Your Partner in Conserving Marion County's Natural Resources
Marion County Ohio Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmland
Preservation Sign Up Now Underway:
2026 Tree Sale:
Farmland Preservation 2026 funding round is now open. Applications will be accepted from January 15, 2026, until April 1, 2026. Please fill out the pre-application form if you are interested in the 2026 round and return to michelle.mattix@oh.nacdnet.net
2026 Tree Sale is now underway. Orders are on a first come, first serve basis, until stock is gone. Order pick-up will be held at the Marion SWCD office on April 14-17, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
2026 Marion SWCD Nature Day Camps
June 16th: Girl Scout Camp Crooked Lane, 6998 County Rd 40, Mount Gilead
June 23rd: Pleasant Township Park, 1144 Owens Rd W, Marion
Camps are on a first come first serve basis to the first 30 preregistered, prepaid campers.
Camps are open to ages 6-11
PDF Printable:
Day Camp Registration Form 2026 Day Camp-Agenda-What to bring
Committed to a Thriving Marion County
The Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is dedicated to conserving and improving the natural resources of Marion County, Ohio. We work hand-in-hand with landowners, farmers, and our community to ensure a healthy environment and a productive landscape for generations to come. Our focus is on providing technical assistance, educational programs, and financial incentives to support voluntary conservation efforts on your land.
Key Initiatives:
H2Ohio Program: We are proud to be a local leader in Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative. Through this program, we offer financial assistance to farmers who implement proven conservation practices that reduce nutrient runoff, create wetlands, and improve water quality in our local streams and rivers.
Agricultural Conservation: We provide technical guidance on a variety of conservation practices tailored to Marion County’s agricultural landscape. This includes assistance with:
Nutrient Management
Cover Crops
Soil Health Improvement
Erosion Control
Drainage Water Management
Farmland Preservation: In partnership with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, we are committed to preserving our valuable agricultural land for future generations.
Services We Offer
Whether you are a farmer, a homeowner, or a concerned citizen, the Marion County SWCD is here to help you be a better steward of the land. Our services include:
Free Technical Assistance: Our knowledgeable staff can provide one-on-one consultations to help you address soil and water conservation challenges on your property.
Educational Workshops and Field Days: We host a variety of educational events throughout the year to share the latest conservation techniques and best management practices.
Information and Resources: We can provide you with information on a wide range of topics, from soil testing and cover crop selection to backyard conservation and pond management.
Connections to Funding Opportunities: We can help you identify and apply for federal, state, and local cost-share programs to help you implement conservation practices.
News and Updates:
Congratulations to Bob and Betty Jo Lill on being honored as the 2025 Marion SWCD Cooperator of the Year!