ODNR to Host H2Ohio Grant Program Workshop on September 24

The Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s (ODNR) H2Ohio wetland grant program offers funding to municipalities, non-profits, and government entities for wetland restoration projects focused on water quality improvement.  Projects can include, but are not limited to, the restoration and enhancement of wetlands, coastal marsh and floodplain reconnection, capturing storm water, and stream bank improvements.

We invite you to come learn about how you or your community may benefit from ODNR’s H2Ohio grant program on the afternoon of Friday, September 24th. The event kicks off with an in-person informational presentation that will discuss the following:

1.) Review example H2Ohio projects

2.) How to apply for H2Ohio Funds

3.) Overview of the grant management process

In a following breakout session, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss drainage issues in their area with staff from ODNR to assess potential natural infrastructure solutions.

Participants will also have an opportunity to visit the recently completed Oakwoods Nature Preserve H2Ohio restoration project completed with the Hancock Park District.

 

H2Ohio Wetland Project Development Workshop Agenda:

Friday, September 24th, 2021

12:00pm: Learn more about the H2Ohio program through a comprehensive and informational presentation with H2Ohio Program Manager, Eric Saas. Presentation will include highlights such as:

  • How H2Ohio’s natural infrastructure approach can address water quality issues
  • Example H2Ohio projects
  • How our success is measured

12:45pm: How can my organization apply for an H2Ohio Grant? Presentation with Northwest Region-Scenic River Manager, Christina Kuchle. Presentation highlights include:

  • Application process and timeline
  • Required Application Documentation
  • Overview of expectations

1:30pm:  Get your questions answered with a Q&A breakout session with ODNR H2Ohio project leaders

  • Bring potential project ideas to discuss
  • Get answers on any H2Ohio related questions
  • Learn from ODNR leads how to scope a project

2:00pm: Experience an H2Ohio Project and learn how a project goes from start to finish through a site tour at Oakwoods Nature Preserve with Division of Wildlife District Manager Scott Butterworth and representatives from the Hancock Park District and Coldwater Consulting. *This will be a walking tour outside; long pants and boots are recommended.

3:30pm: Event and site tour conclude

 

Location & Navigation:

The in-person H2Ohio presentation and breakout sessions will be held at:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife District Office Two

952 Lima Ave, Findlay, OH 45840

Enter through the main building entrance and staff will direct you to the meeting room.

 

The H2Ohio project site tour will be held at:

Oakwoods Nature Preserve

1400 Oakwood Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840

Please park in front of the Doc Phillips Discovery Center. Site Tour will begin in front of the Discovery Center.

 

RSVP:

Please email Rachel.DeNoewer@dnr.ohio.gov  if you can join us by Tuesday, September 21st.

*Although we strongly encourage participation for both our in-person presentation and site visit, participants are welcome to come to either event if availability is limited.

If there is someone that will be attending in your place from your organization, please relay that information in your RSVP.

If you have additional questions, please email Rachel.DeNoewer@dnr.ohio.gov  or call 614-705-9978.

 

More Information:

H2Ohio is Governor Mike DeWine’s initiative to ensure safe and clean water in Ohio. It is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long term. H2Ohio focuses on encouraging agricultural best management practices, restoring, and enhancing wetlands, and replacing home septic systems to reduce nutrients that contribute to harmful algal blooms. The Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) H2Ohio projects are focused on creating, restoring, and enhancing wetlands around Ohio. Since the launch of the program in 2019, ODNR has implemented over 59 wetland projects and is set to expand their H2Ohio program.