The LaGrange County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a governmental subdivision of the State of Indiana duly organized March 7, 1952 under the Soil and Water Conservation District Act (Indiana Code 14-32). The district is the "grassroots" unit of government responsible for the soil and water within its county boundaries. The official governing body of the district consists of five supervisors. Three of the supervisors are elected at an annual meeting; the other two are appointed by the State Soil Conservation Board, based on recommendations from the local district. Supervisors are public officials responsible to the district and the state.

A unique partnership exists within the local SWCD office. We are a partnership of federal, state, and county government sharing the office all with the same goal of conservation on the land. This enables us to assist landowners in the county with their conservation needs.ct. Supervisors are public officials responsible to the district and the state.

Spring Tree Sales

When is the best time to plant a tree?  The answer: 20 years ago!  When is the second best time to plant a tree?  Right now!  Some people had the fore sight to plant trees 20, 30, 40 or more years ago, and are now enjoying the benefits of having done so. Unfortunately, most of us have to settle for second best when confronted with these questions—that is, we have to start planting trees now.

There are many benefits gained from planting trees.  From a conservation standpoint, trees prevent soil erosion, and consume greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.  Trees provide wildlife food and habitat, cool the air in summer and provide a windbreak in winter.   Aesthetically, trees improve scenery. Economically, trees provide energy, lumber, fruit and actually substantially increase the value of real estate.  There is actually just about no good reason for not planting trees.

All the same, tree planting does require careful planning.  There are places where large trees should not be located, such as under power lines or above underground utilities.  Tree roots in the wrong place can be very destructive, so think carefully when locating young seedlings.  Different species of trees thrive in different locations, with various preferences for certain soil types, moisture conditions, and exposure to sunlight or wind.  Planting most trees represents a long term investment in time, so planning is an important ingredient to success.

In an effort to encourage local residents to plant trees, the LaGrange County Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual District spring tree sales program.   The District is also once again going to be picking up tree orders for area citizens that have placed orders from the DNR nursery at Jasper-Pulaski.  It looks like the state tree sale pickup day will be on Friday, March 27.  So far, trees sold through the District Tree Sales program should be available Thursday through Saturday, April 2, 3 and 4.  These dates are all tentative for now, so watch for a postcard in the mail for date confirmation.

It’s not too late to place a tree order for this coming spring.  Both the State nursery and the District have seedlings left to sell.  Please contact the LaGrange County SWCD for species and number availability at 260-463-3471 extension 3.

No matter where you get your trees, be it from the state, the District or a private nursery, the SWCD has information available to you concerning tree planting, species, placement, and problems. Please call the District office for information concerning tree plantings or any other conservation practices you might be interested in.

Attachments:

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2010 Tree Sales Order From