Category: Uncategorized

The Stream + Wetlands Foundation is proud to announce an upcoming partnership with The Dawes Arboretum, in collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Affairs team, to restore vital ecosystems in Licking County, Ohio. This initiative, the Rolling Hills Meadow Wetland Restoration project, will transform approximately two and a half acres of previously tile-drained agricultural land into a functional wetland habitat. 

This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward improving water quality, enriching local habitat diversity, and promoting community engagement. The Stream and Wetlands Foundation and the Arboretum have protected over six thousand acres between the two organizations, and we are very excited to be working with them on this project which will have a focus on both ecological benefits and public involvement. The project will offer volunteer events and educational opportunities for those interested in conservation and community. 

With construction slated to begin in fall 2024, the restoration project is poised to become a cornerstone of environmental preservation in the region. The combined efforts and expertise of these organizations emphasize the importance of wetland ecosystems and their role in sustaining biodiversity and supporting healthier water systems and we are excited to see the project develop into beautiful native habitat.  

 Keep an eye out for more details on this and other projects. 

#EcologicalRestoration #RestorationInAction #GenerationRestoration #Microsoft #MicrosoftDCCommunity

See below for project press releases from SER and Dawes:

https://www.ser.org/news/683399/Rolling-Hills-Meadow-Wetland-Restoration-at-The-Dawes-Arboretum.htm

Dawes and Stream + Wetlands Foundation Launch New Project

Save the Date: October 30 & 31, 2024 Join us for an insightful two-day event at the Hilton Columbus at Easton, where leading voices from agencies, businesses, and the industry will delve into the latest federal and state policy issues impacting Clean Water Act permitting, water quality, habitat restoration, and land development across Ohio. Event Schedule: Wednesday, October 30: 8 am – 5 pm (Reception to follow) Thursday, October 31: 8 am – 3 pm We’re excited to feature speakers from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and more. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from consultants, attorneys, and other experts in the field. REGISTER TODAY – SPACE IS LIMITED For registration or sponsorship inquiries, please get in touch with Kellie Griffin at kgriffin@streamandwetlands.org. Stay tuned for more details on consulting education sessions and keynote speakers. Don’t forget to scan the QR code for hotel reservations!

The Stream + Wetlands (S+W) Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of six scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. The awarded funds will be applied to the recipients’ college educational expenses.

The scholarship application process and funds are managed by the Fairfield County Foundation (FCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic viability of the Fairfield County community.

Allie Carter

Allie is a second year scholarship recipient, who will begin her junior year at The Ohio State University this fall. She is pursuing a degree in Environment and Natural Resources, specializing in Forestry and Wildlife, and she is involved in several school organizations, including Collegiate 4-H and the H2O Community Group. Allie made the Dean’s list both semesters this past school year. In addition to her coursework, Allie plans on participating in field-research, lab work, internships, and hands on learning opportunities.

Jules Samuel

Jules will be a sophomore at The Ohio State University this fall majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on water quality and wetlands ecology. Jules was recently a project volunteer where he assisted in a weekend long reforestation effort in southern Appalachian region in Adams County, planting hundreds of tree saplings. Jules’s passion and respect for our environment makes him a great recipient to be awarded the S+W scholarship.

Evelyn Neely

Starting her sophomore year at The Ohio State University this fall, Evelyn will continue to pursue her degree in Environment, Economics, Development, and Sustainability. She is also a secondary leader for the Water and Climate Collective, run by the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, whose current project is devoted to working with an Ohio local non-profit to send water filtration systems to communities in need. Evelyn hopes to continue protecting an preserving the natural environment in her future career.

Michaela Liptak

Michaela is starting her senior year this fall at The Ohio State University majoring in Entomology. She grew up spending time learning about wetlands and the integral role they play in our environment. She is extremely passionate about the natural world and educating others about wetlands and conservation.

Mariola is the newest addition to the Stream + Wetlands Foundation, starting with us in April 2024 as a Biologist. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology from Beloit College and a Master’s in Environment & Natural Resources from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the S+W team, Mariola was a Stewardship Assistant with the Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association (ONAPA), where she gained field experience in land management, rare plant monitoring, and plant identification.

She looks forward to being involved in all aspects post-construction monitoring, maintenance, and management of our restoration projects. 

Licenses + Certifications: Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist

Being able to identify soils on our sites is an essential component to determining where wetlands occur. We are so grateful to have been able to host and learn from Certified Professional Soil Scientist, Frank Gibbs along with Jeff Lapp and Brian Cooley at our 2024 hydric soils training! Thank you to all our attendees for another great training!

On March 27, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued three final #rules aimed to improve and strengthen implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Generally, these revised #regulations will affect the methods by which the Service classifies and lists species, designates critical habitat, conducts interagency coordination, evaluates reasonable and prudent measures, including third-party mitigation options, and how threatened species are treated under the ESA (blanket 4(d) rule). These new rules effectively rescind numerous regulatory changes that had been promulgated during the Trump administration.

Do not hesitate to contact Vince Messerly, PE or Greg Snowden, MS, PWS, CERP to see how these new regulations may affect your project.

More information is available from USFWS here: https://lnkd.in/gZY2ciSj

#species#endangeredspecies#conservation#nature#esa#usfws

https://www.fws.gov/project/endangered-species-act-regulation-revisions