Columbiana County Soil and Water Conservation District

Columbiana County Soil and Water Conservation District MISSION: To provide assistance, communication, and education through community leadership for the stewardship and improvement of our natural resources.

Pete Conkle
Program Administrator
330-277-2974
[email protected]

Vacant
Administrative Assistant
330-277-2975

Vacant
Little Beaver Creek Watershed Coordinator
330-277-2976

John Beilhart IV
Wildlife/Forestry Specialist
330-277-2977
[email protected]

Vacant
NRCS District Conservationist
330-277-2972

Drue Kovick
Civil Engineering Technician
330-277-2973
[email protected]

The Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a legal entity of the State of Ohio and is administered by a five-member, elected Board of Supervisors. These Board members make important decisions regarding conservation within the county and set the direction for the District Staff. The District works cooperatively with other county agencies, local officials, and conservation groups. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service works with the District by offering assistance to producers within the county. Each of the 88 Ohio counties has its own SWCD, and funding is obtained through the County Commissioners, the State of Ohio, grants, and donations. The individual Soil and Water Conservation Districts within the state serve the varying needs of the county in which they are located. The Columbiana SWCD serves the residents of Columbiana County by providing many quality services. The District works with the local community to increase the awareness and appreciation of the county’s valuable natural resources.

We are now accepting milkweed pod donations for processing and redistribution! Our bin is on the front side of our build...
09/15/2026

We are now accepting milkweed pod donations for processing and redistribution! Our bin is on the front side of our building just to the right of our door.

Before you drop off please consider the following:
1.) Are they ripe?
Do not harvest seed pods before they are ripe. It is best to allow pods to ripen on the stem. When they are ripe, they will be gray/brown in color and will pop open when gentle pressure is applied.

2.) Do they have beetles?
Do not collect seedpods that have already popped open as they may have been infested by the giant milkweed beetle. To prevent this from happening, gently place a rubber band around the seedpod as it ripens.

3.) Are they in a paper bag?
Store harvested pods in paper bags to prevent molding. They need to be completely dry before seeds are collected and shipped.

4.) Where were they collected?
Do not trespass when collecting seed pods. Arrange permissions with the landowner if necessary.

** If your pods don't meet our standards :( please dispose of them. We do not want to compromise our entire collection! **

Can't make our annual meeting but still want to vote for our open board supervisor positions? Check out our election not...
09/15/2026

Can't make our annual meeting but still want to vote for our open board supervisor positions? Check out our election notice below!

The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission will cause an election of Supervisors of the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to be held in accordance with Chapter 940 of the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals who own or occupy land within the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 years of age or older may vote for Supervisor.

There are three ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:

1.) At the SWCD office, 1834-B South Lincoln Avenue, Salem, Ohio 44460, from 8/19/2026 until 9/16/2026 during normal business hours, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday; or until 3:00 PM on September 17, 2026 or

2.) At the SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at Jan-Paul Farm, 7612 McCann Road, Kensington, Ohio 44427 on 9/17/2026 from 5:00-6:00pm ; or

3.) Voting absentee from 8/19/2026 until 9/17/2026, by requesting the ballot application and election ballot from the SWCD office at the following address 1834-B South Lincoln Avenue, Salem Ohio 44460, by calling 330-277-2974, or email [email protected].

Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 9/17/2026 at 3:00 PM.

Two Supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2027 and ending December 31, 2029.

Nominees are:

1. Don Burger

2. Melissa Parker-Smith

Our Annual Meeting is this week! Did you remember to register?📆Thursday, September 17th (Election of supervisors at 5pm ...
09/14/2026

Our Annual Meeting is this week! Did you remember to register?

📆Thursday, September 17th
(Election of supervisors at 5pm - Dinner and Presentations at 6pm)
📍 Jan-Paul Farms, INC. (7612 McCann Rd., Kensington, OH)

📱RSVP with Pete Conkle at (330)-277-2974

Now that Fall is quickly approaching, let's see your favorite nature pictures from this summer!
09/09/2026

Now that Fall is quickly approaching, let's see your favorite nature pictures from this summer!

The Emerald Jumping Spider (Paraphidippus aurantius)  is one of our common spiders that is seen in Ohio. These tiny spid...
09/08/2026

The Emerald Jumping Spider (Paraphidippus aurantius) is one of our common spiders that is seen in Ohio. These tiny spiders are recognized by there emerald coloration on their thorax and abdomen. They also have some gold coloration as well which is very unique for this species. This spider is often seen during the summer months within woodlands, gardens, and on the walls of outside buildings. These spiders are non- aggressive and are completely harmless to humans.

With fall fast approaching what is everyone's favorite fall wildflower? We will be posting our personal favorite here la...
09/07/2026

With fall fast approaching what is everyone's favorite fall wildflower? We will be posting our personal favorite here later this week, anyone have any guesses what it may be?

Coral Fungus (Clavaria zollingeri) is one of our most common fall fungi that begin to be seen around late summer. These ...
09/06/2026

Coral Fungus (Clavaria zollingeri) is one of our most common fall fungi that begin to be seen around late summer. These fungi can be white to slightly orange in color and even yellow or purple. These fungi are not edible but are very neat too look at due to their similar look to coral that you would see on the oceans reefs.

Coming up on September 17th is Columbiana SWCD's Annual Meeting which will be hold at Jan-Paul Farms INC. on McCann Road...
09/05/2026

Coming up on September 17th is Columbiana SWCD's Annual Meeting which will be hold at Jan-Paul Farms INC. on McCann Road. This event will cost $10 and will feature a dinner as well as a year in review presentation from SWCD staff.

Please contact Pete Conkle at 330-277-2974 to RSVP for this fantastic event.

The American Plum (Prunus Americana) is one of the best early fall forages for wildlife such as Whitetail deer, Cedar Wa...
09/04/2026

The American Plum (Prunus Americana) is one of the best early fall forages for wildlife such as Whitetail deer, Cedar Waxwing, and even Wild Turkeys to name a few. This native plum normally begin to ripen towards the end of August into mid September in Ohio and typically is found in dense groves where it grows.

If you are looking for a fantastic wildlife tree to have on your property this is one of our personal favorites.

Address

1834-B South Lincoln Avenue
Salem, OH
44460

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4pm
Friday 7:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+13303328732

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