Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District

06/09/2026

Have you ever had the urge to put on a pair of waders, grab a test tube, and find out how clean our water really is? Then this is the training for you! Learn about water sampling, watershed health, and how you can volunteer with the Patoka Lake Watershed Steering Committee!

Training will be June 17th at the Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer District office. RSVPs required by June 15th by emailing [email protected] or calling 812-723-3311 x3.

06/02/2026

Please see meeting notice below with agenda for the SWCD board meeting at the Paoli Service Center.

05/14/2026

Did you know that counties with national forests receive money each year from the USDA Forest Service? This year Orange County will receive $152,007 from this program for 2025.

(Bedford, IN, May 12, 2026) — The U.S.

05/13/2026

We had a great time learning about the U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest's response to tornado damage at our forestry field day earlier this month.

What do you want to see at our next field day?

04/30/2026

Joins us for our Forestry Field Day this spring! We will be discussing "Dealing with Damage" by examining some of the research conducted by U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest on the Paoli Experimental Forest which was impacted by tornado damage in 2023.

RSVP today by calling (812)723-3311 ext. or shoot us an email at [email protected].

Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free to attend.

Event Partners:
U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Orange County Invasive Partnership
Lost River Watershed Project

04/30/2026

Workday this saturday at the community garden in Paoli!

🌱 Join us this Saturday, May 2nd at the Orange County Community Gardens! 🌱

🕙 10 AM to 12 PM
📍 202 Cherry St in Paoli

It might be a little muddy, so don’t forget your muck boots!

🍓 We’re expecting our first strawberries of the season. Pick some and take them home with you!

You can:
• Sign up for your own personal garden plot
• Lend a hand in the community garden areas

There is also a playground and restrooms available, so bring the whole family.

All are welcome. We would love to see you there! 🌿

04/30/2026

Next week is the first plant ID walk on May 7th, taking place at the Dubois County Park between Jasper and Bretzville. Scan the QR code for directions, and brush up on you native and invasive plant ID skills!

Join Us! As we hike through the forest, learn the good and the "not so good" plants. Invasive Species Awareness Coalition of Dubois County among other partners, are joining together to spread awareness to the public about the different types of species that inhabits our forested areas. If you have any questions you can give us a call at 812-482-1171 x3.

04/29/2026

CONTROL POISON HEMLOCK NOW!

Poison Hemlock is bolting in southern Indiana, which means time is running out to control these invasive, noxious, and toxic plants. Those using herbicide to control poison hemlock MUST spray before plants are fully flowering to prevent seed production.

Only have a few plants? Check out these photos from Invasive Specialist Emily Finch demonstrating how to remove them with just a shovel and a pair of gloves! Simply cut the taproot with a sharp shovel and flip over. Do not cut above ground as plants will resprout. You can also dig up the plant if that is easier.

If plants are in an area where they might be eaten by domestic animals, or if plants are flowering, they should be handled with gloves and bagged. Remember, the biggest threat from poison hemlock is ingestion (including dried in hay), but some people may react from skin contact so it's always a good idea to handle with care.

For more resources on hemlock ID and control visit https://www.duboisswcd.org/poison-hemlock.html or call/text Emily Finch at 812-329-0048.

04/25/2026