Conservation News

To learn more about the hidden connections between our environment the water that flows into homes and businesses every day in Washtenaw County, take a look at the new Forest to MI Faucet video.
This video was created in partnership with the DNR's Forest to MI Faucet initiative created to educate Michigan residents about the connection between forests and drinking water.

Join us for the two remaining tasting sessions at our special partner event lead by SEAS Master's student Milan Anderson. This value-added agroforestry project shines a spotlight on underutilized native fruit and shrub crops. Taste the unique flavors and learn how these resilient, easy-to-grow crops can benefit farms across Michigan through their environmental, social, and economic contributions.

Celebrate International Bat Week (Oct. 24–31, 2025)! 🦇 Join us in recognizing the vital role bats play in healthy ecosystems and cheering on Kim Williams-Guillén, WCCD staff and scientist, as she presents “Bats of Wayne County” at Nerd Nite Ann Arbor #103 on Oct. 9, 2025

From vending heritage produce at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market with his father to teaching at U-M, Shannon Brines’ work is rooted in connection — to land, food, and community. As Chair of the WCCD Board, he’s helping strengthen those connections across Washtenaw County and beyond.

Once overrun with dense undergrowth, the Schoen's property now offers a rare glimpse into the region’s once-common oak-hickory forest ecosystem. This transformation is the result of the hard work, dedicated stewardship, and thoughtful ecological restoration efforts. Enrolled in the EQIP program through NRCS, the site now stands as a model for oak regeneration.

Don’t toss your pumpkins! From now through December 15, Washtenaw County residents can drop off pumpkins, gourds, and squash at local farms for free. They’ll be composted, enrich soil, or feed animals—keeping food waste out of landfills and giving pumpkins a second life.

Despite the federal shutdown, the WCCD remains open. Thanks to diverse funding from the State of Michigan, Washtenaw County, local voters, and individual donors, we’ll continue serving our community and advancing conservation priorities without interruption.

Dry spells, $3k in discounts, 12' oaks! Even our smallest plant sale of the year keeps getting more interesting, diverse, and scaling up. We had over 416 pre-orders and 66 extra sales distributing 4100 conifers and nearly 5000 native plants. And Yes, Fall is a good time to plant, but let's hope for some more rain.

MIFarmLink, which began in Ottawa County and was recently housed at WCCD, is moving to the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts to expand statewide. We’re proud to have hosted the program and excited to see it continue connecting farmland owners with the next generation of farmers.