Washtenaw County Conservation District Update
Your Source for Conservation News in Washtenaw County
Sharon Mill Pond & the River Raisin
Creating a Vision for the Future
This past week the board of directors and staff were led through a visioning session with the help of a team of facilitators at MSU Extension.
We’d love to hear any feedback or ideas you have. Please feel free to get in touch and email me at megan.deleeuw@macd.org.
Connect with Friends of the Washtenaw County Conservation District
friendsWCCD@gmail.com
friendswccd.org
(734) 645-8760
2075 W Stadium Blvd #3374
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Midwest Invasive Species Network
The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) is a regional effort to develop and provide early detection and response resources for invasive species.
Invasive Species Injector now available for rent!
The injector is used for treating Japanese, Bohemian, giant knotweeds, invasive phragmites. Rental is free with a $50 refundable deposit is required at pick up. Injector is available on a first come first serve basis. Contact Megan to reserve and arrange pick-up.
More Habitat Added to MAEAP
By Nick Machinski
This past month, Pat Garrett of Scio Township was able to have her habitat verified in the Forest, Wetland and Habitat system under MAEAP. Though the habitat is just a few acres it contains unique features such as a small vernal pool which is extremely important to the breeding of amphibians. Buckthorn has been an issue in the habitat, but Pat has worked hard at removing the invasive species, opening up the canopy in the process. A defining feature of the habitat is the large bur oak that towers over not only the habitat but also the nearby house. Estimated to be a few hundred years old, the offspring of this bur oak can be seen throughout the habitat, dwarfed by its mother.
If you have a property that is a contains a woodlot, prairie, wetland or some other type of habitat and are interested in becoming verified in the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), feel free to contact Nick Machinski at 734-761-8789 ext. 1218 or at nicholas.machinski@macd.org
Order Rain Barrels & Accessories Now
Inventory Re-stocked on June 18th!
All rain barrels, accessories can be pre-ordered now. Pick-up from the District office (7203 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) must be arranged with the Manager starting on June 29th: megan.deleeuw@macd.org. We ask for 24 hours to have the barrel ready for pick up!
Order Rain Barrels & Accessories
New Webinars focus on Soil Health
As part of the Farmer-Led Conservation Group focused on promoting conservation practices in the River Raisin Watershed, a series of webinars are available to help farmers learn more about building soil health. The content isn’t specific for the River Raisin Watershed and can be applied wherever you happen to farm in the County.
Jim Hoorman, of Hoorman Soil Health Services, presents a series of 3 topics focused on soil health. Click the links for the videos below:
Getting Started with Cover Crops
The Biology of Soil Compaction
How Soil Health can Improve Water Quality and Reduce Nutrient Runoff
Want to learn more about the Farmer-Led Conservation Group? Contact Megan at megan.deleeuw@macd.org or visit the Farmer-Led Watershed Conservation website..
Resources for Grid Soil Sampling
The WCCD has funds for farmers interested in upgrading their soil testing regiment through the STRAND program. The funds will go towards grid soil testing. This testing will allow for more accurate nutrient level readings for one’s field. This may save the farmer money on fertilizer should nutrient levels turn out acceptable in parts of a field . Farmers must reside in the River Raisin Watershed or Stony Creek Watershed and must be farming field crops. If you are interested or have question, please contact Nick Machinski at nicholas.machinski@macd.org or at (734)-761-8789 ext. 1218.
Upcoming Events
WCCD Move: August
The WCCD office will be re-locating to the Washtenaw County Services Building at 705 N. Zeeb Rd, Ann Arbor. We will be located on the second floor next to the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office. New contact information TBA.
On-Farm Field Visit: September
Join us for a visit and tour of a MAEAP verified farm. Several speakers will cover conservation topics and light freshments will be included. Details TBA.
Fall Tree & Native Plant Distribution: Friday, October 2nd from 2 – 6 p.m.
A selection of conifer transplants, conifer seedlings and native plants will be available for pre-order on our website starting August 1st. Pick-up will be at the Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor 48103).
Washtenaw County Conservation District
7203 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
MI 48103 United States
www.washtenawcd.org
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734.718.5506
MEGAN.DELEEUW@MACD.ORG
