Save-the-Date: 77th WCCD Annual Celebration
Join us in celebrating 77 years of conservation work in Washtenaw County at Cobblestone Farms in Ann Arbor, MI. The evening will feature a keynote presentation on permaculture by Bridget O’Brian, with Gateway Farm. Along with dinner, this celebration will include a presentation on our work at the WCCD, awards for key community leaders, and a snapshot of upcoming programming. Tickets are available soon! |
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Take Action & Collect Milkweed!
Common milkweed is the priority native species to support the Monarch butterfly. Unfortunately, their population is declining toward extinction. Loss of habitat in the summer breeding grounds is another factor that could be contributing to the decline in monarch numbers. We are losing 6,000 acres of potential monarch/pollinator habitat a day in the United States due to development (2.2 million acres per year).
There is no doubt that our landscapes are becoming more fragmented and that there is less and less habitat for monarchs, pollinators, and wildlife that share the same habitat. This trend will surely continue…unless we step up and do something about it. |
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Tractor Tire Drive
Back by popular demand! Partnering with Washtenaw County Materials Management Division, Washtenaw Conservation District is offering our 4th annual Tractor Tire Drive! This event will be held on November 2nd, from 9 am to noon at the Freedom Township Hall near Manchester (11508 E Pleasant Lake Rd, Manchester, MI 48158). Bring your tractor tires for FREE recycling—a limit of up to 6 tractor tires or 12 semi-tires per operation. Space is limited, so registration is required. |
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American Bird Conservancy Pilot Program Pays Farmers to Use Safer Seeds
Interested in getting paid for trying different approaches to producing crops without the use of neonicotinoid-coated seeds? American Bird Conservancy is launching our new Untreated Seed Pilot Program and is looking for innovative growers to enroll for the 2025 growing season. Join us in supporting bird conservation through pesticide use reduction and apply today! |
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Washtenaw Field Day Recap
A BIG shout out to everyone who made the 2024 Washtenaw Field Day one to remember! Special recognition goes to the Henes family of H & H Harvest for hosting this year’s event back on September 13th. Attendees were treated to FREE well water testing, expert presentations regarding cover crops, and demonstrations of tile monitoring and drone applications. Lunch was provided by Dan’s Downtown Tavern and our post-event social was held at Bridgewater Bank Tavern.
Field Day is an opportunity for farmers, ag professionals, and members of the community to connect and share knowledge about crop production, soil health, water resources, conservation practices, and much more. We hope to see you all at next year’s event! |
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Autumn Discounts on all Rain Barrels, Downspout Diverters, Tumbling Composters & 275 Gallon Totes!
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from roofs for later use to water plants and gardens. Made from recycled food-grade, high-density polyethylene plastic barrels. Sales will return with an increase in prices in 2025.
Bulk discount: Buy multiple barrels of any color /type
Save $10, when you get 2 Rain Barrels.
Save $20, when you get 3 Rain Barrels.
“Starter Kit” discount: Get a rain barrel, downspout diverter, & pedestal stand – Save $10.
Save $30 on Tumbling Composters!
Save $15 on 275 Gallon Totes!
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- City of Ypsilanti Sustainability Commission
Monday, November 11th at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1 S Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MIÂ
- Sharon Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, November 19th at 7 p.m. at the Sharon Township Hall, 18010 Pleasant Lake Road, Manchester, MI
- Salem Township Land Preservation & Conservation Board
Tuesday, November 19th at 7 p.m. at the Salem Township Hall, 9600 Six Mile Road, Salem, MI
- Northfield Township Land Preservation Committee
Wednesday, November 13th at 5:30 p.m. at Northfield Township Hall, 8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI
- Augusta Charter Township Farmland Preservation Committee
TBD
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Community Updates
Other local events, programs, and happenings. |
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Provide Feedback on Washtenaw County Parks Master Plan
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Blackbird Lodge at Staebler Farm County Park, 7734 Plymouth Road, Superior Township
October 24th, 6pm
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) Master Plan provides a guiding framework—translating community aspirations into actionable recommendations to ensure the continuation of high-quality services. In finalizing the Recreation Master Plan, you are invited to learn about its findings and recommendations. Learn more here. |
HRWC’s River Round-Up
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Sampling sites across the Huron River watershed in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne and/or Washtenaw Counties. HRWC will determine where volunteers will meet up, so please check your email once you sign up to get details.
October 12th, 9am-1 pm
Volunteer with the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) and join a small team of your friends, family, and other volunteers to collect bugs from streams across the watershed! The types of bugs indicate how healthy the river system is and this info assists with focusing restoration efforts to improve water quality.
To register and learn more click here. |
Celebrate TSN’s 20th Anniversary
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The Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor, MI
November 16th
Join The Stewardship Network (TSN) on Saturday, November 16th, at the Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor, for their 20th Anniversary Party! Mingle, make new friends, reminisce about shared history, and learn about TSN’s vision for the next 20 years. Snacks and beverages are provided, along with live music. Learn more here. |
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Washtenaw County Conservation District |
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