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RookeryFALL 2019 THERE IS NO SLOWING
With your help, Black Swamp There is no slowing down in sight … Conservancy is making a difference in northwest Ohio.This year the The Conservancy is now partnering DOWN Conservancy completed thirteen with the Ohio Department of Natural new conservation projects, protecting Resources on four new restoration projects another 1,840 acres of land in our under the H2Ohio Initiative that are community – forever. intended to support a cleaner Lake Erie and will be underway shortly. We have Among these newly protected properties also secured grant funding through the in sight are three new nature preserves, which Clean Ohio Greenspace Program to stretch from the Lake Erie shoreline to protect three new sites in 2020 – two that the upper reaches of the Maumee River will be new public nature preserves and Watershed on the Little Auglaize and another that will expand upon an already St. Joseph’s rivers. These spaces harbor beloved community space. rare and endangered species, protect water quality and offer opportunities Thank you for your support of Black for public recreation – including hiking Swamp Conservancy and for helping to and canoeing. make this important work possible in our community. We couldn’t do it The Conservancy also completed two without you. large scale habitat restoration projects in the past year. At Carter Historic Farm near Bowling Green, we restored 20 acres of wetlands that serve as a With warm regards, publicly accessible demonstration project showcasing the importance of wetlands to clean water in our region. We’ve also continued on our previous work at Forrest Woods Nature Preserve by restoring another 48 acres of floodplain back Rob Krain to function. Executive Director
H2Ohio Black Swamp Conservancy has been at We submitted several shovel-ready the table on this initiative since early in projects for consideration, four of which its development, and in April 2019, we the State has selected for implementation were invited to join conservation leaders under the H2Ohio program located on from around the state in Columbus. We the Sandusky, Maumee and St. Joseph update met with Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Husted, Rivers. We’re now working with ODNR’s the Directors of Agriculture, EPA and staff to develop work plans and budgets Department of Natural Resources, and the for these exciting projects, which include Simply put, water is life. Lake Erie Commission to discuss H2Ohio the acquisition of a new property for use and the ways we can work together to as a nature preserve, as well as floodplain, Yet, communities throughout the state improve Ohio’s important waters. stream and wetland restorations have long-faced water quality issues throughout the western Lake Erie Basin. caused by nutrient pollution, failing septic tanks, and lead contamination. “Water is the driving force of all nature.” H2Ohio, a new environmental program – Leonardo DaVinci recently established by the state, aims to change all that. The centerpiece of That conversation continued over the this program is a fund – approximately summer when the Conservancy’s staff We look forward to sharing more details $900 million – that will help address toured agency officials through some of with you soon! You can learn more about critical water quality needs and support the stream and wetland restoration projects the H2Ohio program online at innovative solutions to some of the state’s we’ve completed and new sites where we’re H2Ohio.gov. most pressing water challenges over the hoping to accomplish similar projects over next 10 years. the next few years.
Protecting More Than Land Red Horse Bend Forest Woods Nature Preserve Nature Preserve Downy Carrion Grove Sandwort River Redhorse
Cuspidate Dodder Bobolink Ovate or Blunt Spike-rush Black-billed Cuckoo Bell Woods Cattle Egret Sharp-shinned Hawk Three-Birds Orchid
Regal Fritillary Grasshopper Sparrow Raven-foot Sedge Vesper Sparrow Daubel Marsh Leafy Blue Flag Iris Cerulean Warbler Blanding's Turtle Lake-cress Prothonotary Warbler Sandhill Crane Red-headed Woodpecker Meadowbrook Marsh Blanding's Turtle Four-toed Salamander Black-crowned Night Heron
Silver-bordered Fritillary Early Buttercup
Deer’s-tongue Arrowhead Middle Bass Island Preserve Lake Erie Watersnake Black-crowned Night Heron
Threehorn Wartyback Freshwater Mussel Blanchard River
Melanistic Eastern Garter Snake Sharp-shinned Hawk Nature Preserve Clubshell Mussel Kidneyshell Freshwater Mussel Black-billed Cuckoo Rayed Bean Mussel Round Pigtoe Freshwater Mussel Deertoe Freshwater Mussel Northern Harrier Purple Wartyback Freshwater Mussel Clubshell Mussel Sugar Ridge Prairie Rayed Bean Mussel Northern Harrier Northern Bobwhite Purple Lilliput Mussel
Canada Milk Vetch Grasshopper Sparrow Rock Elm
Rattlesnake Master Badger Round Pigtoe Mussel
Northern Crayfish St. Joseph Wetland River Preserve Federally Endangered Ohio Potentially Copper-belly Watersnake Eastern Cricket Frog or Threatened Threatened Ohio Endangered Ohio Species of Concern Blue Spotted Salamander Ohio Threatened RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED Protecting More Than Land SPECIES ON CONSERVANCY PROPERTIES Notes from the Field Melanie Coulter, Stewardship Specialist
This Notes From the Field is coming from very far afield… North Carolina! I’m in Raleigh at the Land Trust Alliance’s annual conference, RALLY.
