In this issue:

• Gardening with Medicinal Natives
• Fall Lawn Treatments
• Seasonal Water Quality Reminders
• Fall Planting Info
• Welcome Jamie!
• Need to Know info for Herbicide
• The Beauty of Native Gardens: Open House

Gardening with Medicinal Natives

Long before Colonel Eli Lilly stepped onto the pharmacy scene, humans were creating medicine from plants using knowledge passed down from generation to generation.  Using plants as medicine isn’t exclusive to humans. Animals have also been found to self-medicate. Scientists, and probably you, too, have observed this behavior. Some examples of this are dogs eating grass or rabbits lining their nests with herbs. Self-medication in animals is known as zoopharmacognosy and it is used as both preventative and therapeutic. Ready to start your own “FARMacy” for you or your pets?  

Treating Your Lawn Right this Fall Could Pay Off Big Next Spring!

​As we approach the end of summer and the beginning of fall, our minds might be turning to the things we need to do around the home to prepare for winter, but that may not include our lawns. People are prone to think that the grass is done for the year, and now will be going into a dormant period and not need much attention until next growing season. However, now is a great time to treat your lawn.

Fall is Best for Planting Trees and Shrubs 

If you are looking to add more trees and shrubs into your yard, the best time to get started is now! Take the time leading up to the fall equinox to select the species and varieties that will work best for your space.

Welcome Jamie!

​Our new Resilient Indiana Technician, Jamie Davenport, started last month. Jamie is a recent graduate from Indiana University, earning a dual master's degree in environmental science and public affairs. While there, she had unique opportunities to learn more about sustainable agricultural practices by traveling throughout Indiana to learn more about approaches to rotational grazing, cover cropping, and constructed wetlands.

Resilient Indiana Technical Assistance (RITA) is a new program through the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), with additional support from the Natural Resource Conservation Society (NRCS). Jamie supports 6 counties with their specific needs.

Safe Herbicide Application Blog Series

​Whether applying on a ¼ acre lot in the city or on hundreds of acres of farmland or woodland property, chances are you will eventually need to apply some form of pesticides. Learn more in our blog series below!

The Beauty of Native Gardens: An Open House Yard Tour

Over 80 guests joined us for an ‘open yard’ tour showcasing the beautiful native landscaping at the Foster residence in Westfield on the evening of July 30th.  Attendees saw over 100 specimens of mostly natives and nativars species with some well-behaved non-native and annuals mixed in.  The intent of this yard tour was to show how natives can be used to create a formal, HOA worthy landscape and inspire guests to get started or expand native use on their property. Resources from the event can be found here.