Spring ephemerals face numerous threats, including habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Protecting these delicate ecosystems requires collective action and a commitment to preserving Indiana's natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. Invasive species such as Asian Bush Honeysuckles, Garlic Mustard, and Multiflora rose outcompete ephemerals and other native plants for space and nutrients, reducing biodiversity and diminishing the natural beauty of our forests.  ​

A soil test is a process by which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron, sulfur, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their "plant available" content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer or other soil amendments that are recommended. A soil test also measures soil pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). These analyses indicate whether lime, elemental sulfur, or iron is needed and, if so, how much to apply.  

Why Have Your Soil Tested? 

1. You can encourage plant growth by providing the best amendments, fertilizers, or other soil recommendations. 

When growers guess about the need for lime, elemental sulfur, fertilizers, etc., too little or too much of a product is likely to be applied. By using a soil test report, the grower does not need to guess. 

For Example: Many urban soils already have too high of a pH level, which causes nutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc to become less available to plants. Routinely applying lime will raise pH even higher, whereas adding elemental sulfur will help to lower the pH level. ​

2. It diagnoses whether there is too little or too much of a nutrient. 

Too much of a certain nutrient can be just as detrimental as too little of a nutrient. Knowing how much to add, or withhold for a time, will be of benefit to the targeted crop (lawn, vegetable garden, trees, flowers, etc.). 

3. Promotes environmental quality.

When gardeners apply only as much fertilizer as is necessary, nutrient runoff into surface or ground water is minimized and natural resources are better protected. 

4. Saves money!

Some homeowners routinely apply unnecessary products, such as phosphorus to their lawns. In areas where soil levels are high in phosphorus (which is common), a soil test could save these homeowners money.  
 
The SWCD offers low cost soil testing for lawns and gardens. Most participants are able to easily collect the sample themselves and bring it to the office. Results are typically available in 7-10 days and include a customized report for your growing area (lawn versus vegetable garden versus trees, etc.). 
 
Learn more about the SWCD’s soil testing options, how to collect a sample and more at  www.hamiltonswcd.org/soil-testing 

By Claire Lane
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The Hamilton SWCD and Hamilton County Invasives Partnership are proud to announce the launch of a new Callery Pear Removal Cost Share Program, aimed at assisting homeowners in the removal of landscape Callery pear trees from their properties. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to combat the spread of invasive species and promote the health and biodiversity of our local ecosystems.

The Callery pear tree, with varieties commonly known as the Bradford, Aristocrat, Cleveland and others, has become a significant environmental concern due to its ability to escape cultivation and spread rapidly along tree lines, roadsides, and through woodlands. In response to this issue, Hamilton SWCD is offering a cost-sharing program to incentivize homeowners to remove these trees from their landscapes.
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Under the program, homeowners can receive reimbursement for half of the cost of removing landscape Callery pear trees from their property, up to a maximum of $400. This financial assistance aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with tree removal while encouraging proactive steps towards environmental stewardship. Additionally, three local tree companies are partnering with the SWCD to offer discounted rates on Callery pear removal. By utilizing the services of Nature’s Canopy, Climbing High Tree Service, or Engledow Tree Experts, participants can stretch their grant dollars even further.

To participate in the program, homeowners must apply prior to having trees removed. Reimbursements will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. This program can be utilized in conjunction with the district’s Native for Invasive Trade In Program which makes free native trees and shrubs available after the removal of invasive species. The SWCD is also offering financial assistance for larger scale invasive species removal and restoration projects.  Funding is made available through a Clean Water Indiana grant.

For more information about the invasive species removal programs and to apply visit www.hamiltonswcd.org or contact 317.773.2181.

By Dave Bradway

The City of Noblesville is modifying Pleasant Street to allow for city growth and to improve mobility in the future. This project includes new roundabouts, widening of streets, building and tree removal, and bridge construction. Here are 5 things to know about the project:

Timeline
​Construction on Phase 1 began in Fall of 2022 with the construction of a new bridge over White River. While the bridge has not yet opened, 2 new roundabouts on 8th Street are open and in use. Phases 2 and 3 began in early 2024 with the anticipation of completion in 2025.

Closings
Various street closings will be in effect for the area surrounding Pleasant Street. Since these closings will be based on the construction work, up to date info can be found in the E-Newsletters published on the project website: reimaginepleasantst.com/media

New Locations for Area Offices​
Building removal and business relocations will be involved with the widening of Pleasant Street. You may have already noticed the demolition of the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), O.V. Winks, and Annex buildings. The SWCD and Weights and Measures Building will also be demolished in the near future. New office spaces for HHW, Weights and Measures, and the SWCD are being constructed in the building that formerly housed the Hamilton County Humane Society. The building is anticipated to be ready in early 2025. Keep a look out for updates about our new offices on our social media and newsletter. 

Coincide with Fairgrounds Project
Another big project, expansion and improvement of the 4-H Fairgrounds, will ensue at the same time as the Pleasant Street Project. This will create traffic slowdowns and detours to occur. Please be patient, take your time, and give workers plenty of space.

Where to Find More Info
To find out more about the Pleasant Street Project, please visit reimaginepleasantst.com for the most up-to-date info on traffic pattern changes, detours, and overall progress of the project.