A newly-formed group is looking to turn Knox County native.
Knox County Goes Native — led by representatives from the Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District, The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, and the Knox County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area — is an initiative designed to encourage locals to embrace the planting of native plant species.
Through education, assistance, and inspiration, the group hopes to to see residents build connections with the nature around them through what they consider to be positive changes in land use.
These three organizations have been working together to make plans and bring about big change in Knox County. Together, they recently launched an Invasive Shrub Replacement Program, which offers free native shrubs to those willing to removing invasive ones from their landscaping. The program is open to homeowners, businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations.
“This initiative was started with the desire to encourage people in Knox County to include native plants in their landscapes,” said Terri Talarek King, a master naturalist and a member of CISMA. “The aim is to have so many that everyone together creates a corridor throughout the county that supports pollinators and other kinds of wildlife.”
King said the group was inspired by the concept of the “Homegrown National Park” put forth by Douglas Tallamy in his book “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard.”
It’s an idea that can be applied to any size location, from tiny plots to large areas. It can be used in landscapes at homes, schools, churches, farms, businesses, parks, and any other kind of property, she said.
Invasive shrubs like Amur Honeysuckle are all over Knox County, although a still relatively new county ordinance prohibits their sale, them and about 60 other species considered to be invasive. Honeysuckle invades wooded areas and has little wildlife value when compared to native trees and shrubs, local experts say.
As part of the replacement program, local residents will be able to receive up to three native bare-root shrubs. Ones to choose from include: Ninebark, Silky Dogwood, and American Plum.
“Our program guide contains plenty of easy-to-use information to help with every step, and people involved in the initiative can also provide knowledge and advice,” King said.
Interested parties must send before and after pictures of the removal as well as the number and species of invasive shrubs. Pictures must be sent to Will Drews, the county’s natural resource specialist, at willem.drews@in.nacdnet.net by Friday. Native shrubs will be available to be picked up on certain dates in April at the Know County Soil and Water Conservation District office on a first-come-first-served basis.
“We want to connect people with resources. We have a website. We want people to look at that,” Drews said. “We want people to feel empowered that can do these things.”
The group is looking to connect with the public in other ways as well.
In December, Knox County Goes Native challenged local artists to create a logo for the new organization. They had several worthy entries, making the decision difficult. The winning design was announced in January and now the committee wants to share all of the entries and educate the people of Knox County on their mission.
So a Logo Art Exhibit will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at The Open Gallery, located at 329 Main St., where people will have a chance to see all of the KCGN logo entries.
The winner, Ali Houpey, too, will on hand to talk about her design.
Other participating artists include Bryce Davis, Hannah Swank, Katie Taylor, and Michael Warty. Guests will be asked to wear masks and to follow social distancing guidelines.
This event is free and open to the public.
Gallery co-owner Rebecca Mullen said they were thrilled to host the show.
“When we were approached about hosting a logo poster exhibition for the KCGN initiative, we were happy to have the opportunity,” she said. “As promoters of the arts and beauty in our world, both natural and human-created, we always look forward to bring those two areas together for the benefit of the community.”
King, too, said the group was excited to have received so many good entries, and they are eager to share them with the public.
“The logo event on (Friday) will also be a good opportunity for people to learn about the Knox County Goes Native initiative,” King said, “and also to learn about our upcoming public launch event.”
The initiative will also hold a family-friendly public launch event from 9 a.m. to noon on April 24 at the Riverfront Pavilion. There will be information tables, vendors, and giveaways.
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