Conservation News

The 2026 Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale distributed 5396 native plants (potted) and 3230 conifer seedlings to 401 customers throughout our region! WCCD staff, Master Rain Gardener partners, and over 53 volunteers made the event a smooth success getting more plant diversity into our home landscapes.

Read on for an update from the Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP). This program supports farmers in Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties were invited to apply to receive monetary awards to put towards on-farm conservation, farm management and marketing-related expenses. To date, the program has almost 60 applicants and has delegated over $600,000 in funds.

Fourteen years ago, when we bought our house, we had exactly one milkweed plant in our rock landscape bed. It was weedy, scraggly, easy to overlook, but I saw it.
We didn't do anything heroic. We just didn't pull it.

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.

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

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

Elizabeth LaPorte in Scio Township has been implementing forestry management practices in her community for decades now!

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.