May 2, 2023

The Love Our Land organization is on a mission to create a greener and more sustainable future for our communities. In an effort to achieve this goal, they are now launching a new initiative, the Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team, to inspire and empower the younger generation to become environmental leaders in their communities.

The Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team is open to all 5th-8th graders who are passionate about making a difference in the environment. The team will be comprised of young individuals who are committed to becoming environmental stewards and taking action in their communities. They will lead projects and initiatives focused on planting native species and removing non-native invasive species in their local environments.

The team will be responsible for educating their peers and community members about the importance of planting native species and removing invasive ones. They will be given the resources and tools necessary to create educational materials and conduct outreach efforts. Members of the Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team will work with community leaders, organizations, and other stakeholders to make positive changes in their communities.

To kick off the initiative, Love Our Land will be hosting a meeting on June 13th at 7 pm at 442 West Loveland Avenue to provide information and answer any questions regarding the Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team. Students who are interested in becoming part of the team are encouraged to attend and learn more about the opportunities available to them.

One of the unique aspects of the Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team is that students will have the opportunity to create their own mission statement. This will allow them to have a voice in the direction of the team and the initiatives they will lead. The team will be student-led, with guidance and support provided by Love Our Land and community partners.

The Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about environmental conservation and become leaders in their community. By planting native species and removing non-native invasive species, they will be helping to preserve local ecosystems and create a more sustainable future for us all. Love Our Land believes that the students of today are the environmental leaders of tomorrow, and the Love Our Land Youth Conservation Team is a step towards achieving this vision.

An Indiana bat unwittingly poses for the camera. Credits: Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation, Indiana State University.

Bat Appreciation

(the official day was 4/17...but we can appreciate them daily!)

Southwest Ohio is home to a variety of species, including an often-overlooked group of mammals known as bats. While they may have a negative reputation, bats are incredibly important to the ecosystem and contribute to the biodiversity of the region.

Nine species of bats call southwest Ohio home. These include the big brown bat, little brown bat, eastern red bat, hoary bat, silver-haired bat, Indiana bat, gray bat, northern long-eared bat, and tri-colored bat. Each species has its own unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of the environment.

Bats in other parts of the world, including the southwestern United States, are important pollinators and seed dispersers, helping to maintain the health of plant populations. Here in the eastern United States, our bats play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, with some species eating up to 1,000 insects in a single night. This can help to reduce the use of pesticides benefiting not only the environment but also human health.

Unfortunately, bats are facing significant threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and disease of nonnative origins. One of the most significant threats to bats in southwest Ohio is the deadly fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome. This disease, which affects hibernating bats, has caused significant declines in bat populations--greater than 90 percent declines in certain species--across eastern North America.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect bats and their habitats in southwest Ohio. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has established the Ohio Bat Working Group, which works to promote conservation and research on Ohio's bat populations. The group is also working to raise awareness about the importance of bats and their role in the ecosystem.

Individuals can also take steps to help protect bats and their habitats. One way to do this is by installing bat houses, which provide a safe and secure roosting site for bats. Leaving dead trees standing when they don't pose a risk to human safety is extremely important as having adequate numbers of these natural roosts is critical to the health of bat populations. Planting native plants and reducing the use of insecticides can also help to support bat populations and their food sources.

The conservation of bats in southwest Ohio is crucial to maintaining the health and biodiversity of the region's ecosystems. By understanding the importance of bats and taking steps to protect them, we can ensure that they continue to play a vital role in our environment for years to come.

Not Really Selling Them Yet! We will get a mock up soon...then we will be actually selling. We are just trying to see who is interested right now! Hope to be selling by mid-May. Thank you!!

• Support a worthy cause: By sponsoring Love Our Land's mobile learning unit, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. They can show that they are invested in making a positive impact in their community and supporting a nonprofit that is working to make a difference.

   

• Increase brand visibility: The vinyl wrap of the mobile learning unit is a highly visible and attention-grabbing marketing opportunity. By purchasing a sponsor spot, businesses can increase their brand visibility and awareness among the community members who will be interacting with the learning unit as it travels to different locations.

   

• Reach a targeted audience: Love Our Land's mobile learning unit is designed to educate and engage the community about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use practices. By sponsoring a spot on the vinyl wrap, businesses can reach a targeted audience of environmentally-conscious consumers who are likely to be interested in their products or services.

   

• Demonstrate corporate social responsibility: Sponsoring a spot on the mobile learning unit is a way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility and to align their brand with a cause that resonates with their values and mission.

