Workshops

Community Education

Conservation Education

Workshops & Programs

Summer Roberts leading a forestry walk

Conservation Education is designed to increase the conservation skills and knowledge base of all landowners from small city lots to larger rural properties. These programs cover topics such as planning for conservation, building healthy soils, landscaping with native plants, water conservation and rain catchment systems, tree planting and maintenance and more. Topics for our programs are gathered through input from the WCCD Education & Community Outreach Committee made up of residents and volunteers as well as through the Annual Meeting.

Upcoming Workshops & Education Events

  • Mar
    3

    Lyndon Township: Protecting Your Land, Preserving Our Future

    Monday, March 3, 2025, 7 - 8:30pm

    Lyndon Town Hall
    17751 N Territorial Rd
    Chelsea, MI 48118
    United States

    Join your neighbors and Township representatives to learn about the benefits of and opportunities for farmland and natural area preservation.  Landowners are encouraged to attend to discuss individual properties with staff from local conservation organizations (Washtenaw County Conservation District, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, Legacy Land Conservancy, and River Raisin Watershed Council) following the presentation.  

  • Mar
    10

    Superior Township: Protecting Your Land, Preserving Our Future

    Monday, March 10, 2025, 7 - 8:30pm

    3040 N Prospect Rd
    Superior Township, MI 48198
    United States

    Join your neighbors and Township representatives to learn about the benefits of and opportunities for farmland and natural area preservation.  Landowners are encouraged to attend to discuss individual properties with staff from local conservation organizations (Washtenaw County Conservation District, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, Legacy Land Conservancy, and Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy) following the presentation.  

Other Education Programs & Resources

See below, more to come! 

Contact us if you have other suggestions or requests!

Conservation Stewards Program (MSUE)

Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (logo)

See their website for the latest opportunities & registration.

The Conservation Stewards Program is an educational program designed for those interested in science-based ecosystem management principles and sharing this knowledge with others to help restore and conserve ecosystems throughout Michigan communities.

The program is organized by Michigan State University Extension and facilitated by partner organizations in local cohorts in Michigan, including the WCCD in the Washtenaw County cohort. The WCCD has participated as a partner organization. 
 

The Stewardship Network - Workshops & Events

TSN stewardship field work day

Here you will find upcoming stewardship opportunities and events to put your intentions into action.  They also have monthly webcasts!


See previous Workshops & Resources

Many of our previous workshops include recordings, resources, and links to other sites on the topics. See below to learn more. 

  • Mar
    1

    Rural Solar: The good, the bad, the trade-offs

    Friday, March 1, 2024, 1 - 2pm

    Online

    To answer community questions about solar development in Washtenaw County, WCCD partnered with the University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute to develop a presentation called, "Rural Solar: The Good, the Bad, and the Trade-offs," at three Township Halls in February - March 2024.

  • May
    4

    Meet Your Forester Presentation & Forest Walking Tour Event

    Saturday, May 4, 2024, 1 - 2pm

    Fieldstone Farm & West Scio Preserve
    MI
    United States

    The Meet Your Forester event starts with Forester presentations and is followed by guest speakers include Carl Burhop, Burhop Forestry Consulting; Jacqueline Courteau, NatureWrite LLC; and Jason Darling, Darling Forestry LLC. After the presentations, there will be forest walking tours from 2:30pm to 4pm to see how a forester implements a plan for a forest.

  • Jun
    1

    2024 Native Plant Expo & Marketplace

    Saturday, June 1, 2024, 9am - 1pm

    Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
    5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd
    Ann Arbor, MI 48103
    United States

    Bringing more to you and the whole family at The Native Plant Expo & Marketplace! We will offer over 100 Michigan native plants from local growers in one convenient location to shop! Learn how to establish and care for native landscapes and connect with businesses specializing in planning and maintaining native plant landscapes. The expo will also feature pollinator resources, conservation groups, and more. Mark your calendar and make a day of it! 
     

  • Jun
    11

    2024 Coffee & Conservation: June 11

    Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 9 - 11am

    Gateway Farm
    10665 Joy Rd.
    Plymouth, MI 48170
    United States

    Join the Washtenaw County Conservation District and Michigan Climate Smart Farms Project for a cup of joe and a couple hours of conversation. The event will center around the Michigan Climate Smart Farms Project. 

    Registration is required. 


     

  • Aug
    2

    Organic Inspection Field Day at The North Farm

    Friday, August 2, 2024, 10am - 2pm

    The North Farm
    N5431 Rock River Road
    Chatham, MI 49816
    United States

    Join us for a field day focused on organic inspection at The North Farm, a diverse certified organic farm that is part of MSU's Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center. Learn what to expect during an inspection and have time to discuss inspection questions and concerns with fellow farmers.

    Register Here

  • Aug
    8

    2024 Coffee & Conservation - August 8

    Thursday, August 8, 2024, 9 - 11am

    Slow Farm
    4700 Whitmore Lake Rd.
    Ann Arbor, MI
    United States

    Join the Washtenaw County Conservation District  for a cup of joe and a couple hours of conversation about why and how to restore wetlands on your property. The event will include a walking tour of Slow Farm. 

    Registration is required.

  • Sep
    13

    2024 Washtenaw Field Day

    Friday, September 13, 2024, 8am - 1pm

    H & H Harvest
    9880 Austin Rd.
    Saline, MI
    United States

    Join us for featured talks on tile monitoring and cover crops and a farmer-led panel on their experience with cover crops. Plus a drone demo on the application of cover crops and pesticides. It will also serve as a MAEAP Phase 1 Educational Event! Free and family-friendly! 

    Register for the event!

  • Sep
    13

    The What, Why and How of Organic Webinar Series - #1 What

    Friday, September 13, 2024, 12 - 1pm

    Online

    This three-part webinar series is primarily focused on training individuals who provide services to farmers, such as MSU Extension staff. However, the program is open to all, including organic-curious farmers.

    Zoom webinar information will be provided after registration.

    Learn about USDA Organic rules, approved products and participate in an Organic System Plan interactive activity . 

    Register Here

  • Sep
    20

    The What, Why and How of Organic Webinar Series- #2 Why

    Friday, September 20, 2024, 12 - 1pm

    Online

    This three-part webinar series is primarily focused on training individuals who provide services to farmers, such as MSU Extension staff. However, the program is open to all, including organic-curious farmers.

    Zoom webinar information will be provided after registration.

    Learn from a variety of farmers the reasons why they chose to pursue organic certification for their farm, a different type of certification or no certification at all.

    Register Here

  • Sep
    20

    Rain Barrels Sale at the Fall Sale

    Friday, September 20, 2024, 1 - 6pm

    Washtenaw Farm Council grounds
    5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd
    Ann Arbor, MI 48103
    United States

    Rain barrels and other supplies will be available for pre-order pick-up or day-of sales (limited availability) during the Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale

    Must order by Sept 18 for your items to be available on Sept 20 at the event.

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