(From left) IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods, Hamilton County SWCD Urban Conservationist and HIP Coordinator Claire Lane, Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, and IDEM Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Program Support Bob Lugar. (Photo provided)
Posted By: The Reporter September 23, 2025
The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, the highest environmental award in the State of Indiana.
The award recognizes the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP), a collaborative initiative led by HCSWCD to combat the spread of invasive species and restore healthy ecosystems across the county. HIP brings together local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, landowners, and community volunteers to address one of Indiana’s most pressing conservation challenges: the threat invasive plants pose to native habitats, wildlife, and landscapes.
The award was presented at the 28th annual Partners for Sustainability Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Accepting the award on behalf of Hamilton County were Claire Lane, Urban Conservationist with HCSWCD and HIP Coordinator, and Mark Heirbrandt, Hamilton County Commissioner.
“This award reflects the incredible collaboration happening in Hamilton County to tackle invasive species,” Lane said. “Through HIP, we’re engaging residents, land managers, and community partners to protect the natural resources that make our county unique. It’s an honor to have that work recognized at the state level.”
The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence is administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in partnership with the Governor’s Office. Awards are given annually to organizations and projects that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship, innovative practices, and measurable results.
For more information about HIP and resources to help identify and manage invasive species in Hamilton County, visit hcinvasives.org.
