Why managing your land for timber is actually good for the environment

by Nick Werner

After a recent timber harvest, landowner Luke Ernstberger surveyed his woodlot with private forester Stewart Turner of Turner Forestry. 

A skid trail was visible from where loggers removed hardwood logs of various sizes and values with heavy equipment. But the forest was intact, attractive, and very much alive. Downed tops would soon provide brushy habitat for wildlife and would return nutrients to the soil.

This year on Arbor Day, we celebrate the beauty and importance of trees. 

But for private forest owners like Luke, there’s a deeper opportunity—a chance to actively steward their land in a way that promotes nature, creates a lasting legacy, and contributes to our agricultural economy.

The Ripple Effect: How Jeremy Koons is cleaning up the White River through Muncie

by Nick Werner

For years, the White River has been one of Muncie’s most underappreciated assets—winding gracefully through the heart of the city, lined by a scenic trail, and offering opportunities for recreation, reflection, and community. 

But in recent years, parts of its shoreline began to decline. Trash accumulated along wooded banks. At least one homeless encampment lingered for months, abandoned. Graffiti marred the bridge underpasses.

And while many people saw the decay and turned away, Jeremy Koons decided to do something about it. Koons is owner of Koons Lawn & Landscape and a lifelong resident of Muncie. 

Grassed waterways: A smart investment for landowners

by Nick Werner

Grassed waterways are one of the most practical and cost-effective conservation tools available to landowners. 

These vegetated channels guide surface water safely across farmland, preventing soil erosion, protecting water quality, and supporting long-term field productivity.

Matthew Patton, Area Engineer with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has spent years designing waterways throughout the northeast Indiana region. He says the value of these conservation practices is clear.

From Row Crops to Conservation: Kevin Love's Journey to Sustainable Farming 

by Nick Werner

In the heart of Blackford County, Indiana, farmer Kevin Love made a pivotal decision that transformed his agricultural practices and yielded both economic and environmental benefits.

Facing challenges such as soil erosion and declining wildlife habitats, Kevin turned to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal initiative that offers financial incentives to farmers who convert environmentally sensitive land into conservation reserves.

2024 Year in Review: Conservation gains across Delaware County

by Nick Werner

2024 was a landmark year for conservation efforts in Delaware County. 

By the numbers

• 340+ native trees, shrubs, and perennials sold at the annual Tree Sale

• 220+ seed packets distributed at the Minnetrista Seed Swap

• 170+ volunteer hours logged removing invasive species

• $2 million secured in NWQI watershed conservation funding

• 3 new water quality monitoring events held

• Dozens of students engaged through STEM and Envirothon activities

• 1st district in Indiana to submit tillage transect survey data

• 20+ local and regional partners engaged

From trial to triumph: Erik Fisher's journey with cover crops 

by Nick Werner

In the world of farming, tradition often dictates practice. 

But for Erik Fisher, a Delaware County farmer, breaking away from convention to embrace conservation practices was the key to unlocking the full potential of his land. Through trial, error, and persistence, Erik discovered the transformative power of cover crops, turning a simple experiment into a long-term commitment that is improving soil health, reducing erosion, and changing the way he farms.

How to get started in Cover Crops 

by Nick Werner

Curiosity had gotten the best of Delaware County farmer Joe Hamilton. 

Year after year, he had been tilling less and less until by 2017 he wasn’t tilling at all on his 2,500-acre operation. Never one to stop tinkering, Hamilton began to look for a new opportunity to shake things up on the farm, to test variables and inputs and optimize outcomes. So, he began experimenting with cover crops. 

Rye with a side of Legumes
by Nick Werner

Delaware County’s Erik Fisher first dipped his toes into the cover crop movement in 2014, planting oats and radishes together on a small percentage of the acreage he farms. Things didn’t turn out as planned. 

Fisher, though, was unphased. After all, trial-and- error is simply a part of farming on the cutting edge.

 “We’re always experimenting,” he said. “We are always making tweaks here and there.” 

Your Local SWCD by OrangeWave Creative Media
by Mikey Skoglund 

The Soil and Water Conservation District is a subdivision of local government in Delaware County. Our primary purpose is to protect and improve natural resources within our community. Given that our soil and water resources plays a crucial role in the health of our rural economies, food and energy systems, and overall quality of life in Delaware County, we are dedicated to providing property owners with the necessary resources they need to effectively and sustainably manage their land. 

The District’s operations are overseen by an elected Board of Supervisors consisting of agricultural producers, rural business owners, and local experts that volunteer their time to improve our community. 

Reforestation is for the Birds - and a Whole lot More
by Nick Werner

Delaware County’s John Newby has loved forests since childhood, when he spent countless hours in his neighbors woods. 

Several trips to rain forests in Ecuador and Peru as an adult further strengthened his passion for tree- covered landscapes and the wildlife that they support. So, 11 years ago, Newby decided to create more forest on his own, retiring 6 acres of farmland on his rural property and planting hardwoods. 

“I don’t really have any commercial interest plans in harvesting the timber, although my descendants might, but mainly just wanted to “grow my own forest” and provide wildlife habitats,” he said.