Natural Resources

Teresa Stone, Extension Educator, Natural Resources & 4-H Youth Development
Tracy Waite, Extension Program Assistant, Natural Resources & 4-H Youth Development
Peggy Bolen, Extension Office Associate, Ag/NR/4-H

Located in southeastern Ohio, Washington County had a population of 63,000 in 2000 and is expected to decrease by 2015 to 56,000. Major employers of the citizens are Marietta Memorial Hospital and chemical and plastics industries. In 2000, the personal income per capita reached $22,810 which is below the state average of $27,977. The unglaciated county is approximately 59% forested and is diverse in animals, geologic formations and water resources. Citizens need informed and educated about natural resource issues as well as the responsible use of them.
 
Washington County is home to Hervida 4-H Camp, a 200-acre, seasonal camp facility, founded in 1922. It is managed by Hervida 4-H Camp, Inc., a 27-member board whose mission is to extend Ohio 4-H Youth Development through an outdoor residential camp facility for the recreational, social and educational development of youth and adults. Hervida is unique among the 14 Ohio 4-H Camps in that only a single county manages it when most other camps have 3 to 9 counties providing input. The camp corporation is funded privately by its rental revenue, fundraisers and donations. (No direct funding is received from either the County Commissioners or OSU Extension.)