Tuscarawas SWCD reports successful 2025, looks ahead to 2026

The Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District reported a highly successful 2025, marked by increased public awareness, expanded outreach and continued growth in technical assistance, education and conservation programs.

District officials said outreach efforts related to floodplain management for the Tuscarawas County commissioners increased during the year. The district also continued its partnership with the county auditor’s office on the Current Agricultural Use Value program, providing technical expertise to assist with program implementation.

Tuscarawas SWCD also expanded its technical programs, workshops and educational offerings, providing county residents with additional opportunities to learn about conservation practices.

In 2025, the district received its first Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Partners in Watershed Management grant to complete a streambank restoration project in the village of Baltic. The project protected about 500 feet of severely eroding streambank where trees were falling into the creek. Flexamat material was installed to stabilize the bank, allowing grass to grow through the concrete blocks, with new trees planned along the top of the bank. Officials said the project will reduce downstream sediment, improve safety and enhance the park’s appearance.

The district also participated in the MWCD Debris Removal Program, completing two projects in 2025. One project took place in the Brandywine Creek watershed and the other in the Beaver Dam Creek watershed.

The 2025 Cover Crop Cost Share Program remained steady, with 3,100 acres planted. Cover crops help reduce soil erosion during winter months, improve soil health, retain nutrients and moisture, reduce weed pressure, increase organic matter and support beneficial microorganisms. Signups for the 2026 program will begin in May and run through July 1.

Education and outreach remained a priority for the district, including its fifth-grade field day program. In partnership with Garaway Schools, the district hosted 120 fifth-grade students on a local farm, where they learned about forestry, soils, crops, pasture management, composting and animal health. District officials said they hope to expand the program to include an additional school district in 2026.

The district’s annual tree sale resulted in the sale of 5,750 seedlings. For 2026, offerings will include white and red oak, white pine, Norway spruce, hazelnut, pawpaw and American chestnut, with chestnut trees available in limited quantities. Tree sales will begin in January and continue until inventory is sold out. Pickup is scheduled for April 2, 2026, at the Tuscarawas SWCD office.

District officials said they are looking forward to another successful year in 2026. More information is available at tuscsoil.com and on the Tuscarawas SWCD Facebook page.