Lucas SWCD Celebrates 60 Years of Conservation Service in Lucas County

The Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been serving Lucas County citizens for the last 60 years. Ever since it was founded on this day, May 8, in 1964 as the last of the 88 SWCDs to be created in Ohio, Lucas SWCD has been evolving and growing, currently working with more than 80 local partner agencies.

The mission of Lucas SWCD is to provide leadership for conservation of our soil, water, and other resources in Lucas County through education, information, and technical assistance. As a result of the Dust Bowl Storm in 1934, Soil and Water Conservation Districts were created, leading to a new era in soil conservation for our Country. Like today, much of the work at that time was completed by technicians and engineers working with farmers on best management practices to reduce erosion and ultimately, protect our nation's precious soil resource.

In the ever-changing landscape of our society, Lucas SWCD focuses not only on soil but also on water and strives to help farmers and landowners make choices that will protect and preserve this equally precious resource. While conservation districts are a subdivision of government, there is no mandated public budget for Lucas SWCD. Our conservation work depends on voluntary funding from the Lucas County Commissioners, local townships and municipalities, acquiring grants, and private donors.

Today, our staff of seven employees and Board of five publicly-elected officials, aim to serve the over 400,000 citizens of Lucas County. We provide free educational programming for citizens of all ages on a wide range of environmental topics. We also promote best management practices for soil and water quality through our work alongside farmers and landowners on agricultural fields, drainage ditches and suburban yards. Lucas SWCD also offers convenient and affordable ways to buy native trees and plants, rain barrels, soil test kits, fish, and more through our annual sales.

Unique for 2024, Lucas SWCD, along with several other local agencies, is hosting the first-ever Lucas County Farm Connection on July 20th at MacQueen Orchards in Holland, where all are welcome to come celebrate what is "Home Grown" right here in our County.

​You can learn about Lucas SWCD, our upcoming events and programs, current projects, and more on our website or on Facebook @LucasSWCD.

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