Conifer seedlings at the Peterson's Riverview Nursery in Allegan, MI 

By Megan DeLeeuw, Executive Director

Happy autumn everyone! Our fall season typically begins with the start of our new fiscal year and with the completion of our ever-expanding Fall Tree & Native Plant Distribution! On October 2nd we distributed over 4,500 native plants and 7,300 conifer trees at the Farm Council Grounds in partnership with Water Resources Commissioner's Office staff and 20 amazing volunteers! I've included a link to the family run and MAEAP verified tree nursery we source our beautiful conifer transplants form on the west side of the state. Read all about the Peterson family and their farm above.

This month we want to highlight the work of conservation easements in our county. Washtenaw County voters have  important millage renewals to consider related to land use and easements this fall. We've asked Remy Long to provide an update on the Greenbelt Program and have provided a link to Washtenaw County's Natural Areas Preservation Program. We hope this information helps you to have a better understanding of the work currently being done in the county.

Look for more details on our 2021 programming and events starting next month!

Remy Long, Manager of the City of Ann Arbor Greenbelt Program

Since 1935, Washtenaw County has lost 223,785 acres of farmland. Since 2007, Michigan averaged losses of 2 acres every hour or 2 farms each day. 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.

By Nick Machinski, MAEAP Technician

A new Watershed Management Plan is being proposed by the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) for the Upper-Middle portion of the Huron River. As a partner in this project, WCCD is seeking the thoughts and opinions of farmers and landowners who reside or rent ground within the are of the watershed. More specifically, the area in question is the Mill Creek watershed, Honey Creek Watershed, as well as a stretch of the Huron River north of the Barton Pond Dam. Your thoughts and opinions will help inform HRWC, WCCD and other partners as to the concerns people face regarding to the watershed.

Below is a link to a survey for those who reside or rent ground within the watershed. We ask that ONLY those who meet that criteria fill out the survey. The survey is completely anonymous, and results will be aggregated when presented. If you are unsure if you reside in this area you can check by going to the following map, clicking the search option, and entering your address.

Survey Link: Upper-Middle Huron Survey

Map Link: Upper-Middle Huron Map

We appreciate your anticipated participation!

Getting Started With CSP

By Erez Brandvain

The Washtenaw County Conservation District now has a full time Conservation Planner to help you develop a Conservation Plan and enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). CSP is a program through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).