Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

06/12/2026

"My career in finance was rewarding as you were a steward of company assets. But being a Park Steward gives you a chance to enjoy the outdoors while helping to make our parks and common areas more vibrant and accessible.” -Bob Komula, AKA "Buckthorn Bob” as his former neighbors accurately labeled him having taken on the job of a large stand of buckthorns while living in MN! Retirement brought him to Indiana and we are so lucky it did!

Learn more about Bob’s volunteer service in this month’s Volunteer Spotlight. www.hamiltonswcd.org/news-articles/volunteer-spotlight-bob-komula

06/11/2026

After six years with Hamilton County SWCD, we're saying goodbye to Taylor as she begins her next chapter.

Over the years, Taylor has served in a variety of roles and has been part of countless programs, projects, events, and accomplishments. Her dedication, hard work, and commitment to conservation have left a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve.

We're grateful for everything Taylor has contributed during her time with us and for the many ways she has helped advance our mission. Please join us in thanking her for six years of service and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

Thank you, Taylor—you will be sorely missed!

06/10/2026

It's Pollinator Month! ​🐝

Did you know bees are not the only pollinators in Indiana? Approximately 200,000 insect species and 1,000 vertebrate species help pollinate plants around the world.

Planting native plants is one of the best ways you can support pollinators🌱Check out what's blooming in our native landscape in the final installation of our spring native plant series.

06/08/2026

Native landscapes in the news -- featuring our 2025 landscape tour yard and SWCD friend Bobby Avery-Kimball!

We're here to help you get started -- www.hamiltonswcd.org/landscape

Ripping up your grass isn't the craziest way to garden this spring. Opting for a lawn of native plants will strengthen your local ecosystem. See link below ⬇️

📸 Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

06/08/2026

Ladies of Hamilton and Tipton Counties: Do you own or operate farmland, acreage, or working land and want to learn more about conservation opportunities and meet other women like you?

Join us for a Women’s Learning Circle hosted by Women4theland, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, and Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District.
These interactive sessions provide a welcoming space to connect with fellow women landowners, learn from conservation professionals, discuss your land management goals, and explore practical conservation options for your property.

📅 June 17 – Soil Health & Water Quality
📅 July 15 – Conservation Values & Challenges
📅 August 12 – Steps for Creating a Plan + Local Farm Visit

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Each session includes a light breakfast and complimentary lunch. Attend one session or join us for the full series!

Registration is required for each session.
Learn more and register: www.women4theland.org/upcoming-events

06/05/2026

If you've looked out your window during "conventional" planting, you might notice freshly tilled fields or rows of corn and soybean sprouts starting to emerge from bare soil. That's not what planting HAS to look like, though - farmers like Joe Hamilton approach their fields a bit differently in the spring with strategies like "Planting Green".

Farmers, like Joe, who plant green are cover crop adopters who don't use a species that winter kills. With the volatility of storms around planting season, these farmers don't want to risk losing their top soil to erosion so they try to keep their fields continuously covered (a key soil health principle!). Join our RITA tech, Jamie, as she rode along with Joe as he planted soybeans into 6' tall cereal rye. Interested in learning more? Check out Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative's resources or our website for more information about cover crops and soil health.

https://www.ccsin.org/

06/04/2026

2026 OISC Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal

06/03/2026

Check out this W**d Wrangle coming up on Friday! It's not too late to sign up!

06/03/2026

New merch alert! Our “Grow Native Plants” hats just dropped in the online storefront. Perfect for summer hikes, baseball games, farmers markets, and days spent outdoors.

☀🌱 Get yours today: www.hamiltonswcd.org/store/p328/grownativehat

Shipping available 📦

06/02/2026

Invasive Plant of the Week: Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)

This commonly planted ornamental tree is now being reported escaping cultivation in parts of Indiana and establishing in natural areas. While it may look harmless, Japanese tree lilac can spread into natural areas where it begins to compete with native plants, reducing biodiversity over time.

Early detection is key. Catching new or small populations before they become established makes control much easier, more effective, and far less costly. Once invasive species become widespread, management becomes significantly more difficult and long-term.

If you spot Japanese tree lilac outside of planted landscapes, report it to EDDMapS using the website eddmaps.org or mobile app. Reporting helps land managers track new invasions and the Indiana Invasive Plant Council put new plants on the Indiana Invasive Species List.

Learn more about identifying and managing invasive species at sicim.info