A Guide to
Sustainability-Involved Organizations
in Southeast Ohio
Prepared for the
Third Annual
Athens Area
Sustainability Festival
October 11 and 12, 2003
Prepared by GASP
Greater Athens Sustainability Project
www.gasp.athens.oh.us
General Organizations
- Athens Area Sustainability Festival
- Mail: PO Box 58, Amesville, OH 45711
- Email: aasf@frognet.net
- Web: www.gasp.athens.oh.us/aasf.shtml
- Listserv: susfest@yahoogroups.com
- Membership: Free and open to all interested participants
- Notes: Sponsors the Athens Area Sustainability Festival
-
- Athens Commons
- Web: www.athenscommons.org (not currently active)
- Also see: http://www.athenstowncrier.com/
- Listserv: athensgrow@yahoogroups.com
- Notes: A somewhat informal effort that's had ups and downs
-
- GASP (Greater Athens Sustainability Project)
- Mail: PO Box 1196, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.589.4575
- Email: jaknouse@frognet.net
- Web: www.gasp.athens.oh.us
- Membership: $10 per year
- Notes: A small organization dedicated to all aspects of sustainability, welcoming new members
-
- Rural Action
- Location: 19627 Walnut Street, Trimble, OH
- Mail: PO Box 157, Trimble, OH 45782
- Phone: 740.767.4938
- Fax: 740.767.4957
- Web: www.ruralaction.org
- Membership: $15 low-income, $40 individual, $60 household
- Notes: Rural Action's projects in Ohio Appalachian counties integrate social, environmental, and ecoomic
development. Programs include watershed restoration (Monday Creek, Sunday Creek, and Federal Creek); non-timber
forest product development; community organizing; local food producers' and growers' marketing and promotion; a
regional recorded music collection; and community murals that form a low-impact tourist attraction.
- Vision: We envision a model for renewal in our region: a broad base of citizens working to build
sustainable economies, communities, and environments.
- Mission: Rural Action's mission is to promote economic, social, and environmental justice in
Appalachian Ohio.
-
- Sustainable Living Organization
- Email: sustliv@ohiou.edu
- Web: http://cscwww.cats.ohiou.edu/~sustliv/
- Membership: Free, open to all Ohio University Students
- Notes: An Ohio University student group
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General Environmental Organizations
Ohio Environmental Council
Mail: Ste 201, 1207 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: 614.487.7506
Fax: 614.487.7510
Email: oec@theoec.org
Web: www.theoec.org/
Membership: $25 individual ($15 introductory rate)
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Land Trusts and Land Protectors
- Appalachia Ohio Alliance
and Hocking Hills Land Trust
- Mail: P.O. Box 1151, Logan OH 43138
- Phone: 740/983-2487
- Email: gosnellarch@aol.com
- Web: www.hockinghillslandtrust.org
- Membership: No public members, but people may become a "friend" by making a donation
- Notes: We are a non-governmental, 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization with a mission and goal of
"Preserving Family Lands Today for Tomorrow" in the southeastern regions of Ohio.
-
- Athens Conservancy
- Mail: PO Box 1196, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.589.4575
- Email: jaknouse@frognet.net
- Web: www.gasp.athens.oh.us/conservancy.shtml
- Membership: $10.00 per year
- Notes: The Conservancy is dedicated to protecting sensitive land and important ecosystems in Athens County
-
- Athens Land Conservation Advisory Committee
- Mail: 8 East Washington Street, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.592.3338
- Email: mayor@ci.athens.oh.us
- Notes: Charged with planning for the use and protection of city-owned open-space lands
-
- Friends of the Lower Muskingum River
- Mail: 701 Colegate, Marietta, OH 45750
- Phone: 740.373.3372
- Email: marilynortt@charter.net
- Web: www.amrivers.org/groups/
- friendsoflowermuskingumriver45750.htm
- Notes: A new group, centered around the lower Muskingum River, especially in Washington County, Ohio
-
- Hocking River Commission
- Mail: PO Box 5847, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.664.3005
- Email: john wryst: wryzca@frognet.net
- Web: www.seorf.ohiou.edu/~xx076/homepage.html
- Membership: $20 individual, $25 family, $40 organization
- Note: Founded 1991 as a spokesgroup for the Hocking River, through education, stewardship, and promotion of
river-corridor recreation. Recent activities include publication of a river poster, talks to schools, sponsorship of floodplain
and wetlands conferences, partnership with Monday Creek Restoration Project, and sponsorship of the Big Hockhocking
Cleanup.
