Ticket Required for entry: 8am - 9am, Open & Free For All: 9am - 1pm
Early Bird Tickets Available for the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace!
Join us for the 5th Annual Native Plant Expo & Marketplace on Saturday, June 1st, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. This year, we're introducing an exclusive "Early Bird Hour" from 8 am to 9 am, offering enthusiasts a chance to explore native treasures before the crowd. Early Bird Hour tickets are available for just $5, limited quantity available.
The main event is open and free to the public from 9 am to 1 pm.
New! NPEM Presents "Nature Kids" Sponsored By MBGNA
Join NPEM sponsor, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum in the Nature Kids space for family fun, featuring Nature Play, games, and exploration with Michigan Native Plants. Learn more about MBGNA by clicking here!
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Part 1 Presentation from 1pm-2:30pm at Dexter Township Hall, 6880 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Dexter, MI 48130
Part 2 (Optional, but RSVP REQUIRED): Forest Tours at various locations from 2:30-4:00pm
Are you a forest landowner looking for assistance? Come learn how consulting foresters can help you achieve your goals. Plus, sign up to tour a site with a forester. Funding provided by MDNR Forest to Mi Faucet grant. Space is limited, so click below to learn more and register.
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MIFarmLink Update
Land for Lease in the UP!
MIFarmLink (pronounced "My Farm Link") is a farm-linking online platform to preserve Michigan farmland by connecting farmers seeking land with farmland owners looking to sell or lease while providing the resources to foster that link.
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| Get Monthly Updates |
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| MI Climate Smart Farms |
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Sign up here to receive monthly updates on climate-smart agriculture and forestry, cost share opportunities, marketing support, and the new Climate Smart Verification Program.
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| Thinking of becoming certified organic? |
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| Join the webinars to discuss the 'Transition to Organic Partnership Program'! |
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The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a new initiative to help new producers navigate the transition to certified organic production. Each transitioning producer will receive ongoing mentorship and support from an experienced organic farmer.
Upcoming TOPP Webinars!
April 19th: Learn about key components of organic recordkeeping and how to be prepared for an organic inspection.
April 26th: Join us to learn more about certifications such as "Regenerative Organic Certified", "The Real Organic Project", and "Animal Welfare Approved".
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Rain Barrel Photo Contest Winner: Wendy B!
This spring we're highlighting the best Rain Barrel photos submitted to the RainScaping in Southeast Michigan map! Winners will receive a $10 gift card for our sales.
"New install saved us sooo many gallons of treated and expensive water :)" - Wendy B.
Join the hundreds of neighbors who have installed rain barrels to save water and protect our watersheds from run-off. We offer various colors and accouterments for your rain barrel needs.
Pre-order your Rain Barrel today!
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The Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University is excited to announce that it will be offering FREE anonymous tile line sampling opportunities throughout critical areas within Michigan’s portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin. Enrollment will be determined after a short visit to your farm with a local conservation technician. Since 2016, this program has provided participants with water quality reports, allowing them to track nitrate, phosphorus, and flow from their tile lines throughout the year.
Click here to read more!
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Cover Crop Termination Field Day, April 24th
Get caught up on the latest recommendations for successful cover crop termination. We will tour Dr. Christy Sprague's and Dr. Karen Renner's cover crop demonstration plots and discuss cover crop termination success across timing and method - From Michigan State University Extension.
Click here to learn more and register!
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Join us in welcoming our new 2024 Seasonal Staff Member, Rebecca Mackey!
Rebecca graduated from Central Michigan University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She has also earned an associate degree in marketing; with certifications in HTML design, and grant writing, and is a Project Management Professional (PMP). Rebecca has skills in administrative support, project management, event coordination, website development, newsletter writing, and legislative constituent support.
Rebecca enjoys road trips and traveling, hiking, yoga, crafting, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She has a son in middle school, a daughter who attends Michigan State University, studying sustainability and animal behavior; and a crazy Australian Shepherd, named Zayn. Rebecca is passionate about helping people and the planet.
Rebecca will be assisting with administrative tasks, event coordination, and supporting staff and residents at our 705 Zeeb Road office.
Contact Rebecca at 734 302 8715 or rebecca@washtenawcd.org
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Community Success Stories
We'd like to take the time to recognize all of the good work residents of Washtenaw County are doing with our Community Success Stories!
Elizabeth LaPorte in Scio Township has been implementing forestry management practices in her community for decades now! Elizabeth shares, "Nearly 30 years ago, we purchased a variety of tree seedlings, shrubs, and pollinator perennials to plant in the front acre of our property in Scio Township. As new homeowners, we could not afford to purchase mature trees. So purchasing seedlings was a great option to encourage wildlife, help control flooding, and minimize mowing. Our mature trees are now part of a wonderful habitat for a variety of birds, including hawks and wild turkeys. The trees are also a great windscreen between the dirt road and our house. Thanks [WCCD] for providing this service!"
Thank you for your conservation efforts Elizabeth! If you are inspired to share your Community Success Story, click the button below!
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- City of Ypsilanti Sustainability Commission
Monday, May 13th at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1 S Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI
- Sharon Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, May 21st at 7 p.m. at the Sharon Township Hall, 18010 Pleasant Lake Road, Manchester, MI
- Salem Township Land Preservation & Conservation Board
Tuesday, May 21st at 7 p.m. at the Salem Township Hall, 9600 Six Mile Road, Salem, MI
- Northfield Township Land Preservation Committee
Monday, May 6th at 6 p.m. at Northfield Township Hall, 8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI
- Augusta Charter Township Farmland Preservation Committee
Thursday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at 8021 Talladay Rd, Willis, MI 48191
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| Community Updates |
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Other local events, programs, and happenings.
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| Earth Day Fest with Growing Hope |
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Earth Day Fest: One Community | One Planet on Saturday, April 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace 16 S Washington in Ypsilanti. This free, family-friendly event features fun activities, educational workshops, and ways to proactively protect our shared home.
Learn more here!
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| Rain Barrel Pre-Order |
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Pick-up at the WCCD Office by request.
Get a "Rain Barrel Starter Kit" and save $10
The WCCD sells rain barrels, composters, and related supplies for water catchment systems and composting systems. These practices conserve rainwater and prevent runoff, and composting practices reduce food waste.
Order yours today!
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| River Roundup, April 27th |
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Join a small team of your friends, family, and other volunteers to collect bugs from streams across the watershed hosted by Huron River Watershed Council!
Your team will include an experienced volunteer who will bring all the equipment you need to get started. At each sampling site, you and your teammates will search through stones, leaves, and sediment to find bugs in their natural habitat. Sign-up here!
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