Geauga SWCD is also available to speak at meetings and events. Please contact Ann Rzepka, Natural Resources Specialist at 440-834-1122 x2 to schedule a presentation.  Presentation topics are listed below.  

Workshops for Educators

Annie Rzepka, Natural Resources Specialist,  and Katie Nainiger, Conservation Education Coordinator, are certified to lead workshops for the following environmental educational curriculums; Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife, Wonders of Wetlands,  The Leopold Education Project and Food Land and People. 

Wonders of Watersheds Workshop The Geauga and Portage SWCDs partner to host a week-long educator workshop, named "Wonders of Watersheds".  During the very busy week, participants  receive training and guides for the following curriculums; Project Wet, Project Wild/ Aquatic Wild, Science and Civics, Wonders of Wetlands and Project Learning Tree.  Along with all of the great information, the participants have the opportunity to go on many interesting field trips throughout Geauga and Portage counties!  A number of resource specialists including the Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and The Nature Conservancy devote their time to assist with this wonderful workshop.  All participants receive the guide books for Project Wet, Project Wild/ Aquatic Wild, and Project Learning Tree.  Graduate credits are offered through  Ashland University.  

Agricultural Awareness in the Classroom This is a 2-day workshop which will expose educators to the curriculum of Food, Land and People.  Day 1 will focus on the Food, Land and People 700+page curriculum guide of hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons. Educators will become more familiar with the guide as they participate in several hands-on, cooperative learning lessons. Project Food, Land and People lessons correlate with state proficiency test learning outcomes and is in the process of being correlated to the Ohio Academic Content Standards.  On day 2, we will visit several local agricultural establishments, such as a large dairy farm, orchard, and an organic farm. 

Workshops for Contractors and Decision Makers

BMP Standards for Construction Sites   This workshop is designed for developers, contactors, engineers, township/village officials, and zoning inspectors.  Workshop attendees gain a working knowledge BMP's required on construction sites and how to determine is they are properly functioning.  Attendees also become familiar with the Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations in addition to the Ohio EPA NPDES Phase II Program and General Permit Requirements. 

Workshops for Residents

LEAP and EEAP  Geauga SWCD offers Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) and Equine Environmental Assurance (EEAP) training sessions, livestock producers meet eligibility requirements for cost share available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Attendees also earn valuable points used in determining qualifiers for the EQIP program administered by USDA/NRCS.

Topics covered include:

Pond Clinic  The Geauga and Portage SWCDs present a free Pond Clinic biannually.  Topics covered at this two hour workshop generally include pond construction, fish stocking and management, vegetation identification, and wildlife issues.