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Volunteer Spotlight - Amy Perry

4/29/2026

Here is what Amy had to say about her experience volunteering with HIP!

I feel fortunate that in HIP, my county has an active, professional, even award-winning(!) organization that can help me with my passion--Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. The wetland there is my favorite nature spot in Hamilton County. I feel led by God to care for the nature preserve the best I can. I do so in partnership with the city of Fishers (who owns the park), as well as with HIP.

My first HIP event was in 2024. I had been removing invasives in central Indiana for several years with other organizations, such as the Indiana Native Plant Society and the Hamilton County Master Gardeners. I love tromping around in the woods and learning from other fans of native plants. In fact, I would advise someone who’s getting started to do activities with other people. Talk to them and don’t be afraid to ask them questions, because they might learn something from your question.

Besides removing invasives, I take walks three times a week in various parks, volunteer for the Nature First program, serve as a Ritchey Woods Park Steward, and lead a walking group at RW at 10 am on Wednesdays. I’m also co-administrator of the Friends of Ritchey Woods Facebook group. In 2024 I helped organize a public celebration of Fishers’ 20 years of owning Ritchey Woods.

The one word that describes my volunteer work is either “fun” or “soul-nurturing.”

I became interested in native plants when my husband and I kept hearing a pair of great-horned owls calling back and forth to each other, and we attended a Create a Backyard Wildlife Haven program led by Amanda Smith. Now our yard boasts at least 80 different native plants.

My other activities and loves are my husband, our daughter and granddaughter, our two cats, reading, Bible study, church, online word puzzles, strength training at the gym, and giving parties. A Duke graduate, I’ve been a teacher of French and English, book editor, and software technical writer. I finished my career as a computer quality advocate at Eli Lilly and Company.

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Some Like it Hot: Invasive Species to Focus on in the Summer

4/17/2026

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As the year marches on and we begin to move on from the Spring rainy season in Hamilton County to the hotter and drier Summer many of our invasive species have been hard at work growing and preparing to release seed for the next year. May and June are incredibly important for managing these invasives, especially our invasive grasses and other herbaceous plants. The good news is that targeted action now can dramatically reduce their spread and make long-term management achievable.

One of the primary groups to focus on this time of year is invasive grasses. Species like Cattail, Common Reed, and Reed Canarygrass thrive in the warm, humid conditions of early and mid – summer. These grasses all thrive in aquatic areas and can easily be found ringing our retention ponds, in drainage ditches, along rivers and creeks, around Geist and Morse Reservoir, and a wide variety of other aquatic environments.

Cattail: More Info

Common Reed: More info

Reed Canarygrass: More info

Other herbaceous invasive species (herbaceous refers to anything that does not have woody stems.) to look out for in the summer include Poison Hemlock, Canada Thistle, and Teasel. These plants are aggressive and sweep through prairies, wood lines, and even our lawns and neighborhood common areas. Left unmanaged, they can quickly form dense stands that crowd out native vegetation, reducing habitat quality for pollinators and wildlife. Many of these species also produce abundant seed or spread through underground root systems, making early detection and control especially important to prevent long-term infestations.

Canada Thistle: More Info

Poison Hemlock: More Info

Teasel: More Info

For HOAs, homeowners, and land managers timing and technique are essential. Mechanical control methods such as mowing before flower and seed production can help keep these infestations from spreading. Over time, repetitive mowing throughout the season may even exhaust the plant’s root system and kill it. For larger infestations, areas where mowers cannot go, or for more aggressive control, herbicide application may be the most practical option. As always, follow the label requirements – an important thing to look for with many of these species is an herbicide that is rated for aquatic purposes to reduce the likelihood of negative effects on our ponds, rivers, and streams.

With any invasive species control, but especially grasses and herbaceous plants, consistency is key. A single season of control will not eliminate the plants, but repeated efforts year after year will steadily reduce their presence and provide space for our native plants to take hold. Monitoring treated areas later in the summer and into the fall can help catch regrowth or late bloomers and aid in strategizing for next year’s maintenance.

And finally, don’t overlook the importance of restoration. Many of these herbaceous plants grow in thick stands that, once removed, will leave a bare spot that may need to be filled with beneficial plants or else invasive species will move right back in. Healthy, diverse plant communities are one of the best defenses against future invasions.

A healthy and diverse native planting is the best defense against invasive species!

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Hamilton County SWCD Awarded $100,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant to Combat Invasive Species

4/16/2026

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The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) has been awarded a $100,000 Clean Water Indiana grant through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to support invasive species management efforts across Hamilton County.

Through this three-year grant, $94,000 will be distributed directly to Hamilton County residents as cost-share funding to remove invasive species and restore native landscapes—efforts that improve water quality, reduce erosion, and strengthen local ecosystems.

“Removing invasive species is one of the most impactful steps landowners can take to improve their property and protect our local waterways,” said Claire Lane, Urban Conservationist at HCSWCD. “This funding allows us to meet residents where they are—whether they’re just getting started or tackling a larger project—and give them the tools and support they need to take action.”
The program is closely aligned with the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP), a countywide collaborative effort focused on education, outreach, and on-the-ground invasive species control.

In addition to financial assistance, HCSWCD will introduce landowner toolkits designed to help smaller property owners get started managing invasive species. These toolkits will include essential equipment such as pruners, loppers, herbicide application tools, safety gear, and other supplies to support safe and effective removal.

Residents interested in participating can begin by requesting a free invasive species site assessment through HCSWCD. Program applications are expected to open soon.

For more information or to request a site assessment, contact the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District at 317-773-2181or visit www.hamiltonswcd.org.

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Hamilton County SWCD News

Volunteer Spotlight - Amy Perry

Some Like it Hot: Invasive Species to Focus on in the Summer

Hamilton County SWCD Awarded $100,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant to Combat Invasive Species

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Hamilton County SWCD News

Volunteer Spotlight - Amy Perry

Some Like it Hot: Invasive Species to Focus on in the Summer

​Hamilton County SWCD Awarded $100,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant to Combat Invasive Species

Author

Archives

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Hamilton County SWCD Awarded $100,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant to Combat Invasive Species