The Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual meeting Tuesday, celebrating achievements from 2024, electing new board members, and featuring a keynote address on invasive species management.
The meeting focused on invasive species control, with discussions on managing problematic plants such as Autumn Olive, Callery Pear and Japanese Honeysuckle. SWCD’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area collaborated with Wabash College and the City of Crawfordsville in 2024 to remove invasive plants along the Sugar Creek Trail. Over two days, volunteers cleared nearly 300 yards of the trail, with assistance from the Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation Department, which treated stumps, and the city’s street department, which provided a woodchipper.
Lenny Farlee, an Extension Forester at Purdue University, served as the event’s keynote speaker.
Specializing in invasive species and land management, Farlee stressed the importance of active forest management for private landowners.
He highlighted the challenges of invasive species, overcrowding, and the decline of natural events like wildfires, which once helped clear out weaker trees and create space for new growth. Farlee emphasized practical strategies such as thinning, selective harvesting and controlled burns to improve forest health and promote desirable tree species like oak and hickory. He encouraged landowners to set clear goals for their woodlands and seek guidance from professionals, such as foresters, to ensure long-term sustainability for both wildlife and future generations.
South Montgomery High School’s FFA officers were recognized for their achievements in 2024. The Southmont FFA senior crops judging team won first place at the State Crops Contest at Purdue University on Dec. 14. SWCD awarded the students a $1,000 check in honor of their accomplishment.
Additionally, Tom Gillespie was named Conservationist of the Year for his work in removing invasive species from his property. Gillespie partnered with SWCD and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to eliminate several invasive multiflora plants from his land and wooded areas.
During the meeting, SWCD elected new board members and acknowledged leadership transitions:
Marc Roberts stepped down as board supervisor to assume his new role as president of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Rachel Stine was elected and appointed as a Board Supervisor for a three-year term.
Jordan Gillenwater was reappointed as Board Chairman for another three-year term.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued conservation efforts and collaboration in 2025.
