Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District
Our mission is to assist land users and other agencies in the wise use of natural resources in Elkhart County.
Have you ever just sat back and observed a child playing? When we give children the tools, space, and encouragement, they can expert problem solvers and teachers. As someone who likes to be organized and have everything go according to Read More
This year, we celebrated the 150th Arbor Day in downtown Goshen. There was tree climbing, singing, face painting, and many educational booths. The Elkhart County SWCD, along with Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) alumni, set up an interactive display along with Read More
The Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District has had the honor of receiving The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence under the Land use/Conservation category for the development and continuation of their Storm Water Alliance Management Program (SWAMP). The Indiana Read More
Have you ever shoveled soil in your backyard and dug up a bunch of worms? Worms have a symbiotic relationship with soil, meaning that the soil and the worms benefit each other. Soil provides protection, habitat, and nutrients for the Read More
This year at the annual cover crop meeting we will be focusing on the future and what is in store for those who work with the land. Our featured speakers will be Hans Kok, Jeffrey Dukes, and Eileen J. Kladivko. Read More
The name may be familiar to some, Black Eyed Susan, as one that is grown in flower gardens and landscaping, but it is a common native plant in Indiana. The prolonged bloom time attracts butterflies and other pollinators. This drought tolerant species can handle a wide range of soils. Growing 1-3ft tall with yellow blooms during the summer season, this easy to grow plant adds quite the showpiece to a landscape.
Looking like a spot of sunlight in a prairie, the Lanceleaf Coreopsis shines bright with its yellow petals and fuzzy center. Blooming for many weeks in early summer, it creates a brilliant display. The flower attracts butterflies and other pollinators while the seeds attract backyard birds. This plant will happily grow in dry soils. Up to 22 native bee species rely on the genus Coreopsis. Its fibrous root system helps infiltrate water into the soil.
The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an iconic native plant for northern Indiana, growing 3-5ft tall with its rich purple flowers blooming throughout the summer. It can handle many soil types with moist to dry drainage. This native works well for rain gardens and pollinator plots.