Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to announce it has received funding to continue its Heartland Backyard Conservation Program with a $46,850 Clean Water Indiana Grant through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
Through a 2016 Clean Water Indiana Grant, SWCD partnered with Marion, Madison, and Hancock counties to form the Heartland Backyard Conservation Program. This program focuses on residential and other urban properties to implement conservation practices that promote clean water, reduce runoff, use native species, remove invasive species and support soil health. Property owners are able to apply for a small grant that supports installation of conservation practices outlined in a District provided conservation plan for their property. These plans often use conservation to solve existing issues like drainage or erosion but can also simply improve properties in relation to clean water, wildlife habitat, etc. In the last three years, Hamilton County property owners have been paid over $59,000 in cost share funds. An additional $5,800 is set to pay out before the end of 2018 when the initial grant expires.
The new grant will allow Hamilton and Madison counties to continue this partnership with additional funds for cost share projects. The grant also allocates funds for development of an educational brochure and workshop on successful installation of native prairie plants. The next cost share application deadline will be March 8, 2019.
“The Heartland program has been very successful and I think the ISDA’s continued support of the program confirms that,” said Rodney Rulon, SWCD District Board Chairman. “We’re very happy we can continue providing high quality technical services and cost share to county residents through this program.”
County residents/landowners can learn more about the Heartland program and other services the District provides by visiting hamiltonswcd.org. Landowners can also call 317-773-2181 or email claire.lane@hamiltoncounty.in.gov to learn more and request a site visit.
The Clean Water Indiana program is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and provides grants for conservation projects and capacity building through Indiana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts. More information is available at in.gov/isda/2379.