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Forests, Trees and Open Space Advocates
- Athens County Arbor Day Committee
- Mail: PO Box 5736, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.589.9910 or 740.448.2037
- Email: ann.bonner@dnr.state.oh.us
- Web: www.seorf.ohiou.edu/~xx010
- Notes: We are a group of individuals and organizations working to increase public awareness regarding the value
of trees to the beauty of the community; to provide opportunities for public participation in tree planting programs for
community beautification, land reclamation, and resource development; and to reduce tree abuse and promote
conservation, protection, and stewardship of our tree resources. Organized under SORT, a volunteer non-profit waste
reduction organization.
-
- Athens Tree Commission
- Mail: 8 East Washington Street, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.592.3338
- Email: mayor@ci.athens.oh.us
- Notes: Charged with planting, planning for, and protecting city trees; appointed by City Council
-
- Buckeye Forest Council
- Mail: 11315 Jackson Drive, The Plains, Ohio 45780
- Phone: 740.797.7200
- Fax: 740.797.8900
- Email: info@buckeyeforestcouncil.org
- Web: www.buckeyeforestcouncil.org
- Membership: $15 individual
- Notes: The Buckeye Forest Council is a grassroots nonprofit organizations dedicated to the protection of Ohio's
native forestlands and their inhabitants. Through education, advocacy, and organizing, we seek to instill in Ohioans a
sense of personal connection to and responsibility for Ohio's native forests and to challenge the exploitation of land,
wildlife and people.
-
- Dysart Defenders
- Mail: PO Box 31, Athens, OH 45701
- Email: chad@dysartwoods.org
- Web: www.dysartwoods.org
- Membership: No set amount
- Note: Dysart Defenders is dedicated to preserving the Dysart Woods, an old-growth woodland owned by
Ohio University
-
- Hocking Voice
- Mail: PO Box 31, Athens, OH 47501
- Email: chad@arcticrefuge.org
- Web: http://www.hockingvoice.org/
- Membership: low-income $15, regular $25
- Notes: Hocking Voice is an Athens, Ohio based organization dedicated to restoring the Hocking River and its
watershed, and to helping Hocking citizens get involved in local, regional, state, national and global efforts to protect and
restore the environment.
-
- POPLAR (Protecting Ohio's Public Land, Air, and Rivers)
- Mail: PO Box 571, Athens, OH 45701
- Email: poplar@riseup.net
- Listserv: poplar@lists.riseup.net
- Membership: Free to all interested participants
- Notes: An organization formed to take direct action in protecting the environment
-
- Southeast Ohio Woodland Interest Group
- Mail: 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701
- Phone: 614.593.3341
- Web: www.dnr.state.oh.us/forestry/landownerasst/woodland.htm
- Notes: One of a several regional woodland owners interest groups in Ohio, giving woodland owners the chance to
work together and share information
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Food and Agriculture
- ACEnet
(Appalachian Center for Economic Networks)
- Location: 94 Columbus Road, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.592.3854
- Fax: 740.593.5451
- Email: webmaster@acenetworks.org
- Web: www.acenetworks.org/
- Notes: ACEnet is a community economic-development organization in rural southeast Ohio. Their mission is
to build the capacity of local communities to network, innovate, and cooperate to create a sustainable, strong regional
economy that has opportunities for all. ACEnet focuses on food and technology sectors. In each, staff provides basic
services that businesses need to start, expand, and create quality jobs. At the same time, staff encourages entrepreneurs
to network with each other, sharing information and generating joint ventures that enable them to enjoy economies of
scale typical of much larger businesses.
-
- Athens Farmers Market
- Location: University Mall parking lot, East State St., Athens, OH
- Hours: 10-12 Saturday, all year; 10-12 Wednesday Apr-Dec
- Manager: Dave Gutknecht
- Mail: 270 Highland Ave, Athens OH 45701
- Phone: 740.592.1912
- Fax: 740.594.4504
- Email: info@athensfarmersmarket.org
- Web: www.athensfarmersmarket.org
- Membership: $80 per year for single stall
- Notes: The Athens Farmers Market welcomes vendors who sell locally-grown items and locally-produced food.
-
- Community Food Initiatives
- Location & mail: 12870 State Route 13, Millfield, OH 45761
- Phone: 740.594.6644
- Fax: 740.593.5451
- Email: cfi@frognet.net
- Web: www.frognet.net/~cfi
- Notes: CFI is dedicated to supporting local food production, especially helping people grow their own food. CFI
works in Athens County to promote self- sufficiency as it relates to basic food production, preservation, and preparation;
rooting that work in community and the development of a strong local food system.
-
- OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association)
- Mail: PO Box 82234, Columbus Ohio 43202
- Phone: 614.421.2022
- Email: oeffa@oeffa.com
- Web: www.oeffa.com
- Membership: $10 student, $35 individual, $50 family, $60 business, $100 business
- Notes: OEFFA was founded in 1979 as a broad-based membership association of farmers, gardeners, and
consumers working together to promote sustainable and healthful agriculture in Ohio. They publish a newsletter,
sponsor farm tours, an annual farming conference, workshops, and provide certification services for organic growers.
