LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The 2025 Allen Lima Leadership class is taking a hands-on approach to learning about the environment and agribusiness in Allen County.
Once a month, the group of 36 participants visits different locations around the county to explore key topics impacting the community. This morning, they gathered at the Shawnee Country Club to examine the Ottawa River.
After collecting samples of living organisms from the river, the group discussed how the presence of certain species can indicate the river’s health and how water quality has improved over the past several decades. Following their river study, the class traveled to Nutrien to learn more about Allen County’s top industry — agriculture.
“I am super pumped to learn more about Allen County's role in Northwest Ohio's kind of ag history it is to me. I'm newer to Allen County, and so the history behind it is super fascinating to me, not just because of, you know where we are and what we're doing, but ultimately, how we can go forward with our future, for our kids and our future generations, and how they can also promote healthy water and healthy land,” said Chad Welker, Associate Director of Activate Allen County.
Over the next eight months, the 2025 class will continue its educational journey with field trips focused on education, health care, and manufacturing.