The Land Trust Alliance provides resources and services (and accreditation!) to land trusts like Black Swamp Conservancy. At RALLY, we get to meet and talk to staff from other land trusts across the country, and it’s so inspiring to experience how we are part of a huge Black Swamp Conservancy protects more community of more than 1,400 land This trend gives me hope that we can slow than 19,000 acres on 145 properties in trusts, collectively protecting more than down declines in wildlife abundance by Northwest Ohio. fifty million acres across the country. committing to large-scale restoration and protection of other habitats, too. Black The diverse habitats we protect are I love learning about how other Land Swamp Conservancy has worked to protect also home to more than 60 rare, Trusts work and hearing about how and restore wetlands and streams and threatened and endangered species they come up with innovative solutions woods all over northwest Ohio, and we’re of flora and fauna, a few of which to problems that we have in common. working hard to do more. are highlighted on the chart on the At this year’s RALLY, I’m focusing on opposite page. workshops and presentations about Water Quality and Climate Change. Land Trusts Biodiversity is in crisis worldwide, and everywhere are major players working habitat loss is the biggest threat to the to solve these crucial issues since Land plants, animals and other biota that make Protection and Habitat Restoration are Thank you! up life on this planet. In Ohio, more than critical to Water Protection and Stay Swampy my friends, 90% of our pre-European settlement Climate Resilience. wetlands have been destroyed, including most of western Lake Erie’s extensive Sometimes, learning about the damage wetlands and the Great Black Swamp. to and threats facing our natural world can be disheartening. But being at a The Conservancy works in partnership conference of professionals working with federal, state and local agencies to toward the common goal of land mitigate factors that contribute to habitat protection quickly spins my feelings to loss threatening biodiversity in this hopefulness and determination to work on region. These efforts include management local solutions. of invasive species, pollution control, protection from development, For example, compared to 1970 the USA and reforestation. now has 3 billion fewer birds. Declines have happened in all habitats EXCEPT WETLANDS. Wetland bird abundance has actually INCREASED since 1970. Why is that? Because we’ve spent billions of dollars and poured gallons of blood, sweat and tears into wetland restoration and protection efforts over the last 50 years. A Year Of GROWTH & LEARNING This past spring, What are some notable things that What was the most difficult thing Michael Schiewer of have happened in your business this you had to deal with this year? Well, Herbaceous, ltd. – the year? The business has really expanded. like everyone, the rain and the late spring. first participant in our Having more land means that we can offer But also, going from 1/21st of an acre to Food & Farm Initiative more product and greater variety. The 2/3 of an acre was a huge expansion. It – began operations on story behind the herbs is really appealing requires a whole new level of planning, Conservancy land. As the winds begin to our clients as well. They like being able and learning the land was a challenge. to chill and herb beds are put to rest for to tell their customers that their products That’s probably the biggest thing – the winter, we spoke with Mike about his are made with herbs grown organically at learning the land that we’re on now; how experiences this season. a nature preserve – how often do you hear it acts and what it wants us to do. that? Then, just a lot of learning. It’s only How did you become involved my third year, so there are always new What was unexpected about your with the Food & Farm Initiative? things to figure out. season? The amount of water that the Through the community; I met Rob [the land holds. I mean, it is a swamp, but we Conservancy’s director] at an event last Do you have a favorite plant that hadn’t really thought about it that way. fall, where I had given a presentation. I you’ve grown this season? It’s not a bad thing, just a hurdle that we was looking for land because my former The lemon verbena. It has an amazing need to learn to work around. We already rental was no longer an option and I fragrance and the leaves have such a have plans to turn