There are several active chapters around Ohio including one in the Athens area.
-
- Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association
- Mail: PO Box 503 Albany, OH 45710
- Phone: 740-698-2124
- Email: opga@frognet.net
- Web: www.ohiopawpaw.org
- Notes: Established in 2000 to organize and advance the re-development of a pawpaw (Asimina triloba) industry in
Ohio. Sponsors the annual Pawpaw Festival at Lake Snowden, on the second weekend in September
-
- United Plant Savers
- Location: 35707 Loop Rd, Rutland OH 45775
- Mail: PO Box 77, Guysville, OH 45735
- Phone: 740.662.0041
- Fax: 740.662.0242
- Email: info@unitedplantsavers.org
- Web: www.plantsavers.org
- Membership: $35 individual, $50 organization
- Notes: United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and
their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations
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Community Resources
- APAC (Appalachian People's Action Coalition)
- Location & mail: 204 North Plains Road, The Plains, OH 45780
- Phone: 740.797.2608
- Hours: 10-5 Monday - Friday, 10-2 Saturday, closed Sunday
- Notes: APAC, 15 years old, works to educate the community on the myths surrounding poverty, and about what life
is like for low-income residents of Appalachian Ohio. APAC Economic Development Projects provide opportunities to
low-income people to acquire assets. In 1990, APAC opened the APAC Bargain Furniture Store, selling quality used
furniture at affordable prices and providing employment and job training. APAC accepts donation of furniture and
appliances from the community. The store is open to the public. APAC works closely with the Red Cross, Neighbors
Helping Neighbors, and other local agencies to help those in need.
-
- APJN (Appalachian Peace & Justice Network)
- Mail: 18 N. College St., Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.592.2608
- Fax: 740.592.4846
- Email: apjn@frognet.net
- Web: home.frognet.net/~apjn/apjn.htm
- Notes: APJN, established in 1984, empowers and challenges groups and individuals to work for peace and
social justice. The organization currently serves fourteen counties of Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia.
- APJN educates and builds coalitions among local and regional groups and institutions. APJN is a peace and justice
networking organization but also tries to address the root causes of violence and militarism in the society.
- Some area issues are: absentee land ownership; an economy based on resource extraction such as coal and
timber; poverty; hunger and homelessness. Other more subtle issues include: a large military budget resulting in social
service cutbacks; Appalachian youth joining the military because few other jobs are available; U.S. domestic policies
affecting the local economy; racism, and sexism.
-
- Athens' Own
- Mail: PO Box 237, Amesville, OH 45711
- Phone: 740.448.2696
- Email: athensown@lycos.com
- Notes: Athens' Own provides individualized marketing and distribution for quality, ecologically balanced, and
community-originated merchandise. Athens' Own helps to empower the community by providing an opportunity for
people to employ their passions.
-
- The Wire, a community resource collective
- Mail: PO Box 571, Athens OH 45701
- Phone: 740.589.5111
- Email: thewire@riseup.net
- Web: www.athenswire.org
- Notes: A new organization, dedicated to providing common space for meetings and activities, and common
resources within that space
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Health and Safety
- Athens City-County Health Department (ACCHD)
- Location & mail: 278 W. Union St., Athens, Ohio 45701
- Phone: 740.592.4431
- Toll-free: 1.800.945.6447
- Fax: 740.594.2370
- Email: jacobson@health.athens.oh.us
- Web: www.health.athens.oh.us
- Notes: Dr. James Gaskell, MD, Medical Dir. & Commissioner
- Mr. Charles Hammer, RS Administrator
- Kathy Jacobson, RN CHPN Public Health Infrastructure Grant Coordinator
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Energy
- GEO (Green Energy Ohio)
- Mail: Suite 209, 7870 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43235
- Phone: 614.985.6131
- Fax: 614.888.9716
- Email: geo@greenenergyohio.org
- Web: www.greenenergyohio.org/
- Membership: $15 student/low income, $25 regular
- Notes: Green Energy Ohio is an organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically
sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio.
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Tourism, Heritage, and Recreation
- Athens Trails
- Mail: PO Box 1196, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.589.4575
- Email: jaknouse@frognet.net
- Web: www.gasp.athens.oh.us/trails/
- Membership: $10/year
- Notes: Athens Trails provides trail experiences in Athens County, Ohio, but especially concentrates on building
the Athens Trail around the City of Athens, Ohio
-
- Foothills School of American Crafts
- Mail: P.O. Box 414, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
- Location: 25 Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
- Phone: 740.753.4189
- Fax: 740.753.2408
- Email: fhs@frognet.net
- Web: www.foothillsartworks.com
- Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 5:00 pm
- Notes: The Foothills School of American Crafts is dedicated to opening a window into the rich artistic heritage of
southeastern Ohio, with its green, rolling hills.
