Wildlife Conservation
If your property includes grassy areas mixed with a few trees, one should consider managing for Eastern Bluebirds . They will readily accept a properly constructed bluebird house and reward you with their presence. For more information on bluebirds, check out the Ohio Bluebird Society or North American Bluebird Society .
Need help with tree identification? View Ohio's tree species at Ohio Division of Forestry . For questions on tree pathology and diseases, contact the Union County OSU Extension Service .
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offers cost share to landowners for converting highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers. CRP reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources.
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) encourages creation of high quality wildlife habitat, such as wetlands and native prairies, on private land. Through WHIP, technical and financial assistance are offered to landowners to develop upland, wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat areas on their property.
Even if your land is dotted with trees, spongy with wet areas, or spanned by cropfields, there are options for creating habitat:
Here is a list of people that deal with Private Land Management
Here are some additional ideas on how to Enhance Wildlife Habitat on Farmlands .
Don't have a lot of land to enroll in one of the programs mentioned above?
Click here for more ways to enhance wildlife habitat in your suburban or urban backyard.
The CAUV program is a differential real estate tax assessment program that provides farmland owners with the opportunity to have their parcels taxed according to their value in agriculture, rather than full market value. The landowner must devote at least ten acres exclusively to agriculture. CAUV may help preserve farmland and/or open space, and promotes long-term natural resources services such as wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge or flood mitigation.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administer federal cost-share conservation programs in Union County. Conservation practices are intended for working agricultural lands in order to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. Eligibility for conservation programs may include the following:
One year ownership of the land
Documented cropping history
Landowners must pay up-front costs of practice establishment until cost-share reimbursement is made following establishment
To determine if you are eligible for a conservation program, call the Farm Service Agency at (937) 642-6741 or (937) 642-5833. A deed copy is helpful and often required. Next, arrange a visit next door at the Natural Resources Conservation Service to explore the feasibility of establishing site-specific conservation practices on your land. Finally, once an eligible conservation practice plan is written and the practice established, visit the Union County Auditor's office to share details of the conservation plan. This will ensure that current property records are acurate.
Located in southeast Union County, Glacier Ridge is the newest Metro Park addition in central Ohio. The 1,038 acre park opened in summer 2004 and boasts a restored 200-acre wetland area and a habitat mix of old forest, field, and grassland for optimal wildlife viewing. Four trails wind across 11 miles of the park, where visitors can traverse a boardwalk through the wetlands or climb a 25-foot observation tower to see waterfowl and other animals.
The City of Marysville has 15 parks which encompass 331.5 acres. Trails wind along the riparian corridor of Mill Creek and offer the best opportunities for bird and waterfowl viewing at McCarthy Park, Mill Creek Park, Mill Valley Park, and Schwartzkopf Park. In 2003, 218 trees were planted along the riparian corridor of Mill Valley Park as part of the Mill Creek Reforestation Project.
In northern Union County, Richwood Lake Park attracts a variety of birds and waterfowl throughout the year. Fishing and a rentable shelter house are also amenities of the park.
Contact Ohio Division of Wildlife at (614) 644-3925 to schedule Education Materials for your school or organization in Union County.
Additional contact info: Ohio Division of Wildlife Conservation Education
Presentations include, but are not limited to:
- Ohio Wildlife Field Guides
- Project WILD Supplements
- Aquatic Education Programs and Materials
- Loaner Trunks
- Wildlife Poster Sets
Material Request forms can be picked up in the Union SWCD office at
18000 St Rt 4 N, Marysville, OH 43040 937-642-5871
I have "Passport to Fishing" materials, loaner equipment, and I am certified to teach fishing to groups. If you have an interest in hosting a fishing presentation, derby, or event, please contact me at the office.
Brent Nickel 937-642-5871 x2220
Have a group of young outdoor enthusiasts that want to get their hunting license? I am a certified Hunter Education Instructor. Give me a call at 937-642-5871 ext. 2220 to discuss scheduling a class.
We have Outdoor Education Programs and Loaner Equipment that includes Passport to Fishing (Fishing instruction w/ Poles and Tackle), Archery Range, Slingshot Range, and a Pellet Gun Range. Contact Brent Nickel @ 937-642 - 5871 x 2220 to schedule loaner equipment or instruction in these programs.
If possible, determine the type of species causing the conflict. Next, try to figure out the attractant, such as food, water, or shelter. Finally, try to "build the culprit out" by modifying the area to keep the conflict species from gaining access or using it. If all fails, contact Brent Nickel at (937) 642-5871, ext. 2220 for species specific tech sheets (outline the life history, biology and conflict resolution for various animals) and/or a list of service nuisance trappers that serve the area.
Immediately contact the wildlife rehabilitators at the Ohio Wildlife Center for specific instruction by calling their 24-hour hotline at (614) 793-WILD.
The Union Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibit discrimination in their programs based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status.
