2026 Annual Meeting Recap

The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District held its Annual Meeting this February at the 4-H Fairgrounds with over 90 residents in attendance. Guests listened to presentations, voted in the SWCD Supervisor election, and learned more about the District's 2025 work, presented by Dave Bradway.

County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt presented "Water Availability: Local Action, Statewide Impact" alongside Jack Wittman, PhD. They discussed how early concerns about water availability have led to deeper local investigation and growing attention at the state level. Representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Sarah Reilly and Danielle Randles, delivered presentations on edge-of-field drainage practices and new initiatives to install these practices for conservation-minded farmers in Indiana.

Awards were presented to highlight local conservation work. The SWCD recognized Grand Park Sports Campus and Westfield Green Together with the Outstanding Conservation Project Award for their native tree planting project, which included planting 130 native trees at Grand Park.

The Friend of Conservation Award was presented to Alecia Larkin for her dedication to conservation outreach in the community. As a Master Gardener and Community Outreach Committee Co-Chair, Alecia Larkin regularly represents the Master Gardener program at community events across Hamilton County.

Clay Middle School was recognized with the Excellence in Environmental Education Award for its annual Invasive Species Symposium. Since 2014, Steven Sturgis has led the school's sixth-grade invasive species symposium, creating an authentic, project-based learning experience. The program brings together scientists and conservation professionals from across the region, allowing students to present their work to experts on the frontlines of invasive species management.

The River Friendly Farmer Award was presented to Heather and Jeff Figurelli for their conservation practices at Fig's Farm. While they specialize in growing produce and flowers and caring for rescue farm animals, they also focus on native habitat restoration. They have constructed a half-acre pond on their property, installed three acres of native herbaceous plants, and continue to plant native trees annually. Their goal is to transform their property into predominantly native landscaping and habitat.
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Crystal Neuman was elected to the SWCD Board of Supervisors and sworn in at the meeting by Mark Heirbrandt. Her experience spans sustainable management program development, research and curriculum design, and community-centered initiatives focused on responsible land use. As a former Fishers City Councilor, sustainability was one of her core policy priorities — and that dedication continues in this new role.