Conservation News

The annual Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale opened on August 4!
Now offering even more variety of potted native wildflowers, grasses, garden kits, trees, shrubs, berries and more! Also available are bulk bare-root conifers and planting aids. Order online or by paper form by Sept 15, and pick-up on Friday, Sept 26!

From studying primates in Africa to helping farmers in southeast Michigan, Paul Buzzard brings global conservation experience to local landscapes. As WCCD’s Conservation Technician and co-owner of Flight Path Farm, Paul champions regenerative, climate-smart farming.

"For as long as expensive equipment has existed in farming, so have communities who have joined together to jointly own, lease, or otherwise share that equipment." Rogue Farm Corps (Oregon) put together an amazing set of resources on equipment sharing for in various collaborations. Bonus, included is their recent webinar, with a flower farmer sharing a soil steamer and the WCCD staff sharing about the Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective.

Farmers in Washtenaw County are vital to protecting the Huron River, River Raisin, and Western Lake Erie Basin from harmful algal blooms (HABs). By adopting conservation practices like cover crops, buffers, and nutrient management, they reduce runoff and keep our waterways clean and healthy.

Plant now, bloom later! The Washtenaw County Conservation District’s Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale opens August 4—preorder native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and garden kits to give your yard a head start next spring.

A must read for the sake of life on the planet.
Tallamy provides a convincing argument for native plant landscaping to restore our ecosystems' productivity and curb climate change. Also he gets to the points with some attitude in the FAQ at the end, love it.

Borrow this book, tools, and more from the Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective website!

If you've ever picked up a native plant, a rain barrel, or a no-till drill from the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD), chances are Doug Reith was involved. As WCCD's Resource Specialist, Doug supervises and coordinates a wide array of programs that help residents conserve soil, water, and wildlife—right in their backyards and communities.

TOPP is back at WCCD! Aspiring organic farmers can get one-on-one support, and experienced producers can become paid mentors. Join this USDA-backed effort to grow a stronger organic future.

A huge thank you to The Stewardship Network for providing us with these brand new HexArmor gloves! Dozens of pairs available in a range of sizes. These professional-grade gloves offer excellent protection for a range of tasks. Snag a free pair with your next tool rental!