As Megan transitions to a new position, we thank her for her service and leadership.
As the Executive Director of the Washtenaw County Conservation District for over 6 years, Megan DeLeeuw secured a County millage, facilitated strategic planning, developed a supportive culture, and grew the team from 2 to 14 staff.
Executive Director Megan DeLeeuw will be transitioning out of her role at the WCCD to pursue conservation and regenerative agriculture work at the state level. Her last day will be Friday, February 16th. Interim Co-Executive Directors have been selected by the WCCD Board to ensure a smooth transition. “I am proud to say that I am leaving the WCCD at a time when our organization, finances, and culture are thriving and resilient. I have complete trust that the staff, with leadership from the Board of Directors, will shepherd the district through a new phase to continue to address critical natural resource concerns for our residents and provide leadership around these issues,” said DeLeeuw.
Jill Dohner, MIFarmLink Specialist, and Deborah Shad, Finance Administrator, will take on the co-executive director roles until a new executive director is hired. Dohner and Shad will work closely with the Board of Directors to select a new Executive Director.
Although Megan could not say specifically which role she will be taking at the state level (these details will be forthcoming), she confirms that she will continue to be working on critical issues related to conservation and agriculture.
Megan lives on her farm in Sharon Township with her husband and two terriers and plans to remain involved with the district in a volunteer capacity.
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2024 Spring Tree & Shrub Sale
Are you are looking to reforest an area, naturalize the landscaping, create a wind barrier, protect the soil, reduce runoff, establish wildlife habitat, shade your property, or plant an orchard? The sale offers numerous species of trees, shrubs, and other products for various conservation projects.
Save 25% off of tree seedlings, including:
Birch, Tamarack, Hackberry, Pin Oak, Elm, and more!
Supplies are limited.
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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.
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2024 Spring Native Plant Sale
The Spring Native Plant sale allows green thumbs to pre-order from many species of Wildflowers, Grasses, Sedges, Trees, and Shrubs, all of which are native to our region. The native plants species offered in the sale are perennials that succeed in landscaping and garden settings, providing year-round beauty while also supporting pollinators.
We offer a limited number of pre-orders of native plants. However, there will be even more plants and products available for sale during the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace.
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| MIFarmLink Update |
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| Discover how MIFarmLink makes farm connections that truly matter! |
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MIFarmLink, shows once again that the art of matchmaking is invaluable in cultivating a flourishing farming community. Through MIFarmLink, Greenfield Grazing has found a match!
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| We need your help! |
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| Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project |
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With just 2 hours each month in an online meeting, you can contribute from the comfort of your home. We'll share our program development content in advance providing you with the time to review, consider, and offer valuable feedback. Our advisory team is the heartbeat of the Climate Smart Farm Project and we invite you to be a driving force! Technical support for virtual meeting access is available if needed.
Connect with Megan Phillips-Goldenberg, our Climate Smart Farm Specialist, to dive deeper and become a pivotal part of shaping a sustainable farming community! Your insights matter, and together, we can sow the seeds of positive change.
Seeking Climate Smart Farm Verification Advisory Members:
Responsibilities:
- Attend a 2-hour virtual meeting once a month
- Review provided program development content ahead of time
- Give constructive feedback and guidance during a meeting
Ideal Qualifications:
- Owner/Operator of a small, underserved, or diversified farm in SE Michigan
- Passionate about climate change adaptation and mitigation
Interested? Please contact us by emailing megan.phillips-goldenberg@macd.org
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| Your input matters! |
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| Farmer Advisory Committee |
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Join the Farmer Advisory Committee and play a vital role in tailoring our initiatives to better serve the unique needs of our farming community in Washtenaw!
If you are interested in joining, please contact:
Nick Machinski, Conservation Specialist
734.302.8715, Nick@washtenawcd.org
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Apply by June 10th, 2024
School & Community Habitat Grant
Is your school, community group, or local organization looking for funding to install a pollinator garden, food forest, rain garden, etc? The WCCD's School & Community Habitat Grant (SCHG) is now accepting applications until the deadline on June 10th, 2024 for project installations in 2025!
Interested, but still have questions?
Join us for a webinar on April 3rd at 3:30 pm (will also be recorded for later viewing) for an overview of how to apply to the SCHG and answers to pre-submitted questions. The SCHG is a great opportunity to get the technical and financial assistance to make your dreams bloom!
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| Join us in welcoming our newest team members! |
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| Alex Cacciari, TOPP Specialist |
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Alex is responsible for administering the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, funded by the USDA Organic Transition Initiative. Alex is connecting certified organic farmer mentors with farmer mentees who want to transition their crops and livestock to organic production. Learn more and contact Alex.
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| Kim Williams-Guillen, TOPP Specialist |
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Kim provides direct technical support for Michigan farmers transitioning to Certified Organic growing practices and for experienced organic farmers providing mentorship and training to those beginning the process. She is working via the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, funded by the USDA's Organic Transition Initiative. Learn more and contact Kim.
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Apply by February 19th, 2024
We're hiring multiple positions!
The Seasonal Staff position provides a professional development opportunity to work within the fields of natural resources conservation through involvement with a variety of the WCCD's residential programs and events. The position will assist the staff with coordinating and facilitating events, performing field work, and community engagement!
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| 3rd Annual Tractor Tire Drive a Success! |
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The Washtenaw County Conservation District, in partnership with Washtenaw County Materials Management Division, held its 3rd Annual Tractor Tire Drive at Freedom Township Hall on December 9th. In total, 446 tires were dropped off, weighing over 26 tons!
Tractor tires often cost farmers up to $100 per tire to recycle themselves. This cost is prohibitive to many, and causes tires to collect at farmsteads where they collect water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The tires dropped off at the event were shipped to a recycling plant in Flint, MI where they are broken down and repurposed as aggregates in the construction of roadbeds and septic systems. A big “Thank you,” again to our partners, volunteers, Freedom Township Hall, and for all the farmers that participated in the event!
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- City of Ypsilanti Sustainability Commission
Monday, March 11th at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1 S Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI
- Sharon Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, February 20th at 7 p.m. at the Sharon Township Hall, 18010 Pleasant Lake Road, Manchester, MI
- Salem Township Land Preservation & Conservation Board
Tuesday, February 20th at 7 p.m. at the Salem Township Hall, 9600 Six Mile Road, Salem, MI
- Northfield Township Land Preservation Committee
Monday, March 11th at 6 p.m. at Northfield Township Hall, 8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI
- Augusta Charter Township Farmland Preservation Committee
Thursday, March 14th 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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| Master Rain Gardener class registration! |
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Design your own rain garden step-by-step during class. Become the neighborhood expert!
Protect your home against flooding & help birds, & butterflies with a RAIN garden!
Register for an in-person class!
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| Rain Barrel Pre-Order |
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Pick-up March 25th, 2024!
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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| The Farm Stop Conference: March 1st-3rd, 2024 |
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Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Whether you operate a farm stop already, or think that you may one day, come learn from local food thought leaders about fundraising and marketing to farm relations and merchandising.
Buy your ticket here!
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