ASHLAND — Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is looking ahead to an active and engaging new year, setting its 2026 board meeting schedule, the launch of a new five-year strategic planning process, and a full calendar of educational programs designed to connect the community with conservation in action.

Taking care of business first, the Ashland SWCD Board of Supervisors will hold regular meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. throughout 2026. Scheduled meeting dates include: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

In addition, the Board will host a special Strategic Planning Meeting on June 23 at 9 a.m.

A key focus for the year will be developing a new five-year strategic plan. Ashland SWCD will use a variety of tools — including surveys, focus groups, and other engagement opportunities — to gather community feedback and identify the top conservation priorities for the next five years.

The district encourages landowners, residents, educators, and partners to participate in shaping the future of soil and water conservation in Ashland County.

And of course, the district will continue its popular Conservation Chat series, offering monthly, education-focused events that blend education, discussion, and hands-on learning.

Events are open to the public and designed for farmers, landowners, educators, and anyone interested in natural resource conservation. 2026 topics and dates include:

  • Jan. 10, 9 a.m. at the Perrysville Fire Department  – Raindrop to River (water quality and community involvement)
  • Feb. 17, 6 p.m. at J-Star Equipment – Not the Same Old Crap (new manure technologies, equipment, management practices, and cost-share opportunities)
  • March 11, 5 p.m. at the Freer Field Community Room – Ground Rules (soil health initiatives, conservation practices, and cost-share programs, including H2Ohio)
  • April 18, 9 a.m. at The Davey Education Cetner – Pond Playbook (pond management and fish stocking practices)
  • May 23, 9 a.m. at the Hazel Willis Woods – Woodland Wonders (annual wildflower walk)
  • June 8, 9 a.m. at the Hazel Willis Woods – Learning Under the Canopy (Project WILD workshop for teachers and educators)
  • July 1, 6 p.m. at Twin Oaks Farm – Cover Your Bases (cover crop benefits, strategies, and cost-share opportunities, including Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District programs and Ashland SWCD aerial seeding)
  • Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Mohican River – Water You Waiting For? (local water quality monitoring efforts and stream quality monitoring training)
  • September – Graze Anatomy (farm pasture walk featuring grazing management and drone technology)
  • Oct. 1 to 31 at Hazel Willis Woods – Not So Spooky Forest (month-long scavenger hunt adventure)
  • November – From Forest to Flask (exploring the white oak bourbon crisis and its impact on woodland management and bourbon tasting plans)
  • December – Rising to the Challenge (floodplain management, drainage law, and water management solutions for Ashland County)

All board meetings and Conservation Chat events are open to the public. Ashland SWCD invites community members to attend, learn, and contribute as the district plans for the future and continues its mission of protecting soil and water resources.

For more information on meetings, events, or how to provide input for the strategic plan, contact the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District office or www.ashlandswcd.com