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Backyard Conservation 101 for Groundskeepers – This workshop,
targeted at groundskeepers, parks staff, and other property managers, will cover the important basics of Backyard Conservation.
Learn which commonly used landscaping plants are really invasive plants that you should avoid, what native plants to replace
them with, how to properly mulch trees and shrubs, and much more! This session will be held on Thursday, February 17
from 8 a.m. until Noon at the Cool Creek Park Nature Center.
Download the workshop flyer here.
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Invasive Plants: Learn Them, Then Get Rid of Them
Join us for an informative workshop where participants will learn to identify and control invasive
plants such as garlic mustard, multiflora rose, Asian bush honeysuckle, and wintercreeper. This session will be held
at Bray Family Homestead Park (on State Road 38 just west of Hinkle Road, Noblesville) on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. - Noon.
Download the workshop flyer here.
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Backyard Conservation Award Winners Announced
We are pleased to
announce the winners in our first annual Backyard Conservation Awards Program.
Matthew Newell of Fishers and Linda Lange of Carmel tied for first place in the individual homeowner category. Amy and Thad Perry of Fishers took second place in that class while St. Mark’s
United Methodist Church in Carmel won first place in the non-profit organization category.
These landowners have
all shown exceptional environmental stewardship of their properties. They are
protecting our water quality by installing rain gardens, using rain barrels, and reducing their fertilizer use. They are also creating valuable habitat for native songbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife
through the use of native plants and fewer pesticides. The SWCD applauds them
for putting forth the effort to be environmentally-conscious in their land care decisions.
The SWCD would also like to thank Cool Creek Park, Native Plants Unlimited, and Automatic Irrigation for sponsoring
this year’s award program and donating great prizes for these winners.
Information on the
2011 Backyard Conservation Annual Awards Program will be released in the next few months.
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| Matt Newell's rain garden is slowly draining after a storm. |
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| Linda Lange captured this photo of an American Goldfinch in her yard. |
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| A rain barrel and rain garden at St. Mark's improve water quality. |
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| Amy and Thad Perry use native plants and bird nest boxes to attract wildlife. |
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Interested in watershed- and
wildlife-friendly landscaping?
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NEW Backyard Conservation
Annual Award Program Underway!
If you or someone you know is installing backyard conservation practices at home,
at the workplace, or somewhere else, apply for our Annual Award Program! Winners will receive either a rain barrel from
Automatic Irrigation Supply Company, a flat of native plants from Native Plants Unlimited, or bird nest boxes or Cool Creek
Concert tickets from the Hamilton County Parks Department!
Read the Award Program description here
Download the Award Program application
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Looking for phosphorus-free lawn care products or services?
Check out the links below for lists of retailers and lawn care companies who can help you!
Retailers of Phosphorus-Free Fertilizers
Lawn Care Companies Offering Phosphorus-Free Options
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Visit our Demonstration Sites!
See some Backyard Conservation Practices on the ground before you start on one of your own.
Download a list of our Demonstration Sites you may visit at any time!
Take a virtual tour of Lake Forest's Arboretum and retention pond!
Download the Brochure for Lake Forest Arboretum (Carmel)
Download the Brochure for the Fishers Town Hall Retention Pond Project
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Need Information on rain gardens, rain barrels, or native plants? Download our tip sheets!
Download our new "Build Your Own Raingarden" booklet
Backyard Conservation Program Brochure
Backyard Ponds Tip Sheet
Backyard Wetland Tip Sheet
Composting Tip Sheet
Edge Enhancements Tip Sheet
Filter Strips Tip Sheet
Invasive Plant Control Tip Sheet
Land Grading Tip Sheet
Mulching Tip Sheet
Native Plants Tip Sheet
Nutrient Management Tip Sheet
Pest Management Tip Sheet
Porous Pavement Tip Sheet
Rain Barrel Tip Sheet
Rain Garden Tip Sheet
Terracing Tip Sheet
Tree Planting Tip Sheet
Vegetative Streambank Stabilization Tip Sheet
Water Conservation Tip Sheet
Wildlife Habitat Tip Sheet
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Thank You to the Following Sponsors for 2010!
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| Altum's Horticultural Center & Gardens |
Applegate's Seed House
Tom Applegate
(219) 275-3664
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| Aquatic Control, Inc. |
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| Automatic Irrigation |
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| Central Indiana Pheasants Forever |
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| City of Carmel Engineering Department and Urban Forestry |
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| City of Noblesville Utilities / MS4 |
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| Cool Ponds |
Creative Landscape & Compost Company
John Haas
(317) 776-2909
Friends of Hamilton County Parks
Hamilton County Council
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| Hamilton County Parks & Recreation |
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| Hamilton County Urban Conservation Association |
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| Hoosier Aquatic Management, Inc. |
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| IDNR Division of Fish & Wildlife |
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| Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society |
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| Indiana Wildlife Federation |
Laurent Habitat Services
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| Mark M. Holeman, Inc. |
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| Myrene's Garden |
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| Mud Creek Conservancy |
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| Noblesville Parks Dept. |
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| Spring-Green Lawn Care |
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| Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply, Inc. |
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| Town of Fishers |
Vine and Branch
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The Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) offers a certification program for wildlife-friendly
backyards, schoolyards, businesses, neighborhoods, and nearly any other area! If your site offers food, water,
shelter, and nesting habitat for wildlife, it could be eligible for certification. If certified, you will receive a
certificate of achievement and a beautiful sign to display in your habitat area. For more information, click on the
link below, or call them at (800) 347-3445.
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