Streamside forests and wooded watersheds play a key role in providing clean water and quality habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Trees, especially those along streamsides, absorb nutrients and trap soil particles minimizing their impact on fish and the organisms that they feed on. Forested watersheds and wetlands can also help to reduce the severity of flooding and provide for a more consistent flow of clean water for human consumption. Program attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about watersheds and how humans can impact them
- Understand the role of streamside forests in keeping streams healthy and productive
- Watch an electrofishing demonstration and learn about other sampling techniques used to study streams
- Explore common macroinvertebrates and their use as indicators of water quality
You will have the opportunity to get in a creek and help with seining for aquatic insects. So if you want to jump in, be sure to bring an old pair of tennis shoes or waders and an extra set of dry clothes.
Featured presenters include Jerry Iles, OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator from Fairfield County; Amy Mackey, Raccoon Creek Watershed Coordinator from Ohio University’s Voinovich School; and Sarah Landers, Raccoon Creek Water Quality Specialist from Ohio University’s Voinovich School.
“A Day in the Woods” and the “2nd Friday Series” programs run from May through November and are sponsored by the Education and Demonstration Subcommittee of the Vinton Furnace State Forest with support from Ohio State University Extension, ODNR-Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Vinton County Soil and Water Conservation District, National Wild Turkey Federation, Glatfelter, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College, and Ohio’s SFI Implementation Committee.
This program will take place from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Hope School House Interpretive Center in Zaleski State Forest located at approximately 28000 Wheelabout Road, McArthur. A registration fee of $10 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. Please RSVP by calling OSU Extension Vinton County at 740-596-5212, or email Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu by August 22.
2016 DAY in the WOODS Brochure-Final
From State Route 278 (Across from the Lake Hope Dam) turn east on Wheelabout Road. After 0.2 miles turn right to stay on Wheelabout Road. After crossing the bridge over Raccoon Creek the location will be on your left.
