Conservation News

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!

Our 6th Native Plant Expo & Marketplace has continued to exceed expectations with over 2486 attendees enjoying plant sales, getting free plants and seeds, learning from a myriad of organizations, enjoying food trucks, music, and kids activities. We're grateful to continue offering this gift to the community and for it to be received so whole-heartedly!

Our new soil tester from Kelway can measure a pH range from 3.5 to 8 with an accuracy within +/- .2 of a pH number. Get accurate readings in as little as 2 to 3 minutes. Available for loan today!

WCCD recently experienced federal funding changes, including the early end of the Climate Smart Farms Project and a temporary pause in the TOPP program. While some programs have resumed, these shifts have impacted operations. Read more about the updates and what’s ahead.

Jill’s journey with the Conservation District spans board leadership, hands-on farming, and now, supporting beginning farmers across Michigan through MiFarmLink. Learn how she’s growing access to farmland—and why she still loves planting trees every year.

The Michigan's Domestic Action Plan (DAP) for Lake Erie was released in late June by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The document highlights the efforts made thus far to curb phosphorus entering the lake and what obstacles that still need to be overcome.

We've added a portable bag seeder to our tool rental program! Ideal for planting cover crops, native grasses, and wildflowers, this lightweight seeder is perfect for small-acreage projects. Visit the Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective website to learn more or reserve.