Embedded Files
2024 was a landmark year for conservation efforts in Delaware County.
From expanded cost-share programs and hands-on educational experiences to statewide recognition for invasive species control, the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) continued to grow its impact across agriculture, education, water quality, and community engagement.
The District led innovative programs and partnered with organizations across Indiana to improve soil health, protect waterways, and empower residents to be part of the solution.
Whether it was helping a farmer implement cover crops, training citizen scientists in water monitoring, or connecting kids to river ecosystems, 2024 was filled with momentum and meaningful impact.
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
Farming with conservation in mind
Local producers turned out for the Upper White Cover Crop Field Day hosted by Supervisor Joe Hamilton and the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative. Attendees learned about no-till equipment, planter setup, and cover crop strategies from experts at Purdue University and the private sector.
The District also partnered with Randolph County SWCD and The Nature Conservancy to host a Drainage & Erosion Field Day, offering practical advice on addressing water management challenges in agriculture.
This year saw the launch of a No-Till Conference Scholarship program, aimed at helping farmers expand their knowledge of regenerative practices. The Conservation Planning Program was overhauled to better serve landowners, and the District proudly honored its 2024 River Friendly Farmer recipient. Staff also celebrated the promotion of former team member Manuel Mercado Garcia to NRCS District Conservationist in Randolph County.
Youth & environmental education
Education remained a cornerstone of SWCD’s mission. Hundreds of students interacted with the Augmented Reality Sandbox at events like Farm Fest and Yorktown STEM Night, visualizing topography and water flow in a hands-on format. From classroom visits to field-based exploration, students of all ages learned the science of watersheds, soil, and aquatic life.
The District supported the Regional Envirothon competition at Ball State University and sponsored the Indiana Academy Envirothon Team. Water education deepened through Hoosier River Watch trainings, macroinvertebrate sampling at the Muncie Children’s Museum river event, and a growing partnership with Ball State that includes a new graduate fellowship opportunity in conservation research.
Watersheds & wildlife
In 2024, the White River Management Plan received formal approval, giving the region a stronger blueprint for water quality improvement. The District helped secure $2 million in funding through the National Water Quality Initiative to support conservation practices in the Muncie Creek Watershed.
Outreach efforts included phone calls, mailers, and new billboard campaigns to encourage landowner participation.
The District also partnered with Taylor University on a new water quality monitoring effort in Grant County. Community volunteers took part in events like the TNC Water Sampling Blitz, while branding efforts began to elevate the White River as a recreational and ecological destination.
Battling Invasives: The power of DIPP
The Delaware County Invasive Plant Project (DIPP) had an award-winning year and made major strides in outreach and action:
Earned the Weed Wrangler Award and Richard Greene Public Service Award
Logged 170 volunteer hours at Weed Wrangles and Strike Team events
Hosted honeysuckle ink pen and earring workshops, plus seasonal crafting events with Eden Church and Jay County SWCD
Shared invasive species info at Garden Fair and the Minnetrista Farmers Market
Helped launch the upcoming 2025 Tree of Heaven removal along the Cardinal Greenway
Community connections & celebrations
Throughout the year, SWCD built bridges across counties, campuses, and neighborhoods. The team participated in Farm Fest, led educational booths at local environmental fairs, and joined forces with Wayne, Randolph, and Henry County SWCDs to host a regional Forestry Field Day. Volunteers and staff also rolled up their sleeves for the White River Clean-Up and contributed to the Pathway to Water Quality exhibit at the Indiana State Fair.
Continued support for the Indiana Woodland Steward helped amplify statewide conservation efforts, while new connections with the TogetherDM initiative point to expanded collaboration in 2025.
What’s in store for 2025
With strong momentum heading into the new year, SWCD is preparing to launch its Clean Water Indiana grant projects and finalize its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. New sustainability work through the TogetherDM initiative will unite partners around shared goals, and outreach efforts will continue to expand into classrooms, fields, forests, and streams.
As always, the Delaware County SWCD invites residents to get involved, learn more, and be a part of the growing conservation movement right here at home.
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