2020 Press Releases
Cooperative Farming: Darke County Wildlife Area Bids Accepted
The ODNR Division of Wildlife offers various agreements for bid throughout the year. These agreements include opportunities for farming, trapping, grazing, firewood, or timber cutting on wildlife areas for the creation of wildlife habitat. These agreements provide an opportunity for members of the community to do business with the State, and help manage state-owned lands for wildlife.
10/30, Cooperative Farming Summary, Darke County,
Bid Closes: 11/19/20
Bids will be accepted for cooperative farming to improve wildlife habitat on the land owned or controlled by the Ohio Division of Wildlife on the Darke Wildlife Area.
All bids shall be made on the attached form. This form must be filled out completely for the bid to be valid. The Chief of the Division of Wildlife reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in the bidding.
Send all bids to:
Rush Run Wildlife Area
1989 Northern Road
Somerville, Ohio 45064
Bids will be received by the Chief of the Division of Wildlife or an authorized representative until 8:00AM Eastern Standard Time on November 19, 2020.
Unit(s) will be shown by the Wildlife Area Supervisor on November 12, 2020 at 10.00 a.m.
For more information, click here.
10/30, Cooperative Farming Summary, Darke County,
Bid Closes: 11/19/20
Bids will be accepted for cooperative farming to improve wildlife habitat on the land owned or controlled by the Ohio Division of Wildlife on the Darke Wildlife Area.
All bids shall be made on the attached form. This form must be filled out completely for the bid to be valid. The Chief of the Division of Wildlife reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in the bidding.
Send all bids to:
Rush Run Wildlife Area
1989 Northern Road
Somerville, Ohio 45064
Bids will be received by the Chief of the Division of Wildlife or an authorized representative until 8:00AM Eastern Standard Time on November 19, 2020.
Unit(s) will be shown by the Wildlife Area Supervisor on November 12, 2020 at 10.00 a.m.
For more information, click here.
2019 Press Releases
1st Annual Darke County Conservation Day Camp
On June 12th and 13th, 150 Darke County students attended the 1st Annual Darke County Conservation Day Camp at Chenoweth Trails hosted by the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The camp was designed to get kids outdoors and provide a hands-on approach to learning about their environment.
“Our goal was to get kids to unplug for a couple days and experience the environment we live in,” said Jared Coppess, District Administrator for Darke SWCD. “And try to sneak in a couple lessons while they are having fun.” Thanks to generous donations from the Darke County Foundation, Light Foundation and the Darke County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, each camper received a nature journal with reference material to take what they learned at camp and apply it at home.
Camp attendees experienced archery, fishing, crafts, bird feeder building, watersheds, pollinators, soils, trees and survival skills. The kids left camp with a greater respect for the outdoors and a new perspective about how their actions affect the world around them. A grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), ODNR-Division of Wildlife and the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Fund provided each camper with a brand new fishing rod and reel to take home.
“Watching these kids fish and shoot a bow and arrow for the first time was worth all the time spent organizing this event,” said Elizabeth Farver, Nutrient Management Technician at Darke SWCD. “Once you see them smiling and excitedly moving from station to station, you realize it was worth all the effort,” Farver added.
Darke SWCD would like to thank the following sponsors for making this event possible: The Darke County Foundation, Light Foundation, Greenville Ace Hardware, Ansonia Lumber Company, Greenville Lowe’s, Darke County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Aultman Farm and Livestock, Farm Credit-Mid America, Darke County Solid Waste District, Dollar General, Greenville National Bank, Harrod and Harrod Farms LLC, Helen’s Flowers and Gifts, Kevin Jones, Kuntz Ag Products and Services LLC, Leis Realty Company, Nationwide Insurance-Jordan Agency, Ohio Soybean Farmers, Greenville Rural King, Second National Bank, Suncrest Ag LLC and Greenville Walmart.
“We want to thank the 40 instructors and counselors who volunteered at camp, as well as Franklin Monroe FFA for their time and labor in precutting the lumber for our bird feeders. Without our sponsors and volunteers, this event wouldn’t have been possible,” said Coppess.
“We are fortunate to have the support from our community and a facility like Chenoweth Trails available to us here in Darke County,” added Farver. “This has been a great two day event, we are excited for what next year will bring.”
To view pictures of the event, please visit www.darkeswcd.com.
Published 06.19.2019
On June 12th and 13th, 150 Darke County students attended the 1st Annual Darke County Conservation Day Camp at Chenoweth Trails hosted by the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The camp was designed to get kids outdoors and provide a hands-on approach to learning about their environment.
“Our goal was to get kids to unplug for a couple days and experience the environment we live in,” said Jared Coppess, District Administrator for Darke SWCD. “And try to sneak in a couple lessons while they are having fun.” Thanks to generous donations from the Darke County Foundation, Light Foundation and the Darke County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, each camper received a nature journal with reference material to take what they learned at camp and apply it at home.
