Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District

06/17/2026

Ever wonder what fish are swimming beneath the surface of Indiana’s lakes? So do we!

Each year, DNR fisheries biologists survey Indiana’s natural lakes as part of the Fisheries Status & Trends Program. Since 2010, biologists have looked at fish communities, water quality, and aquatic habitat at more than 100 lakes across Indiana. These surveys generate long term data on common species like bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch, and lesser known native fish such as bowfin, spotted gar, lake chubsucker, and yellow bullhead. Altogether, the program has identified the location and presence of more than 60 fish species in Indiana’s lakes.

This summer, biologists will continue to survey lakes across multiple Indiana counties to monitor year to year changes in native fish populations and habitat quality. Each survey provides valuable information that helps resource managers protect clean water, conserve diverse native species, and maintain high quality fishing and outdoor recreation for future generations.

Want to check the data out for yourself? Click the following link: https://ow.ly/7W1n50Zac4f

06/17/2026

May 27, 2026 https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/box-tree-moth-range-is-expanding/

06/16/2026

Info on adoption for wild horses and burros.

06/16/2026

Indiana is full of amazing places to explore and protect, and CISMAs make it fun to be part of that mission!

Check out this map of all the CISMAs across the state. Each logo represents a group of people who get together to learn, volunteer, host events, and take care of the lands we all enjoy.

If you do not see a logo in your county, that simply means your area has not formed a CISMA yet. The good news is that every new CISMA starts with people who care about local habitats and want to build something positive in their community.

CISMAs host plant walks, workshops, volunteer days, and hands on events that bring people together. You meet new friends, learn cool things about local ecosystems, and make a difference for the forests, trails, and parks you love to visit.

Find your local CISMA and see what they are up to
https://sicim.info/cismas

Interested in helping start one in your county?
Reach out to your Regional Specialist
https://sicim.info/cisma-project/

Indiana’s natural spaces are more fun when we take care of them together. Let’s keep building a network of people who love this state and want to protect the places that make it special.

06/16/2026

Before you pull that thistle, take a second look. You might be removing a pollinator powerhouse by mistake.

Not all thistles are bad! Our native field thistle (Cirsium discolor) provides important resources for pollinators and other wildlife, while invasive Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) spreads aggressively and can quickly take over fields, roadsides, and natural areas.

One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by looking at the leaves and bracts. Bracts are the small leaf-like structures located just beneath the flower head. Field thistle has bright white leaf undersides, deeply lobed leaves, and green bracts. Canada thistle has green leaf undersides, more shallowly lobed leaves, and bracts with a noticeable purple tint.

Learning the difference helps solve a common problem for landowners and gardeners: controlling invasive plants without accidentally removing beneficial native species.

Have you ever mistaken a native plant for an invasive one? Let us know in the comments!

Learn more about invasive and native species at sicim.info

06/10/2026

FARMERS: Would you be interested in an IBC recycling collection? If so, how many do you have?

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

Make sure we have you on the RSVP list! call today- 812-279-8117 ext #3

06/09/2026

If you sell food to an end consumer in the state of Indiana, you are either identified as a Retail Food Establishment or a Home-Based Vendor (HBV). Current Indiana regulations (IC 16-42-5.3) allow individuals to make certain products in their home kitchen and sell those direct-to-consumer as an HBV...