Washtenaw County Conservation District – AG FIELD DAY HIGHLIGHTS CONSERVATION PRACTICES AT GREEN THINGS FARM

AG FIELD DAY HIGHLIGHTS CONSERVATION PRACTICES AT GREEN THINGS FARM

Washtenaw County farmers, homesteaders, gardeners and partners of agriculture are invited to attend the Conservation Ag Field Day organized by Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD), Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau (WCFB). Topics are geared towards those with an interest in learning more about conservation practices at all scales. The Field Day will provide an overview of various practices ranging from reduced tillage in diversified vegetable production, rotational grazing, as well as woodlot management, silvopasture, invasive species management, and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verification process.

The Conservation Ag Field Day will be hosted on Tuesday, August 13th at Green Things Farm (3825 Nixon Rd, Ann Arbor, 48105) from 8AM-3PM. Green Things is the only farm in Washtenaw County that has all four available Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verifications in farmstead, cropping, wildlife and habitat, and livestock systems. MAEAP is an innovative, proactive, and voluntary program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. It helps farmers evaluate their entire operation and truly make sustainable management decisions balancing society’s needs, the environment, and economics.

Presenters for the day will include several Washtenaw County farmers: Nate and Jill Lada of Green Things Farm, Eric Kampe of Ann Arbor Seed Company and Malaika Whitney of Whitney Farmstead. Featured speakers will also include Julie Crick, Natural Resources Educator with MSUE; Kable Thurlow, Beef & Grazing Educator with MSUE; Daniel Ufnar, Resource Soil Scientist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS); David Borneman of David Borneman, LLC; Carl Burhop of Burhop Forestry and Nick Manchinski, MAEAP Technician with the WCCD.

A free farm-to-table lunch will be provided featuring farm-raised beef, vegetables and other local items. RSVP is required due to limited space. Please contact Megan DeLeeuw to reserve your space at 734.761.6721 ex. 5, megan.deleeuw@macd.org.