About Us

We provide the public information about soil, water, and related natural resource conservation; identify and prioritize local soil and water resource concerns; and connect land users to sources of education, technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices and technologies.

Our Mission

To serve and educate residents and landowners about soil, water, and natural resource conservation practices.  To work together with other agencies to help preserve and nurture conservation in all areas.

A copy of our Warren County SWCD Business Plan is available online.

Annual Report

A copy of our Warren County SWCD 2024 Annual Report is available online.

What We’ve Achieved

  • Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. We gave away 115 trees to third grade students in Pine Village, Warren Central, and Williamsport elementary schools. In 2026, we are going to hand out over 120 trees to students.

  • A Better Way Food Co-Op. Partnering with the Co-Op and SWCD, we help local families learn about raised garden boxes, planters, basic gardening, and along with other life skills to be self-sufficient and useful members of the community.

  • Newsletter. At the beginning of 2020, we started a newsletter for distribution. Over 700 people across the United States receive our newsletter.

  • Pond Workshop and Fish Stocking. We hosted spring and fall fish sales, assisting 11 pond owners in 2025. A pond workshop and additional fish sales are planned for 2026.

  • Urban Soil Health Program: Our joint Warren–Fountain County initiative provides soil testing, educational materials, and fertilizer guidance for gardens and orchards.

  • Soil Testing. Warren County SWCD partners with A&L Greatlakes Laboratories to offer soil testing to Warren County residents who have properties under five acres.

  • Warren County 4-H Fair. We staffed our booth nightly, distributing over 250 educational tote bags, 500 square yardsticks, and 50 cooler bags. We also gave away 25 well water test kits and a rain barrel, donated by the FLASH Group.

  • Well Water Testing. Through our collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health, we provide well water test kits annually and encourage residents to test their water every year.

Our key partners and how they assist:

  • Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)- Our chief source of technical expertise, in the agricultural area, is the USDA-NRCS.  We share goals to reduce erosion and sediment on productive agricultural lands.  The NRCS District Conservationist implements Farm Bill programs in the county and advises the local SWCD Board as they seek to address conservation concerns on agricultural lands in the county. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov

  • Farm Service Agency (FSA)- Administers farm commodity, crop insurance, credit, environmental, conservation, and emergency assistance programs for farmers and ranchers. https://www.usda.gov

  • Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)- Provides information and training on the former Rule 5 and MS4 guidelines, along with enforcement of soil erosion and sediment control plans during and after construction.  They provide funding opportunities through 319 Demonstration Grants. https://www.in.gov/idem

  • Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA)- Provides guidance, direction, training, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to the SWCD, including Clean Water Indiana Funding. Also navigates the tillage transects annually. https://www.in.gov/isda

  • Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation District (IASWCD)- Serves as a united voice for all 92 conservation districts across the state.  It helps districts pursue new and updated policy, legislation, and funding at the state level. The Association also helps to award local producers and supervisors with conservation awards annually. https://iaswcd.org

  • Purdue Cooperative Extension- The Extension is the educational branch of the Indiana Conservation Partnership.  Through our local cooperative extension office, we have local staff and university expertise available at workshops, field days, and other conservation education activities. https://extension.purdue.edu/county/warren

  • Local County Government- Provides primary funding for office staff as well as help to increase public awareness of the purpose of the SWCD. https://www.warrencounty.in.gov

  • Warren County Community Foundation (WCCF)- Exists to help friends of Warren County find ways to fulfill their dreams of making our communities a better place today and tomorrow.  The foundation serves donors, awards grants, scholarships, and provides leadership to create lasting positive change in the community.  https://www.warrencountyfoundation.com

  • Warren County A Better Way Food Co-Op- Education outreach source to help with educating the public about the connection with soil and water and food. The co-op helps to provide the community with a hand up from food deprivation and insecurity.  To bring the community together for education on preparing food items and creating food security for residents and landowners.  www.abetterwayfoodco-op.com

  • MSD of Warren County School Corporation- is an educational outreach source for educating youth and creating youth programs such as Jr. Soil Board, Forestry classes, Soil Judging Teams. https://www.msdwarco.k12.in.us/

  • United States Army Corp of Engineers- Assists the districts with wetlands, streams, and bodies of water.  https://www.usgs.gov

  • Residents, Landowners, Producers- Conservation is everyone’s business and responsibility.