Welcome to the Official Website of Nature Works Conservancy District

Our Mission

At Nature Works Conservancy District, we are committed to serve the public by collecting, transporting, recycling and treating wastewater in a safe, reliable, efficient, cost effective and environmentally responsible matter. In addition we are commited to remain in full compliance with Indiana Department of Environmental Managagment MS4 Program to include: public education and outreach, public participation, illicit discharge, detection, and elimination, construction run off control, post construction run off control, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping.

Please Report Illegal Dumping or Illicit

llicit discharges are defined by the State of Indiana as "any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer system conveyance (or natural water body) that is not composed entirely of storm water, except naturally occurring floatables, such as leaves or tree limbs." Illicit discharges can generally be found in the form of spills, illegal connections (sanitary cross-connections), illegal dumping, or excessive soil and sediment.   

Illicit discharges can contaminate water supplies, disrupt recreational activities on our rivers and lakes, and harm the environment and aquatic species.  It's important to find illicit discharges and eliminate them to protect our natural resources and preserve them for future generations. 

Illicit discharges are illegal, and, if not corrected, can be enforced through various means, such as notices of violations, fines, and corrective measures. Keep in mind that illicit connections may be unintentional or unknown to the business owner or homeowner who is causing the illicit discharge.

If you think you've discovered an illicit discharge, contact the Nature Works Conservancy District at 219-464-3536 or email at [email protected].

Stormwater Tips

Fallen Leaves

Fallen leaves are the biggest fall challenge for MS4 compliance. When swept into streets or storm drains, leaves clog infrastructure, causing local flooding. As they decompose in water, they release high amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen, which trigger toxic algae blooms and deplete oxygen levels needed by fish.

• Never blow or rake leaves into the street: Keep all yard waste, grass clippings, and leaves out of gutters, ditches, and storm drains.
• "Leave the Leaves" (Mulching): Use a mulching mower to shred leaves directly into your lawn. This returns vital nutrients to your soil, suppressing weeds and reducing the need for spring fertilizers.
• Composting and Bagging: Collect excess leaves into a backyard compost bin away from streams, or place them in designated yard waste bags/bins for municipal collection.
• Create Winter Habitats: Stacking sticks, stems, and small leaf piles in designated garden corners provides shelter for birds and overwintering beneficial insects.

Fall Lawn Chemical Best Practices

 Keep Fertilizers on the Grass: If you apply a fall fertilizer, make sure it is phosphorus-free. Sweep any overspray or spills off of driveways and sidewalks back onto the grass so it doesn't wash away in the next rain.

• Avoid Wet Weather Application: Never apply lawn chemicals right before a forecasted heavy rain, which guarantees the product will wash straight into the MS4 system.