Cleveland Co. Conservation District

08/26/2026

Trees are hugely important to our environment!!! Learn more about the care of your trees!

It's hot! We Oklahoman's are no strangers to heat and dry spells, but did you know the effects of a severe drought on your trees can last for years? It's not just about immediate wilting.

Long-Term Effects of Drought on Trees:
A major drought can weaken a tree's entire system, making it vulnerable for 2–7 years afterward (the "Drought Legacy Effect").

🛑 Hydraulic Failure: Air bubbles (embolisms) block water transport in the sapwood, permanently damaging the tree's plumbing.

🛑 Feeder Root Dieback: Essential roots that absorb water and nutrients die off quickly in dry soil.

🛑 Vulnerability to Pests & Disease: Stressed trees have depleted energy reserves and cannot defend themselves against boring insects like bark beetles or fungal diseases.

How You Can Help Your Trees Remain Resilient:
Action taken during and before a drought makes all the difference for long-term health.

✅ Proper Mulching: Maintain a 3-4 inch layer of undyed, organic mulch around the root zone (but not touching the trunk). This retains soil moisture and insulates roots.

✅ Supplemental, Deep Watering: During dry periods, water slowly and deeply around the drip line of your trees to reach critical root zones, rather than frequent shallow watering.

✅ Species Selection: Consider planting drought-tolerant species native to Oklahoma, like Caddo Maple, Oklahoma Redbud, and various resilient Oaks. They are adapted to our unique climate challenges.

Let's protect our community canopy together. 🌳

08/20/2026

Applications are being accepted now!! This is an awesome program, please share!

08/19/2026

Another day in the life of the District!!! Emergency Drought Program pond cleanout. It's a good thing!

08/17/2026

a good reminder Norman!

Curbside recycling is placed in a blue City-issued polycart and pickup occurs once every other week.

✅Items that can be placed in the blue cart include: Aluminum, tin or steel cans; newspapers and office paper; Plastics labeled #1 or Plastics labeled #2 (such as milk jugs, beverage containers, detergent jugs, shampoo or conditioner bottles); paperboard or cardboard (to include used pizza boxes with no food materials in them).

🚫Examples of waste that are unacceptable for recycling include: Items with any food residue; styrofoam or glass; Plastics labeled #3-7; chemicals; aerosol cans and paint cans; tissue, wrapping paper; plastic or shiny shopping bags; diapers; medical waste; tires; hangers; scrap metal.

➡️See more information about responsible waste disposal below!

FOR GLASS:
Glass can be dropped off at Norman Recycling Centers located at: Hollywood Shopping Center - McGee and Lindsey; 2420 Westport Drive by the Westwood Pool; Fire Station #9 - 3001 E. Alameda; Transfer Station Recycling Hub – 3901 S. Chautauqua.

FOR FOAM:
A "Styro-Station" where styrofoam can be dropped off for safe recycling is located at: University Lutheran Church & Student Center, 914 Elm. Foam must be very clean to be dropped off. Hours of operation are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOR PAINTS, BATTERIES, CHEMICALS: Residents can learn more about what you can bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or book an appointment for drop-off: Normanok.gov/HHWF

07/22/2026

Know of an outstanding School, Organization, or Individual that excels in Oklahoma's continuing Environmental awareness programs or education? NOMINATE THEM!!!
Everyone deserves a pat on the back, some deserve an award!

07/21/2026

Calling all Teachers, Homeschool Parents, Organizations, and all "no, I don't know everything" people. Check out this opportunity at the National Weather Center in Norman!!! You need to register by THIS Thursday the 23rd!
Teaching Climate Across the Curriculum: Tools and Strategies for K–12 Educators, a hands-on professional learning experience designed to help you confidently integrate climate concepts into the subjects you already teach. Whether you teach science, social studies, English language arts, the arts, or work in a nonformal setting, you'll gain practical strategies and ready-to-use resources that fit your classroom and your students.
Workshop Details
• July 31, 2026
• National Weather Center, Norman
• 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• $20 registration (scholarships available)
• Open to K–12 formal and informal educators

Leave with classroom-ready lessons, new curriculum resources, and the confidence to make climate education relevant, engaging, and actionable for your students.
Register today:

Bring climate into what you teach. Get ready-to-use lessons, plan your approach, and connect with educators across Oklahoma!

07/21/2026

So many great Opportunities out there! Looking to expand your community's tree canopy, create local food resources, or protect against rising temperatures, with $0 in matching funds required?
You can bring a wide range of green projects to your area, including:
Tree Planting, Community Outreach and Education, Tree Inventories, Employee Professional Development, Heat Mitigation and Food Forests.

Oklahoma Forestry Services has just opened applications for the Urban & Community Forestry Match-Waived Grant! This is a rare opportunity to secure funding for critical green infrastructure without the typical financial match burden.

This one is for Local or Tribal Governments or 501 (c) (3) Non Profits. Please share!!!! Let's plant some trees for our communities! Share this will your local representatives, local municipalities or anyone you think can apply for this grant program!!

2026 Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program Applications Now Available07.16.2026 ForestryOklahoma Forestry Services is now accepting applications for the 2026 Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program. The program offers match-free grants for local governments, tribal organiza...

07/20/2026

Oh, you're gonna want to read this!

07/20/2026

I have to tell you, this yard IMPRESSED me! Welcome Kyle and Marcus to our Yard By Yard family!
Front and back had impressive urban farming systems! This is compost, natives, veggies, herbs, pollinators, rain barrel, very little lawn and plans for more growth. I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves!

07/15/2026

Great Opportunity for our Ag producers!!! Contact our office for the application at [email protected]