Washtenaw County Conservation District – April Conservation Updates and Events

Join Us for the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace!

Explore a wide variety of native plants, expert gardening advice, and sustainable landscaping tips at the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event offers something for everyone. Mark your calendar for June 7th, and get ready to add native beauty to your yard!

Grab your early bird ticket here to explore native treasures before the crowds from 8 am to 9 am.

Learn more and register at Native Plant Expo & Marketplace.

Seeking Sponsors and Volunteers for Native Plant Expo & Marketplace

The 6th annual Native Plant Expo & Marketplace is coming to Ann Arbor on June 7, and we’re looking for sponsors to help make this year’s event the biggest yet! Sponsorships support event operations, outreach, and free educational opportunities—all while providing great visibility for your business or organization. We are accepting sponsorships through Monday, 4/14.

With 2,200+ attendees in 2024 and a growing community of native plant enthusiasts, this is a fantastic way to show your commitment to conservation and sustainable landscaping. Sponsorships start at just $100, with increasing benefits including logo placement on t-shirts, website recognition, and social media features.

🌱 Learn more & become a sponsor today! 👉 washtenawcd.org/native-plant-expo/sponsorships

Can you support through Volunteering? 

We need your help to make the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace a success! Volunteers are essential for setting up, assisting attendees, and supporting vendors. It’s a great way to contribute to conservation and learn more about native plants. Interested? Learn more and sign up to volunteer today and be part of this exciting event!

Volunteer with WCCD to Plant Trees!

Join us Saturday April 26th from 10 AM – 12 PM at Fireman’s Park for a belated Earth Day celebration. We are looking for volunteers to help us plant some larger park sized trees. BBQ lunch will be provided by Superior Township parks and recreation after the planting.

Please sign up to plant trees with us here. Make sure you dress for the weather, be prepared to get a little dirt on you, and plenty of water to hydrate yourself. If you have any questions contact Community Forester Matt DeJonge at matt.dejonge@macd.org or 734-302-8715

Welcome to the Team, Walker!

Walker Whitehouse supports conservation resources programs as a seasonal staff member at the WCCD. His work includes assisting with Plant Sales, Rain Barrel Sales, and Tool & Equipment programs. He has experience in community outreach, conservation education, and parks maintenance from previous roles throughout Washtenaw County.  Outside of work, Walker is an active member of Epsilon Eta, a professional environmental fraternity. Walker is set to graduate in May with an Environmental Studies degree from the University of Michigan.

More plants for sale!

Didn’t Get Around to Pre-ordering your Trees? No Worries!

We sell any extra trees & shrubs from the Spring Tree and Shrub Sale on Saturday, April 19th from 10:00am-11:00am. Extras are first-come first-served.

A Good Time for Rain Barrels?

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, reduce runoff, and save money on your water bill! By collecting rainwater, you can water your garden, lawn, or outdoor plants without using tap water. Ready to get started? Order your rain barrel today and take a step toward sustainable living.

For more details and to place your order, visit Rain Barrel Sales.

NACD Report: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Conservation Funding & Partnerships

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has released a new report detailing the widespread impacts of recent funding freezes and staffing shortages on farmers, local conservation programs, and natural resource management. The report, based on nearly 400 responses from conservation professionals across 45 states, reveals major concerns, including delayed conservation projects, financial strain on producers, and the erosion of trust in federally supported conservation programs.

With vital conservation initiatives at risk, NACD is calling for immediate action to restore funding and staffing to support locally led conservation efforts.

Read the full report to learn more.

Local conservation districts play a critical role in protecting our land, water, and farms. Your support can help us continue this essential work during uncertain times. Please consider making a donation to keep conservation on the ground in our community.

JLW CISMA Citizen Science Programming

There will be two citizen science program opportunities to learn about Invasive Species at the Eastern Branch Library in Jackson, MI. Join Jackson Lenawee Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (JLW CISMA) Coordinator Dr. Shikha Singh to learn about pesky invasive species, and steps to prevent their spread.

April 23rd from 5:30 – 7 is geared toward teens and tweens. Registration link

May 9th from 10 – 11 AM session will be for early education/children. Registration link and click on the event.

Both sessions require registration. The address is 3125 E Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49202

• City of Ypsilanti Sustainability Commission
  
• Sharon Township Planning Commission
• Salem Township Land Preservation & Conservation Board
• Northfield Township Land Preservation Committee
• Augusta Charter Township Farmland Preservation Committee
• Washtenaw County Conservation District Board of Directors Meeting
  
  

Huron River Day

County Cleanup Days