Orange County Hunters Feed the Hungry (OCHFH) is a community-minded program developed by White River RC&D that provides venison to those in need. Organizations, businesses, and churches of many denominations have joined Orange County hunters to transform an abundant deer population into a renewable food source for the hungry.

With the growing number of deer and other big game in America, crop and property damage permits are being issued to farmers, airports, military installations and agricultural facilities. Many of these deer and other big game are being discarded. In addition, liberal bag limits and extended seasons are putting hunters in the position of being able to harvest more deer and other big game than they can personally consume. OCHFH helps distribute this surplus to put healthy meals on the table for needy citizens.

Orange County Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a new program that plans to provide approximately 1,500 pounds of venison to Orange County’s most needy citizens.

The Mill Creek - Blue River Watershed Project is a regional initiative in Washington County which will work to improve and sustain water quality within the Mill Creek-Blue River watershed basin.  The project is funded by a two year 319 grant initiated by EPA and distributed by IDEM.  WRRC&D will be hiring a watershed coordinator to complete the goals and objectives of this project including:  land analysis, water quality testing, education/outreach, and management plan development. Stay tuned for more information! 

In 2011, the White River RC&D Council initiated its newest program called “Warm Beginnings”.  The Warm Beginnings program (WB), addresses the needs of low-income families throughout Orange County by providing resources to help them get back on their feet. 

Through this collaborated effort, we are bringing together agricultural entrepreneurs from the four county area to develop a tight-knit network of local farmers who can help each other build their businesses by discussing important topics relating to alternative agriculture through annual field days, workshops and seminars and creating an outreach campaign to get the word out about our incredible local sources.

The White River RC&D Education Committee is committed to working with local educators and the public in promoting local communities and the conservation of natural resources.  The committee conducts training seminars, organizes workshops, and provides general conservation information to the public. 

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) is landmark legislation for conservation funding and for focusing on environmental issues. The conservation provisions will assist farmers and ranchers in meeting environmental challenges on their land. This legislation simplifies existing programs and creates new programs to address high priority environmental and production goals. The 2002 Farm Bill enhances the longterm quality of our environment and conservation of our natural resources. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the following programs authorized or re-authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.

Realizing that most people love trees and forested areas but often take those resources for granted, the Forestry Committee is dedicated to helping educate the citizens of the 4-county area.  Our volunteers feel that by knowing and understanding the effects that trees and woodlands have on their lives, a person will become more involved in protecting those assets.

The mission of the Orange County Main Street, Inc is to enhance the growth and sustainability of downtown business districts and Orange County's cultural and architectural heritage through concentrated efforts focused on design, economic restructuring, promotion and organization.

Invasive species, including the most problematic “weeds,” are drastically altering natural habitats throughout the U.S. by displacing native species and reducing species diversity.  Fish and wildlife populations and native plant communities are degraded when invasive species dominate habitats such as forests, grasslands and wetlands.  Invasive species cost the U.S. economy more than $120 billion annually in damages to agriculture, industry, recreation, forestry, and human health. Because they often lack natural controls and have high reproductive abilities, invasive species are often very difficult to control. The Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area (SICWMA) covers 37 Indiana counties within the Interior Low Plateau Eco-region.  The mission of the SICWMA is to protect, restore and enhance southern Indiana’s landscapes by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent, and control invasive species. 

In addition to our federal and state cost-share programs, many Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide financial incentives to local landowners for installing conservation practices.  Check out an SWCD cost-share program near you!

The White River Farmers Market Grant was created to help improve local farmers markets located within the four county region.  The grant is targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

White River RC&D is working with several local organizations in the “Christmas Assistance Program” for Washington County, Indiana.  This program will assist approximately 1,000 economically disadvantaged children during the holiday season by providing clothing, toys and other necessities. 

WRRC&D and the Lawrence County Tourism Commission are working with several local organizations throughout Lawrence County to revise and reprint five walking tour brochures.  The plan is to print 5,000 new, re-designed copies of each of the brochures for a total of 25,000 brochures.  These brochures include two for downtown Bedford, one for Mitchell, and two for the unique stone carvings of Greenhill Cemetery in Bedford.   

 

The brochures are needed to help convey the importance and interpret the history of Lawrence County's Limestone Heritage.   They will provide a new way for visitors and locals alike to experience the essence of the Lawrence County brand of ‘Limestone Country’ and to appreciate the distinctive architectural styles, historic homes, and the unique carved limestone art of the region.