Wildlife/Forestry Services

The Athens SWCD offers technical and educational services to landowners regarding forestry and wildlife practices or concerns. Contact our Wildlife Specialist/Forestry Technician at 740-797-9686 ext. 6283 to see how we can assist you.
Forestry Services
  • Forestry education programming
  • Identify invasive species and treatment recommendations
  • Advises landowners on Ohio Forestry Tax Laws (OFTL) and CAUV
  • Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), thinning, and pruning practices recommendations
  • Provide sample timber sale contracts to landowners
  • Recommendations for tree planting practices
  • Tree identification and recommendations
  • Assists loggers with site Best Management Practices (BMPs)
  • Timber Harvest Plan (THP) site reviews
Wildlife Services
  • Wildlife education programming
  • Wildlife habitat enhancement and education
  • Crop damage reviews and solutions
  • Assists urban landowners with wildlife matters
  • Food plot recommendations
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                                                                       Help Protect Young Wildlife
If you observe a nest of birds or a young mammal with no adult in sight, please let it be. Many species of animals are raised by one parent that may be out seeking food. It is very rare that wildlife will abandon their young, unless an injury or death has occurred. If you believe that the young is in trouble, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, trained to handle cases of orphaned animals. It is illegal for anyone to keep a native wildlife animal unless permitted by ODNR Division of Wildlife.
     - Division of Wildlife Rehabilitators

Pollinator Habitat Establishment

    Native pollinator species are experiencing population declines across the United States. In particular, the Monarch butterfly has drastically declined here in Ohio and in the wintering grounds of Mexico. It is currently at risk of being placed on the U.S. Endangered Species List. The Athens SWCD, numerous state, national and private agencies and citizens have joined in a state and nationwide effort to provide and protect native habitats for these very beneficial creatures.
     Beginning in March 2017, the Athens SWCD partnered with the Athens Conservancy to use their land along Johnson Road in The Plains, known as The Plains Preserve, to plant 1000 square feet of pollinator habitat. The nectar rich plants used in this area were grown by local FFA chapters in their Greenhouse Production and Labor class. The seeding soil and native Ohio wildflower seed were generously donated by Scott’s Miracle Gro and the Ohio Prairie Nursery.
Related Links:
ODNR Division of Forestry
ODNR Division of Wildlife
Ohio's Forestry Pollution Abatement Program
USDA NRCS - Technical Service Providers
Ohio Forestry Association
OFA Master Logger Directory
Division of Forestry Publications:
Selling Timber
Ohio's Trees
Best Management Practices for Logging Operations
Windbreak Guide
Care and Planting of Seedlings