Belmont County SWCD 2024 Report Issued

The local conservation district detail the following activities for the year just ended.

Re-Tire Program: Over 4,000 tires were collected and recycled at no cost to the public. Removing these tires benefits wildlife, improves water quality and beautifies Belmont County  

Camp Wild: This year they hosed 17 campers at Barkcamp State Park where they learned everything form fish filleting to fire starting

Ohio Riverfest: Over 300 people joined organizers to learn about and enjoy the county’s beautiful resource, Captina Creek, home to the endangered Eastern Hellbender

Holiday Habitat: Nearly 80 donated Christmas trees were made into wildlife habitat in Slope Creek, Barnesville Middle School and Barkcamp State Park lakes

Outdoor Classroom: With a $5,000 donation from Ascent and EQT, the district was able to create a vernal pool and outdoor classroom and Olney Friends and Barnesville Middle schools

Half Acre Homesteading: The series of four classes that educte people on being more sustanable is managed by the district. The focus in 2024 was on wildlife habitat and processing

Tree Sale: Nearly 5,000 native trees were packaged and distributed by staff

Egypt Valley Trash Tournament: Ten participants helpd clen up an entire dumster of trash from the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area

Senior Fishing Trip: Centerville Senior Citizen Center members enjoyed a fishing trip with staff at the St. Clairsville Reservoir learning how to fish, some for the first time 

Pheasant Hunting 101: Nine first-time pheasant hunters learned about hunter safety, wildlife regulations and experienced the chance to hunt