Conservation leaders, farmers, educators, and community partners recently gathered to celebrate local environmental excellence at the 2026 Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Annual Meeting.
- The SWCD recognized Grand Park Sports Campus and Westfield Green Together with the Outstanding Conservation Project Award for their 2025 native tree planting at Grand Park Sports Campus.
- The Clay Middle School Invasive Species Symposium was recognized with the Excellence in Environmental Education Award.
- Hamilton County Master Gardener Alecia Larkin was recognized with the Friend to Conservation Award for her support of SWCD programs and services.
- Special recognition was also given to Heather and Jeff Figurelli of Fig’s Farm for exemplary conservation stewardship and commitment to protecting soil and water resources in Hamilton County, earning them the River Friendly Farmer Award.
- Further special recognition was given to Shawn Miller for his year of service on the Hamilton County SWCD Board of Supervisors.
Representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Sarah Reilly and Danielle Randles, delivered presentations on edge-of-field drainage practices and new initiatives to install these practices for conservation-minded farmers in Indiana.
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and Jack Wittman, PhD., of Intera presented on water conservation and availability concerns within Hamilton County. Commissioner Heirbrandt shared the Commissioners’ growing concerns about future water supply, while outlining recent accomplishments and next steps aimed at securing sustainable water resources for the county.
Crystal Neuman was elected to the SWCD Board of Supervisors and sworn in at the SWCD Annual Meeting by Mark Heirbrandt. A former Fishers City Councilor, sustainability was one of Crystal’s core policy priorities, and that dedication continues in this new role.
The Hamilton County SWCD works to conserve soil and water resources by identifying local priorities, providing education, and connecting landowners to technical and financial assistance that supports conservation practices.
To learn more about programs, services, and upcoming events, visit hamiltonswcd.org.