Tree Seedlings, Fish Sales and Conservation Programs Highlight Soil and Water Visit on Spectrum

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The changing of the seasons means a fresh round of conservation programs in Mercer County.

On a recent edition of Spectrum, WCSM’s daily public affairs program, Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District staffers Ariel Hein and Adam Highley joined host Kevin Sandler to talk about tree sales, fish stocking, conservation funding and education efforts tied to Grand Lake St. Marys.

Annual Tree Seedling Sale Underway

Hein said the district’s annual tree seedling sale is now underway, offering residents an affordable way to plant new trees on their property.

The trees are seedlings, not large potted trees, a point Hein said they clarify every year.

New this year, the district is offering special “deer food” packs and wildlife packs, each combining several species aimed at supporting habitat and food sources for area wildlife. In addition to seedlings, the district is also selling tree shelters and stakes to help protect new plantings from wildlife damage and improve survival rates.

The district also connects the sale to local classrooms. Every third grade student in Mercer County participates in a tree program where they learn how to plant and care for a Norway spruce. Hein said the hands-on lesson helps teach proper planting, watering and long-term care at a young age.

Fish Sale Helps Pond Owners and Water Quality

In addition to trees, the district is preparing for its annual fish sale, which helps local landowners stock ponds with sport fish and species that support better water quality.

Hein said the sale typically includes bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass, among other varieties. Pond owners can visit the office to pick up an order form and arrange stocking for the year.

Beyond providing recreation, the right mix of fish can help control algae and improve pond health. Hein noted the company they work with also offers sludge removers and pond bacteria packs for landowners dealing with water quality issues.

Manure “Band Dates” Protect Grand Lake

The discussion also touched on Grand Lake St. Marys and the “band dates” that limit manure application in the distressed watershed area.

Highley explained that for the Grand Lake St. Marys Distressed Watershed, farmers are not allowed to haul or apply manure from December 15 through March 1. The restricted period was created to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff during winter months, when frozen or saturated ground makes fields more vulnerable.

Highley said many local farmers work closely with the Soil and Water office, maintain nutrient management plans, and consult the district if they have questions about the rules or best management practices.

EQIP Program Offers Conservation Funding

Highley also highlighted the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal cost-share program administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the USDA.

EQIP can help landowners fund a wide range of conservation practices, including:

• Manure storage improvements

• Grass waterways and erosion control

• Pollinator habitat and wildlife practices

• Wetlands and other water quality projects

• Certain forestry improvements in woodland areas

The application deadline for this year’s funding pool is January 15, though applications are accepted year-round. Eligible applications are ranked in a funding pool, and those scoring highest are selected for that year’s contracts.

Residents can contact either the Soil and Water office or NRCS/Farm Service Agency to start the application process and, if new to farm programs, set up farm records.

Education, Stewardship Posters and Ag Series

Hein and Highley also talked about the district’s education efforts and community outreach.

The annual stewardship poster contest returns this year with the theme of “soil.” Students from kindergarten through 12th grade can create posters showing what soil means to them. Winning entries will be displayed on billboards along U.S. 127 and State Route 29, and winners also receive prizes such as pencils and gift cards.

Hein noted that Mercer County has had strong entries in the past. One recent winner from St. Henry advanced through the state level and will have her poster displayed at nationals in San Antonio, Texas.

The district also runs an ag education series, which has included wetland tours, information sessions on CDL, ATV/UTV and fertilizer/pesticide regulations, and drive-it-yourself tours highlighting conservation practices and local ag businesses. A committee will meet in January to plan the 2026 series, and residents are encouraged to contact the office with topic ideas.

Throughout the year, staff visit local schools with programs like Cookies from Soil, Bioscape (focusing on non-point source pollution), and a popular water cycle “bee” activity that helps students understand how water moves through the environment.

Looking Ahead

Hein also mentioned the district’s annual meeting, held this past November, which includes the board of supervisor election and a review of the year’s projects. Recent highlights include two-stage ditches, new waterways and wetlands, and expanded education efforts.

Residents who want to learn more about tree and fish sales, EQIP funding, upcoming ag education events, or school programs can contact the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District office for details, forms and deadlines.