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 stream sides, 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 macroinvertebrates and other indicators of water quality
- Enjoy an optional guided float down Raccoon Creek (additional fee of $12)
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 Carrie Brown, ANR Educator-OSU Extension Fairfield County; Amy Mackey,Raccoon Creek Watershed Coordinator-Ohio University’s Voinovich School; Levi Arnold, Region 7 Watershed Manager-ODA Division of Soil & Water Conservation; Bob Mulligan, Forest Hydrology Manager- Ohio Division of Forestry; Jenna Balazs,Watershed Education and Outreach Coordinator-Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District; Rebecca Miller, Education Specialist-Hocking Soil and Water Conservatoin District; Kelly Capuzzi, State Fisheries Biologist-Ohio EPA; and Kaylin Callander, Naturalist- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft.
This program will take place from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Hope School House Interpretive Center in Zaleski State Forest located at approximately 28000 Wheelabout Road, McArthur. A registration fee of $12 will cover the cost of lunch and program materials. An optional float trip will take place from approximately 2:15 to 6:00 PM. An additional fee of $12 Canoe or Kayak rental, and shuttle. Be sure to let us know if you’re planning to join us on the float trip.
Please use one of the following methods to register by June 8th:
- Register and pay online: http://go.osu.edu/vintonswcd Select June 10 (be sure to also select June 10 float if you plan to kayak)
- Call: Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District (740-596-5676)
- Email: Dave Apsley at apsley.1@osu.edu
