Soil & Water Gives Back
To celebrate Soil & Water’s 75th Anniversary, the Board established a community Conservation Mini-Grant Program in 2019. The program offers up to $1,000 to Licking County non-profits that demonstrate the need and ability to carry out on-the-ground conservation projects. In 2025, six applications were received from non-profits, local government entities, and/or schools for local conservation projects. $4,874.60 will be distributed between the selected organizations.
Congratulations to the 2025 Conservation Mini-Grant Program Fund Recipients!
Village of Buckeye Lake
Plans to plant native trees and flowers at town entrances to conserve water, encourage native landscaping in new development, and enhance the natural beauty of the Buckeye Lake region.
Family of Faith Community Church
Is expanding its community garden to provide fresh produce for its food pantry while engaging youth in hands-on gardening. The project includes planting fruit trees, increasing vegetable production, constructing raised beds with improved soil, and installing irrigation to boost productivity and community impact.
Hopewell Commons Condominiums
Will expand its pollinator pathway by removing invasive shrubs and replacing them with Ohio native cultivars to improve habitat, support wildlife, reduce maintenance, and enhance biodiversity throughout the community.
McKean Community Organization
Is revitalizing flower beds at Ellas Park with low-maintenance native perennials and trees to create a welcoming, pollinator-friendly space, with future plans to transition portions of the park to native prairie.
Pataskala Public Library
Continues to provide free seeds to residents to promote home gardening, local food production, biodiversity, and pollinator habitats, while offering education on sustainable growing practices and native species.
Second Presbyterian Church – Newark
Is creating pollinator garden plots in a restored green space to promote conservation, provide wildlife habitat, and support environmental education within the community.
