MANSFIELD — Judy Villard Overocker quoted Pope John Paul II on Earth Day as she celebrated the kickoff to Earth Stewardship months.
“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship,” Overocker quoted. “We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”
Overocker, an extension educator for The Ohio State University–Mansfield, is one of the partners in Earth Stewardship months, marked as April 1 to Aug. 1.
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry and Richland County commissioner Tony Vero read a proclamation on Earth Day, recognizing Earth Stewardship months for the 29th consecutive year.
The city’s Earth Stewardship Steering Committee partners include the City of Mansfield, Downtown Mansfield Inc, NECIC, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, OSU – Mansfield, Richland County Regional Solid Waste Management Authority, Richland Public Health, Richland Soil & Water Conservation District and the Richland County commissioners.
North End Community Improvement Collaborative annual 60/60 Community Clean Up
“We call this Earth Stewardship for a reason. It’s not just Earth Day during this season, there’s also Arbor Day, Stewardship Week and Keep America Beautiful Month,” Mayor Perry said.
“Richland County, all those years ago, came together and said let’s roll this all together. The Earth Stewardship Steering Committee believes Earth Day, Arbor Day and Stewardship should be recognized on more than one day.”
Kim Hildreth, who has led Earth Stewardship months as a city project planner, is planning her retirement next year. She is handing off the Earth Stewardship Steering Committee to the Richland Area Chamber.
“She’s been a part of this for a long time and never likes any of the spotlight,” commissioner Vero said. “She’s been instrumental, and if anything has been at the forefront of our community the past couple years, it’s been beautification efforts taking place.”
Richland Area Chamber to lead 29th annual Earth Stewardship months
Ellen Heinz, the new president and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber, thanked Hildreth for her longtime service and trust in the chamber to elevate Earth Stewardship months.
“I think it’s very special how rare and how long this collaboration has been going on and the amount of partners that we have,” Heinz said. “The public, private and the non-profit partnerships really create a great triangle of success.
“We feel this also compliments our beautification sectors at the chamber and RCDG. I also want to especially thank Kathy Fox, who’s our point for our team as we transition this year into the chamber leading the project. We hope to elevate it to greater success.”
Heinz congratulated the Earth Stewardship committee and partners for an estimated 750 projects across the previous 28 years of celebration, as well as an estimated value of $2 million in donated time and materials.
“Obviously the things we do not only make Richland County a better place to live, but it’s really an integral part in economic development,” Heinz said.
“I’ve seen site selectors and people decide whether they want to grow and expand their business here based on how a community looks. So not only is it the right thing to do for the Earth, but absolutely also the right thing to do for our businesses and community stakeholders as well.”
Theresa Suter, marketing and volunteer coordinator for the Richland Soil & Water Conservation District, said the Earth Stewardship steering committee invites residents or organizations to complete a volunteer project like litter pick-up, tree planting, recycling project or energy conservation project during Earth Stewardship months.
“We’ve gotten quite a few different projects throughout the year with different schools, churches, nonprofits and government organizations,” she said. “I definitely want to thank all of the good ambassadors and volunteers for spreading the word.”
Upcoming events in the Earth Stewardship season include:
- April 30: Rain garden and rain barrel workshop by Richland Soil & Water. 6 p.m. at the Mansfield/ Richland County Public Library on West Third Street
- May 8: Native plant workshop and sale by Richland Soil & Water. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Richland County Longview Center.
- June 14 Field Day for plain growers at Shiloh Fire Station from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10 per person for those interested in pasture and grazing management.
- June 15: Women for the Land learning circle at Shady Lane Alpaca Farm from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. $10 per person for those interested in pasture and grazing management.
- July 23-27: Pastures for Profit grazing school for those interested in pasture and grazing management. $30 per person. More information is on the Richland Soil & Water Conservation District website.
