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Scott County Teaching Residents About Invasives & Natives

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Scott County Teaching Residents About Invasives & Natives

Connecting neighbors with the knowledge and tools to stop invasive species in their tracks and restore native biodiversity right here at home.

Our mission is to protect and conserve our native landscape, raise awareness, and provide educational opportunities on invasive species for Scott County residents.

05/29/2026

Whistle Stop Wildflowers: Downy Wood Mint

In Scott County, Indiana, downy wood mint can be found in rich hardwood forests, shaded woodland edges, and on rocky limestone slopes where soils stay consistently moist but well-drained. Look closely in late spring to early summer for its short, upright stems topped with tight clusters of white to purple flowers stacked like little pagodas. Its leaves grow in opposite pairs with fine teeth and a soft, downy underside, and the whole plant has a noticeably fuzzy texture that helps set it apart from other woodland mints. It is lightly fragrant and has a square stem like other mint species.

This native plant slowly spreads into small colonies and is a favorite of native bees during its June–July bloom period.

Drop your photos down below if you found it!

Learn more about Indiana’s native plants here: https://www.indiananativeplants.org

05/27/2026

Tracks Tell a Story: Chinese Silvergrass

This popular ornamental grass may look beautiful, but it doesn’t stay contained for long. Miscanthus species spreads by wind-blown seeds and underground rhizomes, forming dense stands that crowd out native plants and create dangerous fire risks with its tall, dry foliage.

Keep an eye out for its feathery silver seed heads, arching leaves, and large clumping growth form when exploring natural areas. If you spot it escaping into the wild, consider reporting it through EDDMapS!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember all who gave their lives in service to our country. Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful holiday filled with gratitude, reflection, and time with loved ones.

05/22/2026

Whistle Stop Wildflowers: Jack-in-the-pulpit

Deep in the shaded woods of Scott County, Indiana, jack-in-the-pulpit is one of spring’s most curious native plants. Its unmistakable hooded “pulpit” hides a small flower spike inside, and it rises from rich, moist forest soils alongside creeks and in mature hardwood stands. It uses a fungus-like scent to attract pollinators, specifically fungus gnats, to aid in pollination. Look for its three-part leaves and later in the season, bright red berries that light up the forest floor.

Once you learn to spot it, this woodland native is hard to miss and always worth a closer look on your next walk.

Learn more about Indiana native plants here: https://www.indiananativeplants.org

05/20/2026

In this week’s Tracks Tell a Story invasive spotlight, learn how to spot the clues this invasive shrub leaves behind and why early detection matters.

Those bright red berries may look harmless, but they tell the story of how Invasive Bush Honeysuckle spreads so quickly across our woodlands and neighborhoods. It’s also one of the most common invasive species found in Scott County, where it crowds out native plants and reduces wildlife habitat.

Have you noticed bush honeysuckle on your property or local trails? Drop a comment and let us know where you’re seeing it!

Follow our page for weekly invasive species tips, identification guides, and ways to help protect our local ecosystems.

05/18/2026

Mark your calendars for one of the COOLEST summer events happening right here in Scott County!

Join us for Bloom & Buzz: A Pollinator Party at Clark State Forest on June 20th from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Ballfield Shelter! This family-friendly event is all about celebrating the pollinators, native plants, forests, and local flavors that make Scott County such a special place to live.

You’ll be able to:
🌻 Meet local conservationists, gardeners, and natural resource professionals
🍯 Taste local honey, herbal teas, and seasonal treats
🦋 Learn about pollinators and native plants
📱 Participate in a BioBlitz and geocaching adventure
🌱 Create crafts, plant future blooms, and enjoy hands-on activities for kids
🌳 Explore the beautiful Clark State Forest

This is a great chance to connect with your community, support local organizations, and spend a summer day outdoors with the people working to protect and celebrate Indiana’s natural spaces. Whether you’re a gardener, nature lover, parent, hiker, or just looking for something fun to do in Scott County, there’s something here for you!

Hosted with support from local partners including the Scott County Master Gardeners, Indiana DNR, SICIM, and more.

📍 Clark State Forest
📅 June 20, 2026
⏰ 9 AM – 3 PM

Tag a friend who should come with you and follow our page for more local nature events, invasive species tips, gardening ideas, and ways to get involved in conservation right here at home in Scott County!

05/15/2026

Whistle Stop Wildflowers: Wild Stonecrop

In Scott County, Indiana, wild stonecrop is one of those early-season natives you might walk right past without realizing it’s there...until it blooms. Look for it in partially shaded hardwood forests, rocky creek slopes, and limestone-rich woodlands where it forms low, creeping mats of fleshy leaves and delicate white star-shaped flowers in spring. Its subtle beauty is easy to miss, but once you know the pattern of those whorled leaves and tiny blooms, you’ll start seeing it tucked into forest floors all around you.

Learn more about Indiana’s native plants here: https://www.indiananativeplants.org

05/13/2026

Reminder! We’re meeting tomorrow.

Join us for the Scott County T.R.A.I.N. meeting tomorrow, May 14th at 6 PM at the Train Depot in Scottsburg. It’s a great chance to learn about invasive species, connect with others, and get involved in protecting our local natural areas.

Still thinking about coming? This is your sign! stop by, bring a friend, and be part of the effort to keep Scott County thriving!

05/12/2026

Think you can identify an invasive tree before it takes over?

This week’s Tracks Tell a Story feature is all about Tree of Heaven. One of the fastest spreading invasive trees in our area.

From its large shield-shaped leaf scars to the reddish new growth on young seedlings, this tree leaves behind clues once you know what to look for. Unfortunately, it also spreads aggressively through seeds and underground root sprouts, making early identification incredibly important.

Have you spotted Tree of Heaven in your neighborhood, along roadsides, or near woodlines? Drop a photo or comment below. We’d love to hear where you’re seeing it!

Follow our page for more weekly invasive species tips, native plant education, and ways you can help protect local ecosystems right from your own backyard.

05/08/2026

Whistle Stop Wildflowers: Hairy Beardtongue

Have you spotted these tall purple blooms growing along woodland edges or rocky slopes in Scott County this spring? Hairy Beardtongue can be identified by its fuzzy stems, trumpet-shaped flowers, and the hairy lower lip inside each bloom that gives this native wildflower its name.

Learning to identify the native plants growing around us is a great way to connect with local ecosystems. Want to learn more about Indiana’s native wildflowers? Visit Indiana Native Plant Society for plant guides, resources, and inspiration for exploring native habitats at indiananativeplants.org

Stay tuned for next weeks Whistle Stop Wildflowers native plant spotlight.

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Scottsburg, IN
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