In this issue:

• Stony Creek Feasibility Study 
• Invasive Species: English Ivy 
• Fall Lawn Tips
• HCSWCD Staff Updates
• Indiana Conservation Partnership
• Fall 2020 Conservation Choices
• Autumn Leaves
• Persimmon Pie
• Affiliate Membership 

HCSWCD December Luncheon                                  December 17, 2020

FALL 2020 NEWSLETTER

Stony Creek Feasibility Project Update

Stony Creek feasibility study was brought forth through our office to investigate whether alterations to Stony Creek’s past have created some natural resource concerns and what potential solutions might be necessary to address any concerns of erosion, flooding, wildlife habitat, and quality of place.  

Over the past decade, Stony Creek has gone through some tremendous barriers and changes as any stream does in its lifetime.  The difference is that in this case the alterations were all done by us and not natural changes typically seen in rivers. 

We will be holding a public meeting and live virtual event on December 2, 2020 in the late afternoon/early evening and encourage all to join us for this event.  We will have an in-person portion at the Annex building on the Fairgrounds and a virtual option online.  More details of this event will be available soon.

Invasive Species Spotlight - English Ivy 

English ivy, or Hedera helix is an evergreen vine found in landscaping, yards, and invasively creeping across forest floors. This plant originates in Europe and was brought over to North America in the 1700s by colonial settlers. English ivy is an aggressive invader of or native forests, so it is imperative that we manage it. Uncontrolled, English ivy outcompetes and covers the native understory and climbs trees, eventually killing them.

Treating Your Lawn Right Now Could Pay Off Big This Spring!

Fall has arrived our minds might be turning to things we need to do around the home to prepare for winter, but that may not necessarily include our lawns.  People are prone to think that the grass has done its thing all year, and now will be going into a dormant period and not really need much attention until next growing season …Spring.  However, does it really stop growing completely during the colder months?  In reality, cool season grasses (which account for most lawn mixes locally) do continue to grow underground, even during the winter, although much more slowly. 

Getting to Know - Indiana Conservation Partnership

Did you know that Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District is one of the eight Indiana agencies and organizations who share the common goal of promoting conservation in the Indiana Conservation Partnership? The primary customers of the partnership are Indiana’s farmers who are recognized as national leaders in our collaborative efforts to incorporate soil health systems into conservation planning, farm management and educational activities.

Fall 2020 Conservation Choices - Easements

Landowners may grant conservation easements out of a personal desire or under a public policy to keep specific land in its current use, preventing its further development. In other words, a conservation easement is a legal agreement to stop an area of land from being developed in the future.  Also known as a conservation restriction, or conservation agreement, a conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement that limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. However, it has become the policy in many states, including Indiana, to preserve lands indefinitely, not only for recreation, maintenance of wildlife, and scenic value, but also for maintenance of agriculture and of a way of life. 

Autumn Leaves: A Valuable Soil Conditioner 

Autumn leaves don’t have to become trash. They easily can be turned into valuable soil-enhancing organic matter. Many communities compost their leaves and make the finished compost available to their citizens. Compost improves soil aeration, moisture retention and drainage, and nutrient-holding capabilities.

For those who do not have the luxury of yard waste pick up, there are several ways to manage tree leaves at home. Many gardeners already know the value of recycling plant material. Dry leaves can be plowed or tilled under in the vegetable or annual flower bed in fall to provide a source of organic matter. Shredding the leaves and mixing in the soil will speed the breakdown so that the leaves will not be visible by spring. Tree leaves can be recycled directly on the lawn. Use your mulching mower or shredder/vacuum to break dry leaves up into smaller pieces.