Camp attendees experienced archery, fishing, crafts, bird feeder building, watersheds, pollinators, soils, trees and survival skills. The kids left camp with a greater respect for the outdoors and a new perspective about how their actions affect the world around them. A grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), ODNR-Division of Wildlife and the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Fund provided each camper with a brand new fishing rod and reel to take home.
“Watching these kids fish and shoot a bow and arrow for the first time was worth all the time spent organizing this event,” said Elizabeth Farver, Nutrient Management Technician at Darke SWCD. “Once you see them smiling and excitedly moving from station to station, you realize it was worth all the effort,” Farver added.
Darke SWCD would like to thank the following sponsors for making this event possible: The Darke County Foundation, Light Foundation, Greenville Ace Hardware, Ansonia Lumber Company, Greenville Lowe’s, Darke County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Aultman Farm and Livestock, Farm Credit-Mid America, Darke County Solid Waste District, Dollar General, Greenville National Bank, Harrod and Harrod Farms LLC, Helen’s Flowers and Gifts, Kevin Jones, Kuntz Ag Products and Services LLC, Leis Realty Company, Nationwide Insurance-Jordan Agency, Ohio Soybean Farmers, Greenville Rural King, Second National Bank, Suncrest Ag LLC and Greenville Walmart.
“We want to thank the 40 instructors and counselors who volunteered at camp, as well as Franklin Monroe FFA for their time and labor in precutting the lumber for our bird feeders. Without our sponsors and volunteers, this event wouldn’t have been possible,” said Coppess.
“We are fortunate to have the support from our community and a facility like Chenoweth Trails available to us here in Darke County,” added Farver. “This has been a great two day event, we are excited for what next year will bring.”
To view pictures of the event, please visit www.darkeswcd.com.
Published 06.19.2019
2019 Education Canoe Float on Friday, June 7th
GREENVILLE – Come out and enjoy a day on the Stillwater River on June 7, 2019. The Darke and Miami Soil and Water Conservation Districts, City of Greenville, along with the Park Districts of Darke and Miami Counties, are teaming up to provide an educational and fun trip covering a little over five miles of one of Ohio’s scenic rivers, the Stillwater River. This is a great way to understand the importance and beauty of our state’s rivers and streams. Reserve your canoe now for a day of sun, fun and learning on the Stillwater River!
This year’s float will begin at the Maple Ridge Reserve at 9:00am and end at the Covington Community Park. We are asking participants to arrive at least 15 minutes early. The cost to participate is just $5.00 per person, which covers your lunch expense. This event is not recommended for those with health conditions.
Reserve your spot today by calling the Darke SWCD office at 937-548-1715, extension 3 or visit www.darkeswcd.com. Space is limited and registrations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Your registration fee, $5.00, is required in advance to reserve your spot on the float. Don’t miss out on one of this summer’s finest, and cheapest, events on the Stillwater River.
Registrations will be accepted until June 5th or the trip is full, whichever happens first. For more information regarding the canoe float please contact Jared Coppess at jared.coppess@darkeswcd.com.
Published 05.16.2019
GREENVILLE – Come out and enjoy a day on the Stillwater River on June 7, 2019. The Darke and Miami Soil and Water Conservation Districts, City of Greenville, along with the Park Districts of Darke and Miami Counties, are teaming up to provide an educational and fun trip covering a little over five miles of one of Ohio’s scenic rivers, the Stillwater River. This is a great way to understand the importance and beauty of our state’s rivers and streams. Reserve your canoe now for a day of sun, fun and learning on the Stillwater River!
This year’s float will begin at the Maple Ridge Reserve at 9:00am and end at the Covington Community Park. We are asking participants to arrive at least 15 minutes early. The cost to participate is just $5.00 per person, which covers your lunch expense. This event is not recommended for those with health conditions.
Reserve your spot today by calling the Darke SWCD office at 937-548-1715, extension 3 or visit www.darkeswcd.com. Space is limited and registrations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Your registration fee, $5.00, is required in advance to reserve your spot on the float. Don’t miss out on one of this summer’s finest, and cheapest, events on the Stillwater River.
Registrations will be accepted until June 5th or the trip is full, whichever happens first. For more information regarding the canoe float please contact Jared Coppess at jared.coppess@darkeswcd.com.
Published 05.16.2019
Registration Now Open for Conservation Day Camp
Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is excited to announce that on June 12th and 13th we will host the first annual Darke County Conservation Day Camp! This camp is geared for current Darke County 1st through 4th grade students. During the event, we will provide students the opportunity to get outside and learn about how their daily actions affect wildlife, water, soil and the people around them. The goal of this camp is to provide an interactive and hands-on approach to learning about the environment. The camp will be held at Chenoweth Trails from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day.
Registration is only $20 per student and includes lunches, snacks, and all program materials. We have many exciting activities planned including archery, fishing, tree identification, bird feeder building and survival skills. Registration is now open and is limited to the first 150 participants. Register online at www.darkeswcd.com or stop by the office to fill out a form. Any questions call Darke SWCD at 937-548-1715 ext. 3.
