There is a way for conservationists and developers to work together and make economically sound community investments that protect the natural character of an area, said Kirby Date, program coordinator for the national Countryside Program. The Countryside Program was started with grant funding by the Western Reserve Resource Conservation and Development Council, a non-profit organization made up of county commissioners, soil and water conservation representatives and citizens in 300 counties across the United States. Nine counties in northern Ohio are part of the Countryside Program. Date said conservation and well-organized land use often help lower building and maintenance costs, while keeping natural amenities that attract businesses and make employees want to stay in an area. Plain Township Administrator J.B. Bowe said the workshop was planned as a way for people to learn more about preserving things like trees on development sites.
Admission is free.