COLUMBUS — Lisa Brohl, of Put-in-Bay, received the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award at last week’s Wildlife Diversity Conference, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.
Brohl is the chairwoman of the board of directors of the Lake Erie Islands chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy, a conservation organization committed to preserving the integrity of the natural environment of the Lake Erie Islands. She has committed thousands of hours of volunteer time for years to coordinate land acquisition and easements on the islands to dedicate them as conservation areas for the public.

HURON — Asian carp, fisheries management and business diversification were the topics of the day for more than 200 charter fishing captains at Ohio Charter Captains Conference, held March 6 at the Bowling Green State University-Firelands Campus and sponsored by Ohio Sea Grant, Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. Often considered the unofficial start of the charter fishing season, the conference, now in its 29th year, gives captains the latest information to help them maximize profits in a difficult economy.

The Sandusky/Ottawa County Master Gardener Volunteers and OSU Extension have again organized a plastic recycling program in Sandusky and Ottawa counties.
From May 1 to Oct. 31, gardeners, farmers, homeowners and business owners are invited to turn in meltable items including: pots, flats, trays, cell packs, nursery tubs (soil and plant material removed), plastic sheeting, stretch wrap, empty and crushed beverage bottles, milk jugs, plastic grocery bags (securely bundled), and plastic toys (outdoor play equipment and toys without metal parts). 

The ever-popular Tree Seedling Sale is under way. Order forms for the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District 2010 Seedling Tree and Shrub Sale are now available by calling 419-898-1595 or visiting www.ottawaswcd.com.
Evergreen varieties in packets of 10 for this year include: Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce and American Arborvitae. The fast-growing Green Rocket Cedar will be sold individually this year. These cedars will grow up to 3 feet per year, are deer resistant, have a strong root system and no major insect problems. They make a great windbreak or privacy screen.