Our team shares a passion for serving the community through conservation.
Our Team
Sydney Mrazik
Natural Resource Conservationist
HCSWCDSydney is a Danville native with a degree in Natural Resources & Environmental Science from Purdue University. She specializes in environmental restoration, soil health, and invasive plants.
“I have a deep passion for sustainable local food production, soil health, and environmental education. This role has really allowed me to embrace all three, and I’m looking forward to supporting my community and making Hendricks County a healthier, more resilient place to live.”
Resource Specialist
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
Division of Soil Conservation
Serving Hendricks, Marion, Hamilton & Madison Counties
Matt Williams
Matt is a born and raised Hoosier with a BSc. in Natural Resources and Communication and over a decade of experience as a Resource Specialist.
“I enjoy working with the landowners and producers in our Indiana communities to help remedy resource concerns making Indiana a better place to live now and for our future generations.”
Jesse Mears
Urban Soil Conservationist
HCSWCD
A Brownsburg native and founder of Mears Market Garden, Jesse specializes in small scale farming and urban soil health.
“My goal is to strengthen my community by increasing access to fresh, local food and encouraging healthier, more connected lifestyles.”
Teri Lents
Teri has lived in Hendricks County for over 40 years and is likely the friendly voice you hear when you call us!
“My hope is to educate my grandchildren and their future generations on where healthy food comes from.”
Office Administrator
Chisara Iwuchukwu
Resources Specialist
USDA NRCS, Hendricks CountyTexas-born Chisara has degrees in Environmental Science and Wildlife and Fisheries Resources and is experienced in habitat monitoring and improvement.
District Conservationist
USDA NRCS
Serving Hendricks, Boone, Hamilton, & Marion Counties
Angie Garrison
Angie originally hails from Posey County, IN, and holds a BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Management.
Amanda Kelley
Digital Media Specialist
HCSWCD
Amanda holds degrees in Natural Resource Science and Ecology, with over a decade of experience in outreach and teaching.
“I love teaching folks about the nature they encounter in their daily lives.”
Board of Directors
Ethan Truax
Ethan is a conservation farmer whose farm has been in the family for four generations. He is also involved in Hendricks County Extension as a 4-H leader and a member of both the 4-H Extension Board and Youth Council. He serves on the executive board for the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) as Secretary.
“I am committed to being a steward of the land, promoting healthy soils and a healthy environment on my farm and in my community.”
Chairman
Sara Creech
Sarah is a small scale farmer in North Salem. In the last 14 years, she has run a diverse farm, growing vegetables, pasture raised meats, eggs, honey, and mushrooms.
“Focused on combining “farm therapy” with a heart for military Veterans, I have helped to establish a thriving network throughout Indiana.”
Vice Chairman
Andy Nicholson
Treasurer
Andy is an agronomist who helps farmers with fertilizer planning and troubleshooting crop problems. He has been on the HCSWCD Board since 2013.
“I joined the board because I want productive fields, healthy creeks and ponds, and vibrant woodlands.”
Mike is a lifelong resident of Hendricks County, a seventh generation farmer, and an strong advocate for no-till agriculture.
“My passion in conservation has been to pay it forward to others in educating and supporting the benefits of the farming techniques that I have been using and to improve the God given soil and water to the next generation of what it is today.”
Mike Starkey
Eloisa has lived in Danville for over thirty years and also serves as Vice President for Hendricks County Master Gardeners.
“I am passionate about promoting environmental responsibility here in Indiana.”
Eloisa Garza
Austin is the newest member of the Hendricks County SWCD Board of Directors. Welcome, Austin!