Conservation News

We envisioned a Native Plant Garden that was not only visually appealing to our human visitors, but also welcoming and supportive to our local wildlife, including pollinators and birds. Our goal was to transform an underutilized space, at the entrance of our Community Center, into an appealing opportunity for education and enrichment, as well as a visual illustration of how native plants and pollinator-friendly planting can be both functional and aesthetically-pleasing.

Thank you to all who attended our Coffee and Conservation last month. Walking around Gateway Farm, one is struck with the feeling of connection. Intentional design elements work in tandem with natural systems to allow for a fascinating tour of the future of climate-smart farming in Michigan.

Your tax dollars from the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) Millage support LOCAL conservation efforts right here in Washtenaw! With stable funding, passionate staff remain at WCCD to develop programming, events, cost-share, and grant opportunities that are responsive to our community's needs.

This spring we're highlighting the best Rain Barrel photos submitted to the RainScaping in Southeast Michigan map!
"One of 2 installed and used a LOT last summer and all this spring!" - Harold H.

A description of Georgetown Commons S. Condo Assn's rain garden installation. Landscape beautification, pollinator habitat, and slowing and sinking water were all goals of this project.

The WCCD Lending Library has grown to meet the needs and requests of our conservation community with many tools available to borrow! In addition to our planting, pruning, soil testing, and herbicide tools, we're pleased to announce the following new tools for your invasive species management, soil testing, and garden bed prep.

Summer Roberts outlines her transition form Community Forester to Executive Director, and stepping into leadership of the the WCCD strategic plan and highlights new initiatives.

We expanded and improved the Expo with new features: Nature Kids activity area, more food trucks, return of the Milkweed Giveaway, newly improved Speaker Stage with presentations, and more nurseries than ever! We put our hearts into the work, while navigating some staffing transitions, and the event was a smooth success with over 2,219 attendees!

Terry has planted over 16,000 trees and shrubs! He also has made an educational arboretum disc golf course!