Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District

08/13/2026

You might be surprised to see logging trucks on the U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest, but sustainable timber harvest has always been part of the Forest Service's core mission.

Check out this great article to find out the history and laws behind our National Forests, and how they differ from National Parks.

Why does public land allow logging and grazing? Because national forests were never meant to be parks. The surprising history behind the trees.

08/04/2026

August Board Meeting Notice

07/23/2026

Join us on August 20th for our Cattlemen’s Pasture field day! Enjoy some delicious beef grilled up by the Orange County Cattlemen Association and hear from industry professionals such as Jason Tower from Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center and Robert Zupancic, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Grazing Specialist.

RSVPs: 812-723-3311 ext. 3
[email protected]

Event Partners:
Purdue, Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
USDA-NRCS
Resilient Indiana: Technical Assistance for SWCDs
Orange Co. Invasives Partnership
Lost River Watershed Project
Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District- Wallace Center Pasture Project Grazing Grant

07/23/2026

The edges between fields and forests can be great habitat for many wildlife, but also at high risk for invasive plants.

Learn how to manage these areas for both field production and wildlife at this free all day training, located at the Southeastern Purdue Agricultural Center, 4425 E 350 N Butlerville, IN.

Lunch is provided but space is limited. For any questions email [email protected], and to register visit https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ai2CSZCJGzeQr1s

07/22/2026

Looking to brush up on your native and invasive plant ID skills? Consider attending our Patoka Lake Plant ID Walk! Saturday August 22nd, 9am-10am.

RSVPs are encouraged but not required. For questions or to RSVP email [email protected], or call/text 812-329-0048.

There is not charge for this event, but you must have a daily or annual state park pass. For google maps directions to the bike trail parking lot go to https://maps.app.goo.gl/gPgbJHDnPbt9Y5rU7

07/14/2026

Mark your calendars! We will be hosting a field day with the Orange County Cattlemen Association on August 20th. Full flyer and agenda to come.

07/02/2026

Are you looking to buy native plants or seed? Check out this updated list highlighting southwest/southcentral businesses, as well as a selection of additional mail order and bulk seed options.

For a full list of native plant nurseries in Indiana, including the Bloomington area, visit https://indiananativeplants.org/landscaping/where-to-buy/

For more seed seller options, check out this full list from the DNR,https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-Seed_Suppliers.pdf

07/01/2026

Have you thought about using prescribed fire on you property, but not sure how to get started? Indiana's new prescribed burn legislation is inspiring some to develop locally led Prescribed Burn Associations so landowners can partner together to conduct burns.

To learn more, attend this free prescribed burn association interest meeting, September 9th in Corydon. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harrison-county-prescribed-burn-association-interest-meeting-tickets-1991204297656?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/24/2026

Grass ID is where even experts can fall short. That's why we're excited to see this series of free webinars from Illinois Extension! Covering forest grasses, prairie grasses, and weedy grasses.

Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy.

Learn the basics of grass identification and how to identify more than 50 common prairie, woodland, and weedy grasses found in Illinois through three interactive Which Grass is Which online workshops on July 28, 29, and 30.

Learn more and sign up for free at https://go.illinois.edu/grassworkshop.

With: University of Illinois Extension - AJMPU Unit

06/22/2026

Come see us this week at the Orange County Fair! Giving away a rain barrel, sign up.