Welcome to the Allen Soil & Water Conservation District!

The mission of the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote the wise use, improvement and maintenance of the soil, water and other natural resources in Allen County.

Upcoming Events:

​​March 2
​March 3 & 4
March 18
May 8
​May 14
​Deadline to apply for internship - 4:30pm
Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference | Ohio Northern University
​Board Meeting - 7:00pm | ASWCD Office, 1601 E. 4th Street
Deadline to order from Fish Fingerling Sale
Fish Pickup

District Services and Programs

​Water Management Systems and Erosion Control Practices​
ASWCD will survey, design, and draw plans of water management systems and erosion control practices such as: grassed waterways, erosion control structures, water and sediment control basins, surface drainage, filter strips, animal waste storage facilities, and windbreaks. Consultative assistance is also provided for subsurface drainage.
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​>Drainage Program
>Field Windbreak Program
​​>Pond Design
Natural Resources Review Program

The Natural Resources Review Program evaluates properties with the primary goal of minimizing the negative effects from development to the property and neighboring land.  Ideally a review is conducted prior to a zoning permit being issued or approved.  

>Natural Resources Review       Program
​>Submit a Request
Education Programs

ASWCD offers school programs, slide presentations, tours, field days, pond clinics, woodland clinics, ect. to the public at no cost. School programs have been correlated with Ohio Academic Content Standards. All programs need to be scheduled with ASWCD. 

​>Education Programs
>Classroom Programs Brochure

Current Features

Our Fish Fingerling Sale is going on now. Order now for May pickup!
Register now for the 2020 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference on March 3 & 4 and learn more about successful farming practices.

We're looking for interns for the summer of 2020. If you love working outside and want to learn more about our environment and how to protect it, we want you! Learn more here.

Manure Management

With the early snow and bitter temperatures, you need to know the rules for the application of manure on frozen, snow covered and saturated ground. Spreading nutrients on these soil conditions increases the risk for run-off which pollutes our streams and wells. In addition to the impact on water quality, you will lose the nutrients you need for next year's crops.
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Here is what you need to know:

In this area, no person shall surface apply manure under the following circumstances: 
  • On snow-covered or frozen soil;
  • When the top 2 inches of the soil are saturated from precipitation; or 
  • When the weather forecast in the application area  calls for >50% chance of rain exceeding one-half  inch in a 24 hr. period.
  • These restrictions on the surface application of manure do not apply under any of the following: 
    • The manure is injected into the ground;
    • The manure is incorporated within 24 hours of surface application;
    • The manure is applied onto a growing crop;
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Each owner, operator, animal manure applicator, or person responsible for land application of manure from an animal feeding operation shall minimize pollution from occurring on land application areas. Manure is a valuable resource that needs to be managed effectively and efficiently. Learn more by clicking here.
Learn more about the ​10 best management practices being championed by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture regarding phosphorus reduction in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Further details will be released in the spring. Learn more at the H2Ohio website.

The longest cascading waterway in Ohio is being constructed right here in Allen County. Learn more about how this best management practice is helping farmers manage water on their land by clicking here.

The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District interns have added floating wetlands to Bear Pit Pond and Cemetery Pond in Faurot Park to balance the ecosystem in these bodies of water. Read all the details here.​

The City of Lima 2020 Tree Rebate Program

The City of Lima is offering a 50% rebate for the purchase and professional installation of trees within the city's limits.  For more information click on the link to the right.
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City of Lima Tree Rebate

Maximize Yields and Improve Water Quality

Learn about several different Ag BMPs from The Ohio State University Extension to maximize yield and improve water quality. Click HERE to visit their website.

Nutrient Management App

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If you have a smart phone, there is an App called OnMRK to help you with Nutrient Management Record Keeping. Download the App in the Google Play Store for Android, or iTunes for Apple users. Go to www.onmrk.com to register your account. ​​
Check out the Ottawa River Coalition's video spotlighting their many community partners, including ASWCD!
Tree Seedlings for Students
All Allen County 3rd graders received Norway Spruce seedlings and all 1st graders received Pin Oak seedlings in April.
The video below demonstrates how to plant and care for the new trees. 
Enjoy!