Cleveland County Conservation District
clevelandccd@conservation.ok.gov
405-364-7319

• Water (8)
• Recycling (11)
• Agriculture (2)
• Earth Friendly (19)
• Composting (3)
• Local Foods - Local Producers (3)
• Pollution (9)
• Energy Efficiency (2)

2600 Van Buren, Suite 2601

 Norman, OK

Everyone wants a healthy lawn.  But did you know that the nutrients that are contained in most fertilizers need to be used with care in order to protect our water sources?  This new pamphlet produced by the CIty of Norman and the  Conservation District discusses the importance of choosing and applying your fertilizer with information and tips.  To download a copy of this brochure, please go to our Manuals Page.

Plant native, drought tolerant plants...

If you leave your teenager in charge of watering your garden while you are on that 10 day cruise, they may be the only plants left.

Take these items to the following places to recycle them:

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS - The Food & Shelter For Friends program not only feeds those in need, they provide furnished housing.  They accept any household items including: furniture, linens, mattresses in good shape, tableware and pots & pans. They accept DVD's and toys for their center.  Please visit their website at www.foodandshelterinc.org.  They are located at 104 W. Comanche St. in Norman, call 360-4954 before you drop anything off.

BABY ITEMS -  The Jr. League of Norman directs a program for young mothers who are still in school called Baby Steps.  Currently this program gives assistance to 16 mothers with children.  They accept clothing, baby toiletries, books, toys, food, lines, furniture, bottles, diapers, etc.  They also assist these mothers to set up housekeeping, so they will accept household items as well.  Baby Steps is located at 941 Nebraska in Norman, call 360-2717 before you drop anything off.  They are also in need of volunteers between the hours of 9 am to 3:30pm in their daycare center.

BOOKS - Take Children's Books to the United Way Success By 6 program.  Any of our local libraries accept book donations, so take them to the Library!

DVD's & VHS Tapes - Unfortuately there is not a local source to recycle these items.  For a small fee, Greendisk.com will recycle your CD's, CD-R, CD-RW, floppy disks, computer tapes, cell phones, PDA's, Pagers, Cords, Chargers, Inkjet & Toner Cartridges, mouse, modems film & cable.  Also check out the E-Waste category.

#5 PLASTIC - Although Norman now takes #5 plastic, you can still send it to Preserve Gimme 5 program, which makes your recycling into toothbrushes and Razors. They also recycle Britta Filters. www.preserveproducts.com

SHOES - These can be taken to Salvation Army or Goodwill locally.  However, if you are a Nike Fan take them back to a local store.  Nike collects old shoes and grinds them up to use a surfaces for sport tracks and courts.  You can also find programs on the internet that will accept your used shoes.

E-WASTE - Dell, Apple and IBM all have take back programs.  Check their websites for more details.  Staples will recycle cell phones and Best Buy will recycle computers and most e-waste for a small fee that is returned to you as a store gift card.  Goodwill will accept anything that still works.  Watch the District's Website for updates on the next E-Waste Drop Off Event in our county.  The Department of Environmental Quality has a webpage dedicated to information concerning the Computer Equipment Recovery Act.  You can find the Recycling Program information for each manufactorer, you will also find drop off site and collection event info.  Visit www.deq.state.ok.us/lpdnew/ewasteindex.html

SCRAP FABRIC- This is a great opportunity for a school or retail shop to hold a a denium drive.  The COTTON: FROM BLUE TO GREEN program takes denium that is too worn or damaged to be donated to a resale shop and turns it into insulation.  The insulation is then donated to Habitat for Humanity for homes that are built in the East.  Visit www.cottonfrombluetogreen.org You can take your old worn out socks and all of your other clothing not fit for man nor beast to Goodwill.  They bulk it into large bundles that gets sold to rag companies.  Goodwill uses they money for their many programs.

PLASTIC CARDS - Credit Cards and the like are made of PVC, which is infinitely recyclable.  Send them with your old gift cards, library cards, ect to Earthworks Systems for recycling.  Be sure to cut off your account number first. Visit www.earthworkssystems.com

SIX PACK BEVERAGE RINGS - These are made from #4 Plastic which needs to be added to the plastic bags that you take to Wal-Mart, Lowes or Home Depot.  If your school is interested in setting up a recycling program,  please go to www.ringleader.com to learn about the Hi-Cone Ring Leader Recycling Program.

MAKE UP CONTAINERS - You can take ANY brand of cosmetic tubes, bottles, covers, jars and caps or toiletry containers to the Origins counter at Dillards.

KEYS - You can take your keys to any facility that takes scrap metals. You can send your keys to KEYS FOR KINDNESS, as small program designed to raise money from key recycling for Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.keysforkindness.com   You can also start your own charity drive!

