Restoring What's Native: How DIPP and Local Volunteers are Taking Back the Land

What is DIPP?

DIPP is Delaware County’s chapter of Indiana’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA), a growing network of community-based partnerships. 

In Delaware County, DIPP includes the Soil & Water Conservation District, Red-tail Land Conservancy, Cardinal Greenway, and other like-minded organizations. The group meets monthly to plan removal events, host workshops, and share tools and expertise, according to Clair Burt, Director of the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District.

“DIPP is really just a group of organizations that work together,” Clair said. “Everyone pitches in and brings tools so that volunteers have everything they need.”

DIPP’s approach—education, collaboration, and action—is earning accolades. 

In 2023, the group received the regional Weed Wrangler Award at the Indiana Invasive Species Conference and was honored with the Richard Greene Public Service Award from the Robert Cooper Audubon Society.

And their impact is measurable: 170 volunteer hours logged in one year across 18 events, including Statewide Weed Wrangles and regular “Strike Team” outings.

The Soil & Water Conservation District acts as the fiduciary agent for the group, handling administrative tasks and the organization’s financial affairs.

Why This Work Matters

Invasive species aren’t just out of place—they’re destructive. 

“An invasive species is non-native and it causes harm to the local ecosystem,” Clair said.  

Many were introduced through the nursery trade or arrived unintentionally through global shipping. Once established, they often spread rapidly and push out native vegetation.

That’s a serious problem for Indiana’s food chain.

 “Over 90% of our native insects that eat plants eat native plants only,” Clair said. “And 96% of our songbirds rely on those insect larvae to feed their young.” 

Some invasives like honeysuckle leaf out early, according to DIPP volunteer Brad Hanauer. In doing so, they steal sunlight from native spring wildflowers and prevent those vital plants from growing and reproducing and contributing to the native ecosystem.

Brad served as an expert guide for new volunteers at the Weed Wrangle. He gave a crash course in identifying dame’s rocket, honeysuckle and garlic mustard, which he said smelled “a little oniony or garlicky” when you crush the leaves in your hand. 

He pointed out that repeated cutting of honeysuckle weakens the roots over time.

“If you cut it back, you're not only cutting the top, but the roots atrophy because there's not as much top to support,” Brad said. “So after a few times, it's possible the roots are weak enough that you can just pull it.”

“Let’s get back”

For Weed Wrangle volunteer Evan Richter, the day’s work was a meaningful new chapter. 

“I took the Indiana Master Naturalist class and I found out how horrible invasive species are,” he said. 

Though Evan works in financial wellness at Ball State, his love for the outdoors runs deep. 

“My dad’s here volunteering with me,” Evan said. “We’ve always been outdoorsy—we camp, hike, and just enjoy being outside more than inside. I want to see the natural habitat come back to the way it should be.”

Sue Weiland, a retired music cataloger from Bracken Library, has been volunteering in nature-related causes for decades. She cut honeysuckle with shears and dabbed a blue herbicide on the stump to prevent the plant from regrowing. 

“Invasives shade out other plants, and they aren’t good for the critters who depend on native vegetation,” she said. “Let’s get back to before we started screwing it up.”

The work was physical but gratifying. By the end of the morning, trash bags full of pulled plants sat along a boardwalk, and native seedlings were being planted in their place. 

“Right now we can see into the wetlands and prairie a lot more easily because that honeysuckle is gone,” Clair observed. “Over time, it’ll fill back in with native plants—and that’s exactly what we want.”

Get involved!

Whether you’re a homeowner, nature lover, or just looking to get involved in your community, DIPP offers a path forward:

- Join a monthly meeting. They’re held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.

- Volunteer at Weed Wrangles or Strike Team Events. Tools are provided—just bring your gloves and enthusiasm.

- Schedule a Property Visit. DIPP volunteers can help you identify invasive species on your land and develop a custom management plan.

- Contact DIPP. Email DIPPcisma@gmail.com or call (765) 747-5531 ext. 3 to get started.