On a rainy Saturday in April 2012, over three dozen people gathered in the Town of Dana, Indiana, to help the Vermillion County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Dana's Tree Board plant the first eighteen trees of the Dana Urban Forest Project (DUFP). Placing that first tree in the ground marked the beginning of the final stage of a project the SWCD started nearly a decade ago.
Back in 2005, the SWCD was investigating the water quality of the Little Vermillion River. Their investigation revealed that the river was impacted by the nearby communities’ lack of municipal sewage collection and treatment. The SWCD next focused on raising awareness of the issue and encouraging the installation of treatment facilities.
Dana was one of the first communities to commit to installing a municipal sewer system. The project was successfully installed in 2011, but as the design progressed it became clear that the construction of the system, while being funded with grants and forgivable loans, would come at a large cost. Dana was known for its stately tree-lined streets. Most of those trees dated back nearly 100 years, but with the design restrictions required by the grants, they would need to be removed.
Even as the old trees were being removed during the spring of 2011, the SWCD was working with the Town Council to develop a plan to fund and plant new trees. Dana wanted to return the trees, but they lacked the funds to purchase them and the staff to devote to the project. The SWCD did not have the funds either, but they were aware of possible funding opportunities. Furthermore, they were willing to have their staff coordinate the project.
The SWCD staff spent the summer developing a preliminary planting plan and budget. They also worked with Dana to develop a Town Tree Ordinance. Once these were in place, the SWCD reached out to multiple county organizations and businesses, spreading the word of the project throughout the county. This generated support that ranged from cash donations from individuals and local corporations to the Dana Firehouse Auxiliary feeding the workers lunch back on that April workday.
The trees that were planted in April were purchased with money that was raised locally. Since then, Indiana DNR has awarded Dana an Urban Forestry grant and The Duke Foundation has also contributed toward the project. Altogether, over $24,000 has been raised. Additional plantings in October of 2012 and April of 2013 increased the number of trees planted to over 125, with more scheduled.
From the initial water quality studies, to last spring’s planting, the SWCD has been in the forefront of this project maintaining its momentum and serving as a liaison between all the various entities. From start to finish, this project highlights our mission to provide leadership and assistance related to all natural resources in Vermillion County. Participating in the project has raised the visibility of our small office and emphasized the SWCD’s value to Vermillion County.