
Cover Your Future
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
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.
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 Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership is again distributing a free, two-year calendar called “Elkhart County Water Resources 2020-21” calendar uses pictures donated by local photographers, combined with information boxes, to increase awareness of our rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, Read More
It is that time of the year again where we start taking 2020 tree sale order forms. If you want that early bird special for 10% off your order, now is the time to get your order in. Early bird Read More
Elkhart County Waters Calendar 2020-21 Coming Soon! Submit Your Photos by August 15 (JPG digital format, 300 dpi, 11” x 8 ½” Limit: 10 photos per photographer) It is that time again! If you would enjoy seeing your favorite photo Read More
“Hello! My name is Brandi Henderson and I am one of the summer interns for Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District. I am from Goshen, Indiana where I was highly involved in 4-H and FFA. I showed cattle, sheep, 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.