COOKING GREASE - For Norman Residents, take your old grease to the Trasfer Station, 3901 S. Chautauqua.  For Moore Residents, take yours to the OKC Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 1621 S. Portland.

OLD PRESCRIPTION DRUGS - For Norman Residents take your old prescription drugs to the Norman Police Station.  Walgreen's has a great take back program.  For $2.99 you can purchase an envelope from any Walgreens, put in your old drugs and mail it in. For other Cleveland County Residents, please gather your old prescriptions and hold them until a Drug Round Up is announced.  Watch this side.

MOTOR OIL - You can take this to the Norman Transfer Station or if a Moore Citizen to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in OKC.  You can also take used motor oil to Jiffy Lube, Kwik Kar, Auto Zone, Wal-Mart and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

ANTIFREEZE- This can also be taken to either the Norman Transfer Station or the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in OKC. You can also take it to  Firestone, Hibdon, Jiffy Lube, Kwik Kar, Ok Fast Lube and Valvoline.

AUTO BATTERIES - Auto Zone, Battery Center, Fireston, Hibdon, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Wal-Mart will take these.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES - Take these to the Battery Center, Interstate all Battery Center, Lowes or Radio Shack.

CFL Bulbs - It is really important that you dispose of these bulbs properly.  Take them to Lowe's, Home Depot, OEC, or if a Moore Resident, you can take them with your other Hazardous Waste to the facility in OKC.

PACKING PEANUTS - These can be taken to UPS, Budget Box or Mercury Post & Parcel.

PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS- Drop these off at Lowes, Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot or Homeland. Or, you could just stop accepting plastic bags.

Post your item on Free Cycle.  There are Free Cycle communities in both Norman and Moore.  Set yourself up and post your item, someone may be looking for what you want to toss!

RECYCLING WORKSHOP

In the third round, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful's Free Community Improvement Regional Workshops will focus on the topic of Recycling in 2012.  Each of the five workshops will look at the ins and outs of cummunity recycling; what markets are available, hot to get reycling started in your area, and how recycling fits in with your community improvement plan.

Collaborating with KOB on these workshops is the Oklahoma Recycling Association (OKRA) and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.  Those who attend will have an opportunity to become part of the growing network of KOB affiiates across the state and meet others who have similar goals and experiences.  Starting at 10 am, each workshop will include a complimentary lunch and should adjourn by 3 pm.  Everyone must register to attend.  Deadline for registration is 3 days prior to the event.  Visit www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com to register.

June 6th - Gymon - TBA

June 7th - Clinton - Frisco Conference Center

June 19th - Tulsa - TBA

June 20th - WIlburton - Eastern Oklahoma State College

June 21st - Norman - Norman Public Library

LAKE THUNDERBIRD'S NATURE CENTER

  Lake Thunderbird's Discovery Cove Nature Center is at 1201 Clear Bay Ave in Norman.

SAM NOBLE MUSEUM 

Summer Explorers 2012 - Classes begin June 4th.  Explore the world around you in a fun and exciting way.  The museum offers a variety of discovery based programs for children ages 4 -14 that allow participants to experience science first hand.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  Please call 325-1008 to enroll.

2401 Chautaugua Ave, Norman.   Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am until 5 pm.  Sun 1 pm until 5 pm.

            Check out Sam Noble AND don't forget that every first Monday of the month is always free admission! 

TERRACYCLE RECYCLING PROGRAM DROP OFF LOCATIONS

The Children's Sunday School Classes at Unity Church in Norman have joined the Terracycle Program!  They are collecting Personal Care and Beauty Items (almost everything except; hair spray cans, nail polish & nail polish remover), Kashi Packaging (this program also accepts any brand of cereal bag liners) and Cheese Packaging (which includes string cheese packages, individual singles wrappers & packaging and  shredded cheese bags). Start collecting these items and drop them off at either the District, or at Unity Church, 3001 S. Berry in Norman.  You will find a box clearly marked for drop off at the entrance to both locations.  The proceeds for this recycling program go to World Neighbors; they purchase dairy goats for families in developing countries.

Jackson Elementary School in Norman is also Terracycling!  They are collecting juice pouches, (any brand).  If you are a parent of a Jacksonian, please collect those pouches, (not boxes) at home and send them to school with your child.  If you ARE NOT a Jackson parent, please bring your drink pouches to the Distirct office and place them in the container outside of your office.  The pouches need to be empty with the straw removed.  Jackson is using the funds for this recycling program to support school activities.

GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP

Clean up your corner of the state this spring!  Host a litter collection event, perk up a park with plants and trees or hold a recycling drive, get creative!  The Great American Cleanup will be held from March 1 - May 31st, 2012.  All groups who register will be eligible for FREE trash bags, banners, water for volunteers, prizes and participant-only awards and grants.  Pick your site, choose your project and register TODAY!  To register or receive more information, please visit; www.GACinOK.com

CLEVELAND CO. FARMER'S MARKETS

MOORE'S OLD TOWN MARKET -  The Season will open on Thursday May 24th and will operate every Thursday from 4 pm until 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am until noon until September 1st.  The Old Town Market is located at the Moore Community Center Parking Lot at 301 S. Howard. 

NOBLE'S FARMERS MARKET - The Season will open on Saturday, May 12th and will be open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm until mid October.  The Noble Market is located near the City Hall at 304 S. Main St and is an Oklahoma Grown Market and only accepts Oklahoma Producers who sell, fruit, vegetables, honey and crafts..   Noble Farmers Market is currently looking for a volunteer to accept the position of Market Manager, if you would be interested, please contact Robin Stead at 872-0100.

NORMAN'S FARMERS MARKET - The Seaon opens Saturday, April 7th and is open every Saturday and Wednesday until October 31st.  The market hours are 8 am until noon.  The Norman Market began in 1980 and has grown every year since then.  They have a varied selection of fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods and plants.  The market accepts SNAP, WIC, Chickasaw vouchers and senior nutrition cards.

FOOD COOP - MAY  2012 DATES

The Oklahoma Food Coop order dates for Mayl are the 1st -10th, delivery to Norman is the 17th.  The Food Coop gives you the opportunity to get to know the farmers growing your food. You can find out their practices, ask them questions and put your spending power to work for them.  The Coop offers many certified organic and all natural products, many varieties of veggies that you won't find anywhere else, and grass and/or grain feed; beef, pork, buffalo, chicken and lamb. You will also find Oklahoma flour, honey and a selection of processed foods such as; cheese, salsa, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, jellies, artisan breads and so much more.  There are delivery locations in both Moore and Norman, with  the opportunity of home delivery.  By paying a one time membership share of $51.75 you can be a member of the largest farmer's market in Oklahoma. To find out more, check out their website  www.oklahomafood.coop

OKLAHOMA BIOBLITZ 2012

The annual BioBlitz weekend is October 5th - 7th at Foss State Park and Washita National Wildlife Refuge.  Celebrate Oklahoma's biodiversity in this 24 hour rapid inventory of all species from plants to protist and animals to algae, and all other living things as well. The BioBlitz kicks off on October 5th at 4 pm, the next 24 hours are filled with specimen collection, informative talks, expert led walks and activities for all ages and backgrounds.  BioBlitz is for everyone interested in learning more about Oklahoma's natural diversity; home school families, scout troops, high school and college classes and enthusiatic ameteurs.  To register for this event, please contact www.biosurvey.ou.edu

NORMAN SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK MONTHLY MEETING

This group of citizens works to preserve and improve the economic, social, and environmental resources of Norman for ourselves and future generations.  To learn more about NSN , check out their website at www.normansustainability.org

The OSU Extension Service provides research based educational opportunities.   The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, (OCES) is a community-based, educational network with offices in all seventy-seven counties.

Extension Educators offer educational programs to improve the lives of Oklahoman's in the following areas:  Agriculture/Horticulture and Natural Resources; Community and Rural Development; Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H & Youth Development.  The Cleveland County OCES provides information through publications, newsletters, news columns, seminars, programs, one-on-one consultations, computer based programs and agriculture laboratory services.  Learn more about their Master Gardener Program, their School Enrichment Programs and their Family and Consumer Sciences Programs or check out their online Fact Sheet Library on their website at: http://oces.okstate.edu/cleveland .  You can also contact them at 321-4774 to speak to an educator in agriculture or horticulture to answer your questions from anything from deer management to turf management.

Begining on April 7th during Farmer's Market at the Cleveland Co. Fairgrounds, members of the Master Gardener's program will be at their booth inside the market to answer your gardening questions!   Their Q & A Booth is open every Saturday from 9 am until 12 noon.   Master Gardener members are also available during Farmer's Market on both Wednesdays and Saturdays to conduct tours of the gardens from 9 am until 12 noon.

The Buy Fresh Buy Local Program encourages citizens and business to purchase local in season produce. Local produce is fresher, boosts our local economy and leaves a much smaller carbon footprint.  The Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Oklahoma Chapter produces a brochure of local producers as well as restaurants, caterers and Farmer's Markets that sell or use local produce.  To get your copy of this guide, go to www.kerrcenter.com/buy-fresh-frontier.htm.