Franklin Soil and Water Makes Every Day Earth Day

Franklin County Board of Commissioners 

The day before Earth Day, the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District came to the Board of Commissioners to talk about what it takes to protect the county's land and water year-round. 

Representatives Jennifer Fish and Kori Sedmak addressed the Board at the April 21 General Session, outlining the district's ongoing work and upcoming community events for Earth Day 2026. Sedmak told commissioners the district tries to make every day Earth Day for Franklin County residents. 

In 2025, the district administered nearly $355,000 in local community grants aimed at keeping the county's water clean. That funding, which included a county commissioner urban agriculture critical infrastructure grant, supported projects with benefits across multiple areas: climate resilience, increased food production on local farms, and pollinator habitat restoration. 

One active project taking place right now is a joint effort at the Franklin County Children Services property, involving the Sheriff's Office, the Engineer's Office, and Soil and Water. The project is removing invasive plant species that threaten the county's tree canopy and the health of local waterways. It is partially funded through the Conservation Stewardship Fund. 

Residents who want to support that fund can do so this week at a local business: the original Goodie Shop in Upper Arlington is selling a special Franklin Soil and Water cookie through Earth Day, with $1 from every purchase going directly to the Conservation Stewardship Fund. 

For residents who want to get involved beyond a cookie, Earth Day events are running across the county. Clinton Township's annual Earth Day celebration is Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sedmak will be on-site distributing native plant seeds and sharing resources on rain barrels, composting, and native landscaping. 

Green Columbus, one of the district's close partners, operates the largest volunteer Earth Day event in the nation and is coordinating dozens of events across Franklin County this week. Information on Green Columbus events is available at the organization's website. 

The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District works with residents, farmers, and local governments to protect natural resources across Franklin County. Residents can learn more about the district and available programs at franklinswcd.org.