H2Ohio

H2Ohio celebrated the completion of a new 16‑acre wetland complex at the Funk‑DeWald Nature Preserve, managed by Heidelberg University.

The project expands wetland acreage to capture farm drainage before it reaches the East Branch of Wolf Creek in the Sandusky River watershed. These new wetlands improve water retention during storms and enhance phosphorus and nitrogen removal.

The preserve features diverse tree species and wildlife habitat, and there are plans to open it to the public with new hiking trails. Learn more: https://h2.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/ODNR-celebrates-h2ohio-funk-dewald.

Governor Mike DeWine has announced nearly $1 million in chloride reduction grants, through Ohio EPA, supporting 15 projects around the state to reduce the amount of salt used on Ohio roads. Money is used to upgrade equipment and improve storage needs.

Popular H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grants Deliver Nearly $1 Million to More Than a Dozen Communities Nearly $1 million is being invested to help Ohio communities reduce chloride pollution caused by road salt during harsh winter weather. This protects Ohio’s waterways while maintaining public safety on the roads.

Earlier this month, H2Ohio celebrated the completion of the Gosline H2Ohio Acid Mine Drainage Reclamation Project.

The project significantly reduces the amount of water that comes into contact with acid‑producing materials and improves water quality downstream.

These types of standard reclamation projects create meaningful, long‑term water quality and biological benefits without requiring ongoing operation and maintenance funding. Learn more: https://h2.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/odnr-celebrates-completion-gosline-h2ohio-project.

Cheers to that!

In the last several years, and Ohio EPA have invested more than $9 million for 100 public water systems for lead service line identification and replacement.

More than $2 million of that has gone specifically to daycares across the state!

H2Ohio celebrated the completion of a wetland connection and restoration project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area east of Oregon, Ohio. The project enhances 43 acres of coastal marsh that will help filter nutrients and sediment from water before it flows into Lake Erie. The area also provides habitat for bald eagles, waterfowl, fish, and amphibians and is a great location for recreational activities, including hunting and wildlife watching. Learn more about other ongoing H2Ohio projects at h2ohio.gov.

Way to go!👏

The 2026 Ohio Agricultural Conservation Initiative (OACI) Assessment Report for the Western Lake Erie Basin is now available!
The report highlights the progress Ohio’s farmers are making through H2Ohio to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff. Thanks to science‑based conservation practices and strong partnerships, we are continuing to improve water quality across the state.
Read the full report: https://bit.ly/OACI-Report

Hey Soil and Water Conservation Districts - Deadline approaching!

Don't miss the May 1 deadline to apply for the new Conservation Pilot Program supporting pasture and hayland projects to reduce nonpoint source pollution.

Apply now: h2.ohio.gov/ConservationPilot