2014 Annual "Off the Beaten Path" Bus Tour

The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) hosted their 4th annual “Off the Beaten Path” Bus Tour on Saturday, August 23, 2014, where attendees had the chance to take the day and experience the different natural resource aspects of Jefferson County. We want to thank everyone who attended and hope enjoyed your experience. We hope to see you next year!

The day began with a stop at the Woodland Trails Greenhouse in Richmond, where a continental breakfast was served. The owner, Sam Gill, talked with the crowd about his business operations and an invasive species presentation was given by Sarah Cross, OSUE, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Jefferson and Harrison Counties, with assistance from Jefferson and Harrison County Master Gardener volunteers.

A viewing of an oil drilling site located on County Road 39 followed where Ohio House Representative Jack Cera gave a presentation and Q&A of the processes and regulations in the oil industry. Addressing the importance of oil drilling for the area, he also exercised the value of responsibility to landowners & the entire area. 

The tour finished off at the Cavanaugh farm on Kragel Road in Wintersville.There was a picnic-style lunch, including burgers made from beef provided by the host, followed by a series of presentations. Wendee Zadanski, Natural Resource Specialist from JSWCD, gave a talk on the importance of soil and a demonstration on how to use the Soil Survey book of Jefferson County. Joe & Cindy Rodak spoke on the basics of beekeeping and explained the vital role bees play in our environment. The Cavanaugh family gave a tour of their beef-grazing operations. They were awarded the 2012 JSWCD Farmer of the Year for their efforts in land-management and conservation. Over the last several years, many conservation improvements and years of hard work have helped transform the operation, and the property.