Published 02.26.2019
Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is excited to announce that on June 12th and 13th we will host the first annual Darke County Conservation Day Camp! This camp is geared for current Darke County 1st through 4th grade students. During the event, we will provide students the opportunity to get outside and learn about how their daily actions affect wildlife, water, soil and the people around them. The goal of this camp is to provide an interactive and hands-on approach to learning about the environment. The camp will be held at Chenoweth Trails from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day.
Registration is only $20 per student and includes lunches, snacks, and all program materials. We have many exciting activities planned including archery, fishing, tree identification, bird feeder building and survival skills. Registration is now open and is limited to the first 150 participants. Register online at www.darkeswcd.com or stop by the office to fill out a form. Any questions call Darke SWCD at 937-548-1715 ext. 3.
Published 02.26.2019
Financial Report Notice
The annual financial report of the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for 2018 has been completed. The report is available at the office of the Darke SWCD located at 1117 South Towne Court, Greenville, Ohio 45331 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Published 02.27.2019
The annual financial report of the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for 2018 has been completed. The report is available at the office of the Darke SWCD located at 1117 South Towne Court, Greenville, Ohio 45331 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Published 02.27.2019
Darke SWCD Scholarship Available
GREENVILLE – The board of supervisors for the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to offer a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior pursuing a degree in an agricultural or natural resources related field. Applications may be obtained at your high school guidance office or at the Darke SWCD office, located at 1117 South Towne Court, Greenville. The deadline to complete an application is April 30, 2019; all necessary materials must be received in the Darke SWCD office by 4:00 p.m.
In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a Darke County resident and be graduating from one of the county’s public or private high schools; have a minimum 2.5 grade point average; be entering their freshman year as a full-time student in the Fall 2019 at a 2- or 4-year accredited Ohio college, technical school or university; and be pursuing a degree in either an agriculture or natural resources related field.
The scholarship award is for $500 and will be processed through the University or College scholarship office and will be available to the students in January 2020 after proof of the students continuing enrollment at the school has been obtained.
The deciding committee reserves the right to refuse the application due to any component, including; incompleteness, essay and recommendation letter content, course type selected and/or previous scholarship earnings.
The intent of this scholarship is to help our best and brightest pursue a higher education in the field of agriculture or natural resources. For more information, please call 937.548.1715, Ext. 3 or email jared.coppess@darkeswcd.com.
Published 2.05.2019
GREENVILLE – The board of supervisors for the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to offer a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior pursuing a degree in an agricultural or natural resources related field. Applications may be obtained at your high school guidance office or at the Darke SWCD office, located at 1117 South Towne Court, Greenville. The deadline to complete an application is April 30, 2019; all necessary materials must be received in the Darke SWCD office by 4:00 p.m.
In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a Darke County resident and be graduating from one of the county’s public or private high schools; have a minimum 2.5 grade point average; be entering their freshman year as a full-time student in the Fall 2019 at a 2- or 4-year accredited Ohio college, technical school or university; and be pursuing a degree in either an agriculture or natural resources related field.
The scholarship award is for $500 and will be processed through the University or College scholarship office and will be available to the students in January 2020 after proof of the students continuing enrollment at the school has been obtained.
The deciding committee reserves the right to refuse the application due to any component, including; incompleteness, essay and recommendation letter content, course type selected and/or previous scholarship earnings.
The intent of this scholarship is to help our best and brightest pursue a higher education in the field of agriculture or natural resources. For more information, please call 937.548.1715, Ext. 3 or email jared.coppess@darkeswcd.com.
Published 2.05.2019
Monthly Board Meeting Notice
For 2019, the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors will hold their monthly board meetings on the first Monday of each month at 8:00 a.m. The meetings will be held at the Darke SWCD office, 1117 Southtowne Court, Greenville. Special board meetings may be scheduled throughout the year. If a special board meeting is necessary, the location, date and time will be posted on the office door and www.darkeswcd.com. Meetings are subject to rescheduling; therefore, please call 937-548-1715 ext. 3 to verify meeting date and time. If you are interested in receiving meeting notices, please contact the office to be placed on a phone or email notification list.
For additional information or if you would like notice of board meeting date/location/etc. changes please contact the district office at 937-548-1752 or email jared.coppess@darkeswcd.com. The Darke SWCD office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Published 01.24.2019
For 2019, the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors will hold their monthly board meetings on the first Monday of each month at 8:00 a.m. The meetings will be held at the Darke SWCD office, 1117 Southtowne Court, Greenville. Special board meetings may be scheduled throughout the year. If a special board meeting is necessary, the location, date and time will be posted on the office door and www.darkeswcd.com. Meetings are subject to rescheduling; therefore, please call 937-548-1715 ext. 3 to verify meeting date and time. If you are interested in receiving meeting notices, please contact the office to be placed on a phone or email notification list.
For additional information or if you would like notice of board meeting date/location/etc. changes please contact the district office at 937-548-1752 or email jared.coppess@darkeswcd.com. The Darke SWCD office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Published 01.24.2019