CSWCD's 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Founded in 1949, Cuyahoga SWCD is celebrating 75 years of conservation leadership in Cuyahoga County.
75 YEARS OF CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP
Since its establishment in 1949, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been working diligently to support residents and landowners in protecting and restoring our county’s precious soil and water resources.
In the early 1950s, there were more than 70,000 acres of farmland in the county and the District worked closely with farmers on soil erosion control and other conservation practices. By 1959, the county’s farm acreage had been reduced to just 20,000 acres, signaling the beginning of urbanization in Cuyahoga County.
As development and urban sprawl began to transform Cuyahoga County’s landscape, the District’s priorities shifted to reflect the challenges of rapid urbanization. In 1962, the District’s major objective was to “obtain the adoption of conservation on individual lands,” helping establish Cuyahoga SWCD’s first educational programs for schools, homeowners, and farmers.
As Cuyahoga SWCD continued to evolve between the 1970’s and early 2000’s, the District played a key role in advocating for local, state, and national legislation supporting soil health and water quality in the Great Lakes Region.
In more recent decades, the District has continued to evolve to meet the growing conservation needs across Cuyahoga County. From workshops and school programs to plan reviews, stormwater inspections, and stream restoration projects, Cuyahoga SWCD has become an established local leader in urban conservation.
Cuyahoga SWCD is excited to build upon our 75 years of conservation experience to help communities and individuals rethink how we protect, restore, and enhance our region’s valuable natural resources.
Scroll down to see highlights of our 75th Anniversary celebration throughout the year or visit our events page to learn about upcoming events.
Municipal Recognition Breakfast | February 16th, 2024 @ Music Box Supper Club
On February 16th, 2024, the 75th Anniversary of the Ohio Soil Conservation Commission hearing that established a need for a Soil Conservation District in Cuyahoga County, we hosted a Municipal Recognition Breakfast for local municipal leaders, including service directors, mayors, city council members, and other partners from the communities we serve.
The event provided an opportunity for our community leaders to meet our teams, learn more about our services, and recognize their hard to support conservation efforts in Cuyahoga County. Ohio House Representative Bride Rose Sweeney presented the District with a commendation in celebration of our 75th Anniversary.
Party for the Planet | April 20, 2024 @ Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
On April 5th 1949, the Ohio Soil Conservation Commission voted to officially establish a Soil Conservation District in Cuyahoga County. To celebrate this milestone in our District’s history, we joined Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Party for the Planet event. We connected with hundreds of local residents and shared resources to encourage adoption of conservation practices at home, at work, and in their communities.
Conservation Tours | May 31, 2024 (East Side & West Side Tours)
Cuyahoga SWCD’s first Board of Supervisors election was held on May 31st, 1949. To commemorate this important date in our District’s history, we hosted two Conservation Tours, giving participants an opportunity to learn more about our work and service areas, and see our team’s hard work in action!
East Side and West Side tours highlighted a variety of projects from stream restoration and tree planting, to construction site stormwater management. The tours concluded with food trucks and ice cream to celebrate Cuyahoga SWCD’s impactful work over the last several years.
Conservation Cruise | July 11, 2024 on the GOODTIME III
Cuyahoga SWCD celebrated big with a cruise of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie aboard the GOODTIME III. More than 400 people joined us, including City and County Councilpeople, Senator Nickie Antonio, Representative Daniel Troy, and Ohio Department of Agriculture Director, Brian Baldridge.
On the cruise we recognized four Legacy Conservationists and the Ruth Skuly Educator of the Year for their hard work and commitment to advancing conservation and environmental stewardship throughout their careers. Their dedication and leadership will leave a lasting legacy which will inspiring future generations for our next 75 years.
Stormwater RUN-Off | October 6th, 2024 | Clark Field Park
Cuyahoga SWCD rounded out our 75th Anniversary celebration by hosting the first annual Stormwater RUN-Off, a 5K race and family fun-run to raise awareness about stormwater and the different ways to slow it down, spread it out, and soak it in. More than 120 participants joined us on a gorgeous day in early October, and many took part in our stormwater obstacle course, visited our amazing sponsor exhibitors, and enjoyed a delicious sandwich from Cocky’s Bagels.
Congratulations to all participants and race winners and thank you to our Stormwater RUN-Off sponsors!
Let's Chat
Connect with us with questions, to learn more, and to get involved!