NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO — In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is excited to invite the public to join in a series of events highlighting and supporting Eastern Ohio’s natural resources and beauty. With the generous support of Encino Energy, Kraton Chemical, the Williams Companies, Infinity Natural Resources, and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation (MWCF), the MWCD has scheduled a busy lineup of activities focused on conservation, community engagement, and sustainability.

Tree Giveaway

Sponsored by the Williams Companies

MWCD will give away native Ohio trees at multiple locations across the District. Made possible by generous support from the Williams Companies, MWCD will be distributing native trees including Red Oak, White Oak, and White Pine. With 225 trees available at each location, this is a first-come, first-served opportunity, with a limit of one tree per family, to add natural beauty while also enjoying all the benefits that trees bring: habitat for wildlife, drainage control, new sources of clean air, and others. Any remaining trees will be donated to Camp Tuscazoar.

Trees are available on April 20 at:

• Atwood Lake Park Welcome Center, 9500 Lakeview Rd, Mineral City, OH 44656, 11am-1pm;
• Charles Mill Lake Park Messerly Recreation Center, 1277 A SR 430, Mansfield, OH 44903, 1-3pm;
• Seneca Lake Park Welcome Center (12-2pm) and Marina Point Shelter #2 (3-4pm), 22172 Park Rd, Senecaville, OH 43780; and 165 Lashley Rd., Senecaville, OH 43780;
• Tappan Lake Park Activity Center, 84000 Mallarnee Road, Deersville, OH 44693, 11am-1pm;

"Our tree giveaway event is a significant step towards promoting biodiversity and enhancing the natural beauty of our region and engaging community members in the effort. We appreciate the Williams Companies for supporting this important work because trees not only beautify our surroundings but also provide essential habitat for wildlife. We invite everyone to join us in this meaningful endeavor and come get a free tree,” Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director.

Earth Day Clean-up Challenge, April 20 - April 28

Sponsored by: Encino Energy, Infinity Natural Resources, and MWCF

In partnership with Encino Energy, Infinity Natural Resources, and the MWCF, MWCD presents the Earth Day Clean-up Challenge. Individuals aged 18 years or older are invited to participate in this social media activity to win a prize valued at up to $500. Details include:

• Visit Atwood, Leesville, Charles Mill, Clendening, Pleasant Hill, Piedmont, Seneca or Tappan Lake Parks and/or Marinas.
• Take a picture of a recreational activity and post it on social media, tagging the location (e.g., Atwood Lake Park, Charles Mill Lake Park, etc.) and using #MWCDEarthDay2024.
• Participants are encouraged to pick up and dispose of any litter they find, contributing to the cleanliness of our parks and waterways.

Earth Day Clean-up at the Lake

MWCD encourages the community to participate in the Earth Day Clean-up at the Lake and help keep them pristine by gathering and disposing of trash around the lake. In return, participants will receive a free night of camping. Events occur:

• April 20: Atwood, Tappan, Seneca, Charles Mill
• April 27: Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Clendening

Tire Take Back Event

Sponsored by Kraton Chemical (Dover), Encino Energy, and MWCF

MWCD is hosting a Tire Take Back Event for area residents to reduce the environmental impact of discarded tires by bringing them to MWCD for proper disposal. Details include:

• April 27, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Atwood Lake Park
• Willig Tire Recycling LLC will be on-site to accept all tires. Tires must be free of debris, and tires on wheels cannot be removed. (Federal law prohibits hauling more than 10 tires without a permit.)
• MWCD can accept up to 2,500 tires on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Our Tire Take Back Event is a crucial step in reducing the environmental hazards posed by discarded tires. By participating, you contribute to cleaner waterways and a healthier environment for all,” Matt Thomas, MWCD Chief of Conservation. “We look forward to all of these wonderful programs and are grateful to all of the sponsors who have helped make these opportunities some to life.”

MWCD encourages everyone to participate in these or other Earth Day events and join together in protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Eastern Ohio. More information on MWCD’s Earth Day events and Clean-up Challenge contest details can be found at www.mwcd.org.

Additional Resources:

1. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Website: www.mwcd.org

2. Williams Companies: www.williams.com

3. Encino Energy: www.encinoenergy.com 

4. MWCF: https://www.muskingumfoundation.org/

5. Infinity Natural Resources: https://infinitynaturalresources.com

About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $10.7 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Twitter.