For the past two years Friends of the Ravines has been compiling a guide for urban property owners. FOR will collaborate with Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) in promoting the guide as a part of promoting a Backyard Conservation Program for Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. Featured articles provide helpful advice for protecting ravine slopes, lists of native plantings appropriate for ravine, lists of invasive plant species, and an article on the soils of Franklin County. Contributors to the guide include faculty and graduate students from the Ohio State University’s Department of Horticulture and Crop Science and Department of Geology as well as Landscape Architect and Natural Resources Manager from Columbus Recreation and Parks. FOR is currently applying for grants to fund the costs of layout, illustrations, and printing. The guides will be distributed throughout Franklin County at no charge through public libraries, ravine associations, Chambers of Commerce, Area Commissions, and realtors.
