Adapt & Thrive in Washtenaw County

Read on for an update from the Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP). This program supports farmers in Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties were invited to apply to receive monetary awards to put towards on-farm conservation, farm management and marketing-related expenses. To date, the program has almost 60 applicants and has delegated over $600,000 in funds.

Did you know Michigan has over 460 native wild bees? They are excellent pollinators for farms, gardens, and orchards. These native bees evolved alongside the crops domesticated by Native Americans like tomatoes, blueberries, and squash. As most wild bees overwinter in plant stems or in the soil, fall garden care can either eliminate them or encourage their abundance. With a few small changes, you can invite these gentle guests to visit and stay awhile.

Your fields and compost piles are critical to turning organic resources back into healthy soil!

Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office Materials Management Division, in partnership with the Washtenaw County Conservation District, wants to learn more about composting on local farms. Whether you already manage a compost system or are just curious about how to do more, we want to hear from you!