Conservation News

In 2021, Linda was involved with just about every volunteer opportunity with the WCCD. As legend has it, she was asked to help take some photos for the rain gardens, and, in her words: “I’ll do it until I get bored, and that was 8 years ago!”

Tom and Marti Burbeck’s Beacon Springs Farm was recently verified in the MAEAP program. If you feel like you heard that before, that is because it was only in August that Tom and Marti were featured for becoming verified in their Farmstead and Cropping systems. This time around, Beacon Springs Farm became verified in the Forest, Wetland and Habitat system.

Within 10 years, approximately 35% of all Michigan farmers will retire. While these impacts to the region’s farming landscape and culture have been significant, Washtenaw County is fortunate to have several land conservation groups working to address these challenges. One example if the City of Ann Arbor’s Greenbelt Program.

As with most I to am finding many new ways to enjoy my property. I live in the woods on 5 acres and I have 1 acre of nothing but flower gardens. I have over 100 different types of hosts, ferns etc.

Woodbine Farm is an equine event center owned and operated by Sari Clapperton. The first equine center in the county to be verified in any system, Woodbine Farm was recently verified in its Farmstead and Livestock operations.

Carol Caplan uses organic practices on her farm. A member of the member of the Michigan Flower Growers’ Cooperative, the farm joins other area farms in providing flowers for wholesale. But there is more happening at The Farm on Jennings then just this.

Morley Stevenson, whose farm was verified in its Cropping and Forest, Wetland and Habitat system, has been a great asset to the WCCD for many years. He has assisted during WCCD’s tree and native plant sales.

Tom and Marti Burbeck were recently verified in their Farmstead and Cropping systems. They have established a cascading orchard with apple, pear and cherry trees along the slopes near their home.

This past month, Pat Garrett of Scio Township was able to have her habitat veried in the Forest, Wetland and Habitat system under MAEAP. Though the habitat is just a few acres it contains unique features such as a small vernal pool which is extremely important to the breeding of amphibians.