Mahoning SWCD Highlights Outreach and Education Achievements in 2025
Mahoning County, OH – The Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) shattered engagement records in 2025, reaching nearly 300,000 individuals through a diverse array of workshops, school programs, and major public events. This year’s efforts underscored the community’s growing commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
Unprecedented Community Reach
2025 was a landmark year of public engagement for the District. Through 9 major public events, including the first ever Pollinator Palooza held at the District office, the District connected with an astounding 288,403 participants. This massive surge in outreach ensures that vital messages regarding conservation are reaching a wider audience than ever before across the Mahoning Valley.
In addition to large-scale events, the District maintained a strong local presence through 27 Public Programs, engaging 3,707 residents in direct learning opportunities. These events provided platforms for residents to dive deeper into local conservation issues and solutions.
Empowering the Next Generation
Education remains a cornerstone of the Mahoning SWCD mission. In 2025, the team brought natural resource education directly to the youth, conducting 21 school program events that reached 2,333 students. These programs continue to foster a culture of stewardship among the county’s youngest residents.
Beyond the classroom, the District supported 3 non-school related programs for 188 youth and community members, ensuring that education extends beyond traditional school hours.
Supporting Educators and Practitioners
Recognizing that conservation is a community-wide effort, Mahoning SWCD invested in “training the trainers.” The District hosted 3 Educator Workshops, equipping 45 local educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to integrate conservation topics into their own curriculums.
The District also facilitated Program Assistance and Outreach across 2 events, supporting 271 individuals, and conducted a spring fish sale event that connected residents with essential needs for their ponds.
Staying Connected
Communication channels remained vital in 2025. Through 3 major newsletter releases, the District kept 2,880 subscribers informed on the latest news, tips, and opportunities to get involved, ensuring a steady stream of information flowed to the community throughout the year. Mahoning SWCD staff also expanded their reach through multiple news appearances in both digital and print media, including features with WFMJ, WKBN, and The Vindicator.
Measurable Impact
The numbers for 2025 speak volumes about the District’s expanding footprint. Across all categories, Mahoning SWCD coordinated 69 distinct events, resulting in a total engagement of 297,863 participants. This represents a monumental leap in visibility and impact for the District.
Looking Ahead
The record-breaking figures of 2025 set a new standard for what is possible in county-wide conservation. As Mahoning SWCD looks toward 2026, the District remains dedicated to leveraging this momentum—expanding its educational offerings, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to inspire practical conservation action throughout Mahoning County.
