Conservation News

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.

As stewards of land and water, it’s important to understand how large-scale development like data centers can affect groundwater, surface water, and energy use. Two recent reports highlight what this means for our communities and natural resources.

Over 1.3 million Michigan households rely on septic systems to safely treat wastewater. Well maintained septic tanks protect groundwater, lakes, and streams—but when they fail, they can pollute our drinking water and environment. Learn how to keep your system working and avoid costly repairs.

If you’ve picked up native plants, rain barrels, or compost bins from WCCD this spring or summer, chances are Walker Whitehouse helped get them into your hands. As the Conservation District’s seasonal staff member, Walker plays a vital role in executing conservation resource programs across Washtenaw County.

Farmers are finding unique ways to diversify their operation while also protecting water quality. One practice they are exploring: Harvestable Buffers.

Logsdon writes out his love and history with the groves he knows in folksy anecdotes: probably best read while falling asleep in a cabin warmed by wood fire's light. Borrow this book and planting tools from the Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective, and don't forget to order some Fall Sale trees to plant your own future groves!

The annual Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale opened on August 4!
Now offering even more variety of potted native wildflowers, grasses, garden kits, trees, shrubs, berries and more! Also available are bulk bare-root conifers and planting aids. Order online or by paper form by Sept 15, and pick-up on Friday, Sept 26!