former board member, I am glad to have been part of the services provided for many years.”
After 75 years of implementing new practices and philosophies, SCD is not done transforming its office to meet the needs of the future.
“We hope to keep improving and add more. Our team is always willing to try something new and innovative,” Metzger said. “We are farmer-friendly. Whether you are old-school farmers or want to try something new, we’re here for you.”