| Inside This Edition Upcoming Events: - Annual Meeting - February 28th
Programs and Services: - Native Plant Kit Sale
District News: - Staff Updates
- New Guidebook Available
- Become an Affiliate Member this Year
Conservation Corner: - Online Article
- Editorial Piece
Extras: - Indiana Home & Garden Show
|
|
|
| | | |  | | Native Indiana plant kits take the guess work out of creating your native plant garden. Get a selection of tried and true native plants to create your own pollinator garden, shade garden, or rain garden. Kit info:
50 plant plugs per kit - (approximately 5 plugs of each species)
$135.00 per kit + tax
Orders and payment are due by March 30th but kits could sell out. Order early!
Pick up: Pre-ordered plant kits will be available for pick up the week of June 5th in Noblesville. More information will be emailed to customers as pick up approaches.
How to order:
Use our online store to purchase your plant kits. Don't forget to pre-order your rain barrel too! If you would rather pay via cash or check, please call 317-773-2181. You do not need to be a Hamilton County resident to purchase from our sales, but you must pick up your order in Noblesville.
How many plants do I need?
Plugs should be planted at least 1 foot apart (1 kit =50 sq. ft. garden). You can plant your plugs 16 -18 inches apart to cover a larger area (100-120 sq. ft. garden) and allow them plenty of room as they mature. See example planting plans below. Please note - species and quantities listed are subject to availability. Some species and quantities could be substituted if necessary. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | Celebrate Claire's 10 year work anniversary! Claire Lane has been with us for 10 years serving Hamilton County! Claire has impacted this district greatly and has made significant positive changes in the county. She created and steers "Hamilton County Invasives Partnership", has been awarded several deserving awards, cultivated the tool loan program, and so much more. She is well loved by the community and office alike! Congratulations! |
|
|
| Say hello to Alexis! Alexis Warren has joined us as the new Conservation Outreach and Technical Assistant! She will help with education and outreach, support our technical services, and spearhead the launch of the soil trailer. She graduated from Earlham College in 2021 with a degree in environmental sustainability with minors in geology and political science. Her background is in parks and she is excited to bring new ideas to programs and help in anyway to serve the county. |
|
|
| |
|
| Rain Gardens for Homeowners Guidebook Available | What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a shallow depression (typically 6-8 inches deep) in your yard that is planted with native wildflowers and grasses. This popular type of perennial garden is strategically located to capture runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and patios. The garden holds water allowing it to infiltrate into the ground, then dries up in 24-48 hours. You can think of a rain garden as a bowl shaped native landscape bed.
Why install a rain garden?
Rain gardens are not just landscape features-- they absorb water and pollutants, reduce runoff, protect water quality, and prevent flooding. A rain garden on your property helps prevent stormwater pollution. Rain gardens absorb hundreds of gallons of rainwater that would otherwise wash pollutants from your lawn and roof down the street into the nearest pond, river, stream or lake. Even small rain gardens can absorb a lot of rain water! | Free copies of the booklet are available at the SWCD office in Noblesville or you can read or download the booklet from our website. |
| |
|
 | | | | |  | Adapted from illustration by Doug Adamson |
|
|
| Become an Affiliate Member this Year! | Who are SWCD Affiliate Members?
Affiliate members are concerned about the conservation and proper use and care of our natural resources. Affiliate members are businesses who want to support district efforts and connect with landowners. Affiliate members are event attendees and program participants who were happy with the support they were provided and want to give back to the District.
Members include: - Farmers
- Homeowners
- Landowners
- Businesses and partner organizations
- Teachers & schools
- Community leaders
- Those who care about our environment.
| |
| |
|
Why is your membership important? By becoming an Affiliate Member of Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District, you are helping our organization provide services and educational programs which protect and enhance the natural resources of Hamilton County. Donations, whether volunteer hours or a financial contribution, are a valuable asset. Our supporters ensure we can hold workshops and programs for all ages, produce educational publications, establish demonstration sites, and support the many services offered by the SWCD. All levels receive a Friend of Conservation t-shirt and will be recognized at the Annual Meeting, on our brochure, and on our website. Partner and Champion of Conservation levels will receive ad space in all Town and County Newsletter, a link from our webpage and a social media post sharing your information and website. |
| Affiliate Membership Levels
$25+ Friend of Conservation
$50+ Compassionate Conservationist
$100+ Conservation Hero
$300+ Partner in Conservation (Advertisement offered)
$500+ Champion of Conservation (Advertisement offered)
Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. |
|
|
| | | | Should You Turn Your Heat Down When You're Not Home? "What's worse than freezing your keister off on when Old Man Winter blows through town? Freezing in your own home. The trouble is, those pesky heating costs can really pile up. The largest expense in the average U.S. home is space heating, which accounts for about 45 percent of annual energy bills [source: Department of Energy]. Households that use natural gas spend about $950 a year on heating costs, while the price tag for those who rely on oil to keep their houses and apartments cozy is a whopping $2,115 annually [source: National Energy Assistance Directors Association]. That's not to mention the money that goes toward keeping a home – and those who live in it – cool when the weather turns warm, an effort that reflects roughly half of a household's energy costs during summer months." Article By Chris Opfer from howstuffworks Updated: December 22, 2022 |
|
|
| |
|
| Reflection on Conservation Methods I’ve been thinking lately about the big picture of conservation beyond the scope of soil and water. Someone posed a question to me about a builder who was designing houses that force the occupant to run water in the colder times of the year and wait for the water to get warm before using the water, thus wasting an amount of water before actively using any. Growing up and living in the Midwest primarily in older homes, I was not aware there was any different way of life. It was presented to me that a recirculation pump could be installed to help speed up the warm water coming out of a faucet sooner. My questions were: How much more energy would this pump use? How do we measure the amount of extra energy vs. the amount of wasted water? Does the question of environmental impact sway toward one practice or the other, or is it a moot point with either option having the same impact? I am unaware of any studies being done specifically on this topic, so I guess it is now left for me to ponder. How does conservation in our homes affect the overall world? We can certainly take steps both costless and costly. A little elbow grease and hard work can rid your property of invasive species which helps to diversify our surroundings with native species that are good for soil and water conservation. Conversely, we could spend thousands of dollars to drive electric vehicles and install solar panels to offset the fossil fuels used in our area to heat and electrify our lives. Which one has more impact on our environment? These are certainly important options to consider. My opinion is that even the small steps make a difference. In the case of wasting water waiting for the warmth to come from the faucet so you can enjoy a comfortable face wash as opposed to a chilling one, consider the rest of your routine. Are you leaving the water running while you brush your teeth? If so, turn the faucet off when you brush to offset letting the water run while waiting for warmth. What are ways you conserve natural resources in your life? Where else could you apply conservation methods? ~ David Bradway, Conservation Administrator |
|
|
| | | Indiana Home & Garden Show February 10- 12, 2023 - Convention Center (West St. Entrance) "This comprehensive show brings Indianapolis-area homeowners together with top remodeling and building experts. Every aspect of the home can be explored, from the smallest design detail to the largest house addition. Professionals will be on-hand to share their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones." We have several FREE tickets at our office! Stop by anytime Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm to pick a few up. First come first serve. |
| |
|
| |
|
| | | |
|
|
