You are invited to the second annual Open House and Election of the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District. Last year’s first-ever event was so successful we decided to host it again. Please stop in between the hours of 11 a. m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20, to visit with staff, board members, and friends while enjoying photos of the year’s activities and light refreshments.

During the open house, we will have a designated area for anyone wishing to vote to fill two places on the board of supervisors. We have three candidates for two vacancies: Mike Hope from Concord Township, Ron Keil of Genoa Township, and Dan Lane of Trenton Township. Residents or landowners, as well as firms and corporations that own land or occupy land in the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District, and are 18 years of age and older may vote for supervisor. A nonresident landowner, firm, or corporation must provide an affidavit of eligibility, which includes designation of a voting representative, prior to casting a ballot. The two candidates with the most votes will begin serving Jan. 1, 2019. Bios on each of the candidates, along with all of the details on how to vote, can be found on our website at www.delawareswcd.org.

You may be asking yourself “What does a board member do?” The Ohio Revised Code Section 940 outlines the establishment of soil and water conservation districts (SWCD) along with the duties and powers of the board of supervisors. These boards are made up of five local residents, each of whom serve a three-year term as a volunteer, and are the key to success of the SWCD. A brief list of some of their responsibilities includes:

• Sharing the importance of conserving our natural resources with community members

• Forming relationships with other conservation agencies and groups at the local, state, and national levels

• Managing funds, facilities, and equipment

• Establishing procedures for sound financial health

• Developing and carrying out the annual plan of work and strategic plan to reach long term goals

We are grateful to all who have served on the Delaware SWCD board of supervisors since it was organized in 1944. These folks have truly been role models in the community, demonstrating professionalism and dedication, and spreading the mission of Helping You Help the Land! Stop by 557 A Sunbury Road in Delaware (enter from Bowtown Road) to say hello during our open house. In the meantime, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about conserving our natural resources.