Paoli Invasive Shrub Control and Replacement Program made possible by Duke Energy Foundation grant

PAOLI- The Orange, Martin, and Daviess County Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are excited to announce a new program in 2025 targeting invasive landscaping plants. This program is made possible by a $7,850 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, and offers area residents assistance removing and replacing invasive landscaping on their properties.

Several invasives threaten natural areas in Indiana, and most of our woody invasive plants were originally introduced for use in landscaping. Unfortunately, seeds from these ornamental plantings are easily spread by wildlife like birds to natural areas, where they outcompete native vegetation and degrade wildlife habitat. For this program, the SWCDs are looking for landowners or residents in Orange, Martin, or Daviess Counties, with invasive shrubs/bushes in their landscaping, such as Burning Bush, Japanese Barberry, Privet, or Bush Honeysuckle. Participants that remove these plants will receive FREE native shrubs replacements, available to pick up this fall. Three different native shrubs will be available to choose from, one plant per invasive shrub removed, up to a maximum of 3 plants per household (as supply allows). Choose between Ninebark (a hardy, adaptable shrub with spring flowers), Black Chokeberry (a larger shrub with flowers, fall fruit, and beautiful red fall foliage), and Coralberry (a naturally compact shrub with delicate flowers and bright pink fruit).

Native options like these can offer the same landscaping benefits without harming natural areas. In fact, many landowners who adopt native landscaping choices enjoy seeing more pollinators and birds visit their yards as well. (For more native plant resources, visit the Indiana Native Plant Society at www.indiananativeplants.org.)

This program also aims to help landowners learn to identify and control invasive plants. The SWCD’s Invasive Specialist Emily Finch is available for free technical advice, including free site visits anywhere in the three counties. In addition to technical help, those that receive a site visit are also eligible for a free invasive control kit. These kits include hand tools and optional herbicide to control woody invasive plants, and are available while supplies last.

To sign up for the Trade-Up program in Orange, Martin, or Daviess Counties, or more information on invasive species ID and control, contact Emily Finch at Emily.Finch@in.nacdnet.net, or call/text 812-329-0048. Landowners can also sign up directly online at https://forms.gle/X7aYHpFYoLgsfYRP8.

This program is also supported in part by funding from a Clean Water Indiana grant through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and volunteers/partners with the Orange County Invasives Partnership and the Daviess-Martin CISMA.