Shannon Brines leading a tour of Brines Farm and discussing agroforestry practices.
Stewardship in Action
On any given Saturday morning at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, you’ll likely find Shannon Brines alongside his father, offering tables filled with authentic, open-pollinated heritage fruits and vegetables—plus farm-fresh eggs. The colorful bounty comes from Brines Farm, 90 acres of carefully stewarded land in northern Webster Township, 75 of which are permanently preserved farmland. There, Shannon has built a thriving, community-centered farm rooted in the principles of agroecology and agroforestry.
Shannon’s approach is as much about stewardship as it is about food. He prioritizes soil health, minimizes mechanical tillage, saves and plants heirloom, non-GMO seeds, and relies on beneficial insects instead of chemical inputs. Inside passive-solar hoophouses, he produces vibrant greens even through the depths of Michigan winters—without the use of fossil fuels. Brines Farm became one of the area’s first to offer a winter CSA, ensuring that local families could enjoy fresh produce year-round.
“First and foremost, we’re in this because we love great food, but farming is also about connection and relationships—to the land, to each other, and to the larger food system. Every time someone chooses local food, it strengthens our community and helps sustain the next generation of farmers.”
Leadership Beyond the Farm
Shannon’s leadership and advocacy extend well beyond his farm. He was selected to represent the United States at Terra Madre 2008 in Turin, Italy, a global Slow Food gathering focused on small-scale, sustainable farming. Locally, he has helped shape Washtenaw County’s food landscape through service on the steering committees of the HomeGrown Festival, the Local Food Summit, and the Tilian Farm Development Center—where he mentored beginning farmers and worked to strengthen the region’s farm incubator programs. He has also served on the Ann Arbor Public Market Advisory Commission, the Greenbelt Advisory Commission, and the board of Slow Food Huron Valley, where he currently serves as Treasurer.
In addition to his work as a farmer, Shannon is a Lecturer and Research Specialist at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). His teaching and research explore connections between land use, agriculture, food systems, public health, and sustainable design—helping bridge the gap between academic research and on-the-ground practice.
Shannon also plays a key leadership role with the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) as Chair of the Board of Directors and as Chair of Region 10 of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), representing and connecting districts across southeast Michigan.
WCCD Staff at an Agroforestry Field Day hosted by Shannon Brines of Brines Farm
Serving on the WCCD Board is one way I can give back to the land and community that have given me so much. The District is an important bridge—connecting farmers, landowners, and residents with the tools and support they need to take care of our shared natural resources.
Join the Conservation Community
WCCD is fortunate to benefit from the expertise and commitment of directors like Shannon, whose deep understanding of agroecology and community-building helps guide the District’s conservation priorities. But it takes many voices and perspectives to build a resilient conservation community. If you’ve ever considered serving as a WCCD Board or Associate Director, now is a wonderful time to get involved.
Quick Picks: Shannon’s Conservation Snapshot
1. Favorite conservation tool or practice: agroforestry
2. Most rewarding part of board service: connecting with and learning from other districts across the state and sharing what we learn with state leadership
3. A piece of advice for prospective board members or volunteers: there are so many places to plug-in, all you need is interest and energy to do so… don’t worry if you don’t feel like an expert
4. One thing most people don’t know about Brines Farm: Brines Farm has lots of fruit and nut tree and shrubs growing, and we plant more every year - someday soon we’ll have U-pick of some uncommon fruits!
Shannon Brines, selling plants at the annual Native Plant Expo and Marketplace
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.
