Conservation Creation Arts & Crafts Workshops

The mission of Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) is to assist the citizens of Richland County to protect and improve the County’s natural resources by providing exceptional educational, planning and technical assistance.

Richland SWCD provides resources and educational programs for a wide range of conservation and education programs. Richland SWCD is responsible for soil and water integrity in the County and educates landowners, government agencies and partners on a wide range of natural resource conservation programs. 

We are raising funds to provide free Conservation Creations Arts & Crafts Workshops for up to 25 people to attend each quarterly workshop. 2026 will be the fifth year we have hosted the workshops and your donation will buy supplies needed for the craft or art project. 

Each workshop consists of an introduction of who we are and programs and services we provide, an educational program related to the craft or art project we make, trivia related to the topic, and a project leader. 

For example, in October the workshop was held at South Park in Mansfield. The craft was creating needle-felted acorns with acorn tops. The speaker brought leaves and acorns that are grown at Secrest Arboretum to help identify different species. He guided participants around South Park identifying trees, discussed pests that threaten them, how they grow, answered questions and much more. R.E.A.C.H. (Richland Early American Center of History) volunteers provided tours of the 1800s historical village buildings prior to the workshop. The workshop was the first visit to South Park for some participants and they may never have visited if it had not been for the workshop.  

We currently charge a nominal fee ($12 per person) to help cover workshop supplies. Even at $12 per person, some find it unaffordable. Unfortunately, as costs rise the cost of the workshops will need to go up and we are concerned attendance will suffer. However, if the workshops are free, we hope any barriers to attending will be dropped so we may educate more people about the importance and need for soil and water conservation in a fun and engaging manner.

The only other expenses the workshops incur are the workshop coordinator's, speakers and project leaders time.  The workshop coordinator's (Theresa Sutter's) time is covered by Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and guest speakers and project leaders have donated their time or covered by their organization. We are blessed to have the support of our five-member board of supervisors and many generous partners who value the benefits the workshops provide. 

Here are comments from some workshops:

"I love how much Christine knew about growing herbs, information about them and that she had personal stories with them.  I could have listened to her longer, very informative."

"Very informative – all speakers."

"Great guest speaker for newbies and seasoned gardeners.  Even took home a nice recipe."    

"Good coverage of topic, tied in with craft."

"Love crafting."

For more information about the workshops and our work, visit our website or call us at 419-747-8686.

Thank you for your support!