26 April 2025

4 minute read

By: Ohio Department of Agriculture

Editor's note: The video is a compilation of speakers and activities from the full event. 

For the third year in a row, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative partnered with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) to celebrate Earth Day. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) joined to highlight how the agencies work together to improve water quality through H2Ohio.

"Earth Day is the perfect time to highlight the importance of protecting Ohio’s lakes, rivers and other waterways for future generations," said Governor DeWine. "We enjoy partnering with the team at COSI to inspire young minds and encourage them to explore careers in engineering, science, and conservation to keep Ohio’s waters clean and safe.”

COSI welcomed hundreds of families, students, school groups, and community members for a fun Earth Day celebration packed with interactive and engaging learning opportunities for Ohio youth. The event combined fun with learning by featuring outdoor farm animals, science experiments, live action displays, and a chance to speak one on one with Ohio’s water quality experts.

"Earth Day is more than a celebration—it's science in action," said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI. "Through our partnership with H2Ohio, we're transforming environmental concepts into hands-on experiences that make sustainability accessible and engaging for all communities. These immersive activities don't just spark curiosity—they empower people of all ages to become the change-makers our planet needs for a healthier future for us all."

To kick off the event, representatives from OLEC, ODA, OEPA, and ODNR gave interactive presentations to an audience of families and youth to show how H2Ohio protects Ohio’s water resources.

During the presentation, OLEC Executive Director Joy Mulinex described the need for clean water across the state.

“Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, which uses the best science and data, has had a great impact on improving Lake Erie and Ohio’s waterways,” said OLEC Executive Director Joy Mulinex. “Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of safe, clean, and reliable water.

OLEC is tasked with coordinating and overseeing the work of H2Ohio. The agency drives collaboration and implementation and works with the academic community to develop modeling to shape the program’s direction.

ODA Director Brian Baldridge emphasized agriculture’s essential role with water quality. The agriculture portion of H2Ohio incentivizes farmers to adopt best management practices on their fields to help reduce nutrient runoff.

“Showing youngsters that plants and animals need clean water to grow quality crops and meats to eat is what today is all about,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “We want communities to know Ohio’s farmers are dedicated to preserving soil health and water quality through H2Ohio, which ensures these resources are available for future generations. Today is a wonderful opportunity to partner with COSI for hands on learning about agriculture and its role in helping improve water quality in Ohio.”

Ohio’s farmers continue to demonstrate their commitment to water quality. To date, more than 3,200 producers across the state have enrolled 2.2 million in H2Ohio and nearly 1 in 2 fields in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) are enrolled in H2Ohio.

ODNR Assistant Director Steven Gray highlighted the importance of making good conservation habits a priority, particularly through natural infrastructure which benefits water quality as well as area wildlife.

“Improving water quality across the state is an important mission for H2Ohio and ODNR. By building or restoring wetlands and cleaning up local streams and rivers, we protect habitat and ecosystems while providing clean water for Ohioans,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “The Earth Day celebration is a great way to inspire future conservationists, and we’re excited to work with COSI to help spark that curiosity in young people today.”

ODNR is restoring more than 18,500 acres of wetlands and associated habitat through 203 active or completed projects. Through the Students Take Action program, ODNR provides middle and high school students and teachers with the opportunity to experience wetlands firsthand and explore careers in conservation.

Ohio EPA Director John Logue emphasized the importance of access to clean and safe water across the state.

“H2Ohio is about more than just clean water—it’s about education, engagement, and inspiring the next generation to care for Ohio’s environment,” said Ohio EPA Director John Logue. “Events like this at COSI help young Ohioans understand the importance of water quality and empower them to be part of the solution in protecting our state’s most valuable natural resource.”

The Ohio EPA provides critical upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure and removes lead service lines, particularly in daycares. The agency has served more than 580,000 Ohioans through these projects.

H2Ohio is Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization. For more information, please visit h2.ohio.gov.