-
- Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council
- Mail: PO Box 109, Shawnee, OH 43782
- Phone: 740.394.2852
- Email: jwinnenb@frognet.net
- Web: www.rootsweb.com/~ohathens/lcbd.htm
- Notes: The Council tells the story of south Perry, north Athens, and east Hocking Counties of Ohio where
extractive industries of coal, oil, clay and iron ore significantly impacted our way of life since the late 1800's. The Council
promotes the historical, cultural, civic and environmental assets of our region.
-
- Ohio's Hill Country Heritage Area
- Mail: PO Box 328, Athens, Ohio 45701
- Phone: 1.866.644.4557 (866.OH.HILLS)
- Email: on-line form at website
- Web: www.ohiohillcountry.org/
- Membership: $20 individual, $35 organization or business
- Notes: Ohio's Hill Country Heritage Area is dedicated to the identification, protection and appropriate
development of the natural, cultural, recreational and economic resources that make up Appalachian Ohio to enhance
the quality of life of the region's residents and to welcome visitors to experience the area's rich heritage, natural beauty
and traditions.
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Recycling and Salvage
- Athens-Hocking Recycling Program
- Mail: PO Box 2607, Athens, Ohio 45701
- Phone: 740.797.4208
- Email: recycle@frognet.net
- Notes: Provides curbside recycling in Athens, The Plains, Nelsonville, Amesville, Albany, Logan, and some
rural areas. Offers opportunity to recycle tires, appliances, scrap metal, car batteries twice each year. 22 full time jobs
employ local citizens. Pay-As-You-Throw in the City of Athens has saved residents money over the past decade. In
1989 residents paid $9.50 per month for weekly trash collection. For the next ten years they paid $4.50/month for
garbage collection and $2/month for recycling. Recent increases put monthly costs at $5.00 for trash collection and $2.50
for recycling pickup. Day-to-day operations are self-sustaining and are paid for by fees for service and revenues from the
sale of recyclable materials.
-
- ReUse Industries
- Main Location:
- Location: 74815 U.S. Highway 50, Albany, Ohio 45710
- Phone: 740.698.8200
- Toll-free: 800.837.7600 (good in 740 area code only)
- Fax: 740.698.4014
- Hours: 10 am - 6 pm, Monday - Saturday
- Community Thrift Store:
- Location: 100 Columbus Road, Athens, Ohio 45701
- Phone: 740.594.5103
- General Contact Info:
- Email: reuse@frognet.net
- Web: www.reuseindustries.org
- Notes: ReUse Industries is a salvage and recycling organization with two business locations.
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Financial Resources
- Appalachian Development Federal Credit Union
- Location & mail: 54 W. Washington St., Nelsonville, OH 45764
- Phone: 740.753.9122
- Hours: Monday 9-6, Tuesday thru Friday 9-3
- Notes: To serve the financial needs of low-income, work poor members.
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Education
- Ohio University Environmental Studies Program
- Mail & location: Ohio U., The Ridges, Building 22, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.593.9358
- Fax: 740.593.0924
- Email: mapesg@ohio.edu
- Web: www.ilgard.ohiou.edu/mses
- Notes: One of the few programs of its kind in the country, the environmental studies program at Ohio
University is uniquely structured to accommodate students' needs. The program is developed around five areas of
concentration: life sciences, physical and earth sciences, environmental archaeology, environmental policy and planning,
or environmental monitoring.
-
- Hocking College
- Mail & location: 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH 45764-9704
- Phone: 740.753.3591
- Email: admissions@hocking.edu
- Web: www.hocking.edu
- Notes: Hocking College offers a number of majors, including Ecotourism and Adventure Travel,
Environmental Restoration, Fish Management and Aquaculture, Forest Management, Natural and Historical
Interpretation, Natural Resources Management, Ranger Services, Timber Harvesting, and Wildlife Management.
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Religious Organizations
- Religious organizations are listed only if they have ongoing, public, nonreligious
programs that directly contribute to sustainability.
-
- Unitarian Fellowship of Athens
- Location: 184 Longview Heights Rd., Athens, OH 45701
- Mail: PO Box 333, Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.592.2083
- Email: info@uuathens.org
- Web: www.uuathens.org
- Services: Sunday mornings, 10:30 am
- Notes: A Unitarian-Universalist congregation with a Green Service Committee that sponsors the Homestead
Trail reconstruction at Strouds Run State Park and co-sponsors the Community Composting Project, along with
Community Food Initiatives.