In 2015 Hendricks County was awarded a Clean Water Indiana Grant for cover crops and no-till equipment. Within that grant we had the opportunity to put in a demonstration garden at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds called “Conservation Corner”. Ever since Conservation Corner has been put in we have had success with educating the public on soil health gardening. Conservation Corner has 5 raised beds 4 of which are annual beds and one is a perennial bed planted in pollinator plants. We had the opportunity to be speakers at the State Master Gardeners Conference where we walked participants through Conservation Corner and talked about planting/termination techniques of cover crops, mulching, and irrigation. We also put up signage during county fair to educate the public on the conservation practices that were being used; samples of cover crops were also handed out for people to try on their gardens. This fall we have had 2 cover crop seeding workshops and seed giveaways which have been a great way to get backyard conservation on the ground. Conservation Corner has also enabled us to strengthen our relationship with the Hendricks County Master Gardeners since they also have a demo garden at the fairgrounds. We are looking forward to working together the Master Gardeners to educate the public on Healthy Soil.