   

Overall, sponsoring a spot on Love Our Land's mobile learning unit is a win-win opportunity for businesses to support a worthy cause, increase their brand visibility, reach a targeted audience, and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

Email mike@loveourland.org if interested.

Creating an Oasis for Local Biodiversity
Loveland Learning Garden, local Girl Scout Troop 4025, and Love Our Land are partnering to convert an area with nonnative plants at Loveland Primary School to a native garden that will support native pollinators and other biodiversity. The native garden will host a diverse assemblage of native wildflowers and grasses that serve as food sources, nest sites, and cover for a wide variety of local wildlife, including imperiled species like the American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) and monarch (Danaus plexippus). The area is very visible to students, faculty, administrative staff, and parents who enter the school, which will help raise awareness about the importance of landscaping with native vegetation. An interpretive sign providing information about the intention of the space and how it will improve the health of the local environment will be placed in the native garden to educate students and passersby. The native garden plans to be used by Loveland Learning Garden and teachers to teach students about how native plants provide substantially more benefits to biodiversity than their nonnative counterparts. Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Love Our Land, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us all.

Special Thanks to our Business Members and Sponsors!!

Doug and Mike Discuss Mushroom Hunting!

Check out the newest episode at www.lovelandweeklypod.com

Mushroom foraging can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it is important to follow proper procedures and rules to ensure your safety and the sustainability of the environment. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Obtain permission: Before foraging for mushrooms, make sure you have the appropriate permission from the landowner or land management agency. Some areas may be off-limits to mushroom foraging or require permits.

2. Know your mushrooms: It is important to be able to identify the mushrooms you are picking, as some mushrooms are poisonous and can be deadly if ingested. Take the time to learn about the types of mushrooms that grow in your area and their identifying characteristics.

3. Bring the right equipment: A good pair of hiking boots, a basket or mesh bag for collecting mushrooms, and a knife for cutting mushrooms at the base are essential. You may also want to bring a field guide and a camera for documentation purposes.

4. Respect the environment: Avoid damaging the habitat by not trampling on other vegetation or digging up the soil. Leave some mushrooms behind so that they can reproduce and continue to grow in the future.

5. Follow local regulations: Some areas have restrictions on how many mushrooms you can collect or where you can forage. Be sure to check local regulations before heading out.

6. Properly handle and store mushrooms: Once you have collected your mushrooms, be sure to properly handle and store them. Clean them carefully and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and responsibly enjoy the rewards of mushroom foraging.

Note: The Loveland Weekly Podcast is not associated with Love Our Land.

Attention all nature lovers! Are you looking to beautify your garden with native plants while also supporting the local community and environment? Look no further than our upcoming native plant sale!

We're excited to offer a variety of perennials, including Virginia bluebells, aromatic asters, and heart-leaf golden alexanders, as well as grasses such as little bluestem and side-oats grama. These plants are perfect for adding color and texture to your garden while also providing essential habitat and food for local wildlife.

By pre ordering your plants on loveourland.org/shop, you can ensure that you get the species you want before they sell out. And with pickup available in the next couple weeks at either Nesbit Park or the Loveland farmers market- you won't have to wait long to start planting. Perfect for Mother's Day!

But the benefits of planting native plants don't stop at just aesthetics. By choosing to plant native, you're also helping to support the local ecosystem and promote biodiversity. Native plants have adapted to the local climate and soil, making them more resilient and better suited to support local wildlife. Plus, by planting native, you're helping to combat issues such as erosion and runoff, which can have a negative impact on the health of our waterways.

So, what are you waiting for? Pre Order your native plants today and start enjoying the many benefits of a thriving, sustainable ecosystem in your own backyard!

Join Doug on a unique adventure through Loveland, as he points out the wonders of life around us. Enjoy an Adult Nature Walk where you can even grab a refreshing adult beverage to take along the journey. All ages are welcome to join in on the fun!

Before we embark on this adventure, grab a delicious beer at Narrow Path, and meet us at Hometown Cafe. We are thankful to Hometown Cafe for allowing us to use their space for this exciting event.

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 26th, and sign up for one of two walks at either 6:30 PM or 7:30 PM. Please RSVP at loveourland.org. This event is free, but we welcome any donations to support our efforts.

Come and enjoy a relaxing evening stroll, discover the hidden treasures of Loveland's nature, and make memories with loved ones. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty of Loveland's nature and grab a beer while doing so. Join us for the Adult Nature Walk!

We seek to reconnect people and nature and in doing so, empower citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the biodiversity crisis in their own neighborhoods and yards.

www.LoveOurLand.org