the wettest corner into wasn’t sure whether I could continue my bright color in the field. an edible rain garden with some native business. Rob told me about this program berries. that the Conservancy was starting up, and What are your plans going into next encouraged me to apply to the RFP. season? We’ve been struggling to get the What is the best thing about this greenhouse completed, but that will be location? Probably the location itself. It What are some differences between ready to go by spring, so that’s one thing. gets really windy out here and some of this program and other land I also want to tie back into my roots in the herbs, like the basil, can be pretty arrangements you’ve had? The designer landscaping, to create a working sensitive to that. But our field is nestled biggest, most important thing is probably farm on the model of a garden, and hope into the corner of the woods, so it’s fairly the resources. The Conservancy has to open it up to agritourism. It could be well-protected. It’s also accessible from connections in the agricultural and a great site for photographs, meetings, the highway and a couple different cities. conservation fields that we were never dinners; we could have chefs come and That helps us to tap into other markets able to tap into before. It’s also great tour the place where their herbs are beyond Toledo. knowing that the land here has a good grown. We’ll also be taking cuttings of a history; it’s been well-cared for and there’s lot of the annuals here to overwinter in no worry about contamination. The other my greenhouse at home, so we won’t need thing that’s great is being able to use the to start everything from seed next year. land as though it’s mine. PRESERVING FARMLAND By Sarah Williams, Farmland Associate of for the future Black Swamp Conservancy There I was, standing in the middle of a The Conservancy has facilitated shop, laughing out loud and drawing all easements on more than 80 farms, in kinds of curious stares, all because of a four counties. t-shirt that says “without farming, you’d be hungry, naked and sober.” We closed five new farmland preservation projects at the end of October, While the sentiment may not strictly be permanently conserving another 591 true – early hunter/gatherers certainly acres of productive agricultural land had clothing, food and libations – it in this region. These newly-protected certainly made me reflect on the value of family farms, located in Seneca and our local farmland and the importance of Sandusky Counties, were preserved in protecting it. partnership with the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Local Agricultural Easement Land trusts like Black Swamp Purchase Program. Conservancy partner with the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Office of Two more farmland preservation projects Farmland Preservation and landowners are scheduled for completion before the to establish agricultural easements that end of the year. keep farmland under private ownership and protect it against future non‐ agricultural development. BLACK SWAMP CONSERVANCY P.O. Box 332 Perrysburg, Ohio 43552 419.833.1025
Clean Water, Good Food, Wild Places
At Black Swamp Conservancy… We take direct action to permanently preserve northwest Ohio's natural habitats and family farms for the benefit of future generations. By protecting our valuable land and water resources we are supporting healthy communities with strong, sustainable economies. Our work ensures the diverse habitats of our region will be protected for generations and that our children and their children will forever be able to enjoy this special place. Board Trustees Eric Britton, President Brian Kennedy, Vice President Tim Minning, Treasurer Virginia Keller, Secretary
Steve Bowe Paul Croy Mary Fedderke Mary Krueger or Current Resident Dani Kusner Will Lewis Tom Reed Tim Schetter Rachel Sherry Karen Ranney Wolkins
Anne Yager, Immediate Past President
Advisory Council Sara Jane DeHoff Don Leary Clint Mauk Steve Pollick Deke Welles Conservancy Staff Rob Krain, Executive Director
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Linda Wegman A Sarah Williams Green Acres
Our front cover features a Yellow-bellied March Sapsucker, photographed by Brian Zweibel. th Your support helps to protect and restore 13 northwest Ohio's rivers and streams, providing Friday critical habitat for wildlife. Doors open at 6:30 PM
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RookeryFALL 2019 FIND US ONLINE AT BlackSwamp.org