Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District

The application to become part of the AmeriCorps Central Ohio Collaborative for Conservation cohort in 2026-2027 will be open from July 1-12. Save the date, and in the meantime, visit the application page to prepare and learn more! https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/35d98787ee274d969302e6e4cea611f9

has joined our Invasive Trade In program! If you live in the township visit www.communitybackyards.org/invasive-trade-in-program to learn how you can get reimbursed for planting native plants in place of invasive trees and shrubs!

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with a fun-filled day of hands-on learning opportunities, crafts, food, music and more at Franklin Park Conservatory on June 20! Celebrate bees, butterflies and the other wonderful creatures that make our gardens grow during Pollinator Palooza, which will be held at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus.

Do you have any good companion planting recommendations when it comes to native plants? Just like people, some plants naturally get along with each other very well! In this sunny, dry garden example Lyreleaf Sage, Purple Coneflower and Common Milkweed have self-seeded to create a nice dense community that crowds out weeds, keeps the soil cool, and provides habitat for pollinators, toads and other garden friends. Plants that would rather stand alone like Bee Balm, Coral Honeysuckle and Itoh Peonies (Not native, but not invasive) provide structure to offset the wildness of this little patch. No mulch needed in this bed!

Explore the wonders of soil from the comfort of air conditioning with our Youth Education team at the Grove City library this week!

🦖 Join us this week as we kick off our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth A Story!

📆 Explore exciting programs, activities, and events like Ron Spangler Magic and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District as we dig into a summer full of stories, discovery, and fun. swpl.librarycalendar.com

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Want some SWCD swag? Catch us at a community event this month to grab native plant seed packets, Plant Native Plant Stickers, Only Rain Down the Drain magnets & chat with our outreach staff! https://www.franklinswcd.org/calendar

Why would we celebrate Mississippi River Day? All the streams and rivers in Franklin County, Ohio eventually make their way to the Mississippi by way of the Ohio River. When you pick up litter and pet waste, install a rain barrel or rain garden, or keep yard waste and other pollution out of storm drains you’re helping to keep the Mississippi River healthy!

Happy Pride Month! Did you know that the green stripe on the Pride Flag represents nature? Both the naturalness of being an LGBTQ+ person, and the ability of being in nature to create a sense of belonging and wholeness. Just as we strive for a diverse natural world, we must continue to strive for the rights of all of the diverse folks born into our world!
A huge thanks to our LGBTQ+ staff, partners and customers for their work as dedicated stewards of the environment!

Do you mow high?
Setting your mower deck to 3-4" makes your lawn healthier, reduces weeds, and increases drought tolerance so your grass stays greener longer into the summer. Taller grass grows deeper roots that are well-shaded, keeping moisture locked into the turf. The shade of longer grass blades and the denser roots crowd out weeds for a lusher lawn!