Education

Connecting Through Citizen Science in the COVID-19 Era

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 12/07/2020 / Comments Off on Connecting Through Citizen Science in the COVID-19 Era

Looking for ways to connect with others in the midst of this pandemic? Citizen Science may just be the answer. Amid a global pandemic, it’s not uncommon to experience a sense of isolation and a thirst for human connection. Citizen Science is an ideal way to connect with others virtually, while contributing information that can…

Read More

“Pond”ering Your Backyard Watering Hole? Tips for New and Veteran Pond Owners

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 11/30/2020 / Comments Off on “Pond”ering Your Backyard Watering Hole? Tips for New and Veteran Pond Owners

We often receive questions regarding new pond construction, as well as the maintenance of an established pond. This week we cover the common “dos” and “don’ts” of pond management. Do: Don’t:

Read More

Ghost Pipes, Kudzu, and Dodder, OH MY! 3 Real Plants that Rival Halloween Monsters

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 10/30/2020 / Comments Off on Ghost Pipes, Kudzu, and Dodder, OH MY! 3 Real Plants that Rival Halloween Monsters

From Vampires and Ghosts to Werewolves and Zombies, science fiction and horror writers have created many startling characters with terrifying, yet memorable, traits. With Halloween quickly approaching, let’s take a look at three science fiction inspirations…that are anything but fiction. Dodder With nicknames that include “Devil’s guts,” “vampire plant,” and “witch’s hair,” few plants hold the spook-factor that dodder…

Read More

Engulfed in Leaves? 3 Options for Dealing with your Trees’ Autumn Offerings

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 10/21/2020 / Comments Off on Engulfed in Leaves? 3 Options for Dealing with your Trees’ Autumn Offerings

This week we wrap up our series on leaves by examining the methods and benefits of utilizing the fallen ones! I don’t know about you, but one of the keystone autumn memories I cherish from my childhood is raking leaves into an enormous pile…only to wreck my efforts by diving into them. Of course, this…

Read More

4 Mysteries of Autumn Revealed

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 10/15/2020 / Comments Off on 4 Mysteries of Autumn Revealed

It’s that time of the year again. The air is getting brisker, the days are getting shorter, and the leaves are changing color. Join us this week for the second post in our series on leaves as we unravel the mysteries behind this brilliant display. 1. Why does this explosion of color occur each autumn?…

Read More

Leave it up to the Leaves!

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 10/08/2020 / Comments Off on Leave it up to the Leaves!

It turns out there are some amazing capabilities hidden amongst that beautiful canopy. If you’re anything like me, you treasure many childhood memories associated with playing outside. Maybe it was fishing in the watering hole on the back forty with Grandpa. Or perhaps you recollect swinging as high as the clouds on the neighborhood playground.…

Read More

Today’s Milkweed Supports Tomorrow’s Monarchs

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 10/02/2020 / Comments Off on Today’s Milkweed Supports Tomorrow’s Monarchs

What is Milkweed? Milkweed is a herbaceous perennial that grows in many different habitats, primarily throughout North, Central, and South America. It is named for the milky substance that most milkweeds exude when a leaf or stem is damaged. This sap contains cardiac glycoside compounds, making it toxic to most animals and insect species and…

Read More

Only Rain Down the Drain

By Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District / 09/10/2020 / Comments Off on Only Rain Down the Drain

What is Storm Water and Where Does it Go? What comes to mind when you hear the word “storm water”? Perhaps you think of torrential rainfall deluging yards & overwhelming gutters in the springtime. Or maybe you imagine water screaming through large parking lots, making it impossible to avoid puddles as you tiptoe towards the…

Read More