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Annual Meeting a success!
The Eaton Conservation District’s annual meeting was held on January 28, 2010 at the Charlotte Senior Center. The meeting was a great success with 107 people attending. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Barn Preservation” and also included updates on the Conservation District's many programs. Awards were given to Charlie Harag, Craig Snyder, Kathy Brown, and Rita Black. Door Prizes and Silent Auction items were contributed by MANY local businesses and organizations. 
2010 Tree/Shrub Order Form Online!
Click here to see information regarding 2010 Spring tree sale!
2010 Annual Meeting and Luncheon.
The guest speaker will be Jack Worthington from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network.
When: January 28th, 2010 at noon.
Where: Charlotte Senior Center (New location!)
804 S Cochran Ave Charlotte, MI
TICKETS are $12.00
Please RSVP by January 19th, 2010. (517) 543-5848 x
Online Auction Announcement
Eaton Conservation District is pleased to announce the launch of an online auction. Auction funds will support conservation programs in Eaton County as well as, the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance program. Due to the extreme funding situation of the State of Michigan, all funding has been cut to Conservation Districts. The funds raised by the auction will allow Eaton Conservation District to offset this funding situation and continue providing programs for the residents of Eaton County. Auction funds will allow the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance program to grow by sponsoring Project Learning Tree Workshops (environmental education curriculum for K-12 educators), plant trees, free education materials and much more!
Eaton Conservation District will open the auction for bidding beginning March 1st, 2010. The auction will run through the month of March with bidding closing on March 31st, 2010. The goal of the auction is to raise $10,000!!!
Items up for bid may include:
· Behind the Scenes WILX News Tour with Jason Colthorp
· Landscape Consultation
· Civil War Reenactment
· Framed and Unframed Wildlife Prints
· 1 Week Stay in Grand Marais
· Gift Basket from Van Atta’s
· Certified Arborist Consultation
· Job Shadow a Veterinarian
· General Motors Plant and Habitat Tour
Once the auction is up and running, Eaton Conservation District will provide the web link for the site. Supporters can receive email announcements regarding the auction. If you would like to be on the list please send and email to miarborday@gmail.com.
Currently, Eaton Conservation District is searching for auction items. There is no limit to the amount of items or the type of items. Ideas for items include: gas cards, gift baskets, sports paraphernalia, experiences (tours, tickets to events, cooking lessons, wine tasting, etc.), collectibles, vacation stays and anything you can think of!
Bill Bradford Awarded MACD Director of the Year
For the time and effort that he spends promoting the District he serves and the field of conservation, the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) recently named Bill Bradford, Vice Chair of the Eaton Conservation District Board of Directors, as the MACD Director of the Year..more information
Volunteers help to Install Raingarden
(Charlotte MI) Fifty three volunteers lent a hand to protect water quality in the Charlotte area. The volunteers worked with the Eaton Conservation District (ECD) and the City of Charlotte to install a raingarden and riprap ditch near the site of the City of Charlotte's Waste Water Treatment Plant. Learn more
Thornapple River Clean-up a Success
9/19/09 Eaton Conservation District helped organize the Nashville/Vermontville section of the Thornapple River Clean-up. We had over 50 volunteers come out and help. Big thanks to Karen and Mike Snyder and the Maple valley students.
Eaton CD seeks award nominations
· Conservationist of the Year (Organization, Business, etc)
· District Cooperator of the Year (Landowner that has worked with District/NRCS programs)
· Educator of the Year NEW
Click here for more info
ECD now on Facebook and Twitter!
Visit us on Facebook or Twitter "EatonCD"
2009 Fall Events Planned
Renewable Energy for the Home and Farm Thursday September 10, 2009 9- 5 PM
There will be speakers in the morning session covering grants for Renewable Energy (RE) Systems for farms, tax credits for farms, small business and home owners and other economics, and to explain the different types of RE systems and how well each works in this area. more info
Clean Sweep September 11, 2009 9AM-12 Crop Production Service, Woodbury
Clean Sweep is a voluntary program designed to help reduce the human and Environmental impacts of pesticides that are no longer usable. Anyone who has old, banned, unregistered, or otherwise unusable pesticides that need to be disposed of can participate. more info
Pesticide Education and Recertification Credits Class—MAEAP phase 1 Tuesday September 29, 2009 1-5 PM Clarksville Research Station
Includes: MAEAP Verification information, Indentifying and mapping the environmental sensitive areas around your farm, Pesticide management for Farm Market Crops, Pesticide Storage and Poly tanks, Pesticide Exam Review Questions and Answers. more info
Fall Tree Sale
The Eaton Conservation District will be offering our second tree sale on Sunday, September 27th, 11AM - 3PM at the General Motors Lansing Delta Township Plant. more info
Inaugural Michigan Sustainable Stoup* Competition Sunday, October 25th, 2009 1 pm to 5 pm, Grand Ledge, Michigan*Stoup can be a soup or a stew, or even chili. Hosted by Michigan Envirothon
The Inaugural Michigan Sustainable Stoup statewide cooking contest is open to individuals and restaurants with a focus on local, sustainably raised foods. And it’s for a good cause: a fundraiser for the Michigan Envirothon Program. What could be better than Sustainable Stoup? A Sustainable Stoup Competition along with a Michigan wine, hard cider and beer tasting!
We will have samples from Michigan wineries and breweries along for the event to give everyone attending the full circle Michigan experience. Join us for a taste of Michigan and purchase your ticket online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71894 Ticket includes as many stews and soups as you would like to taste, a souvenir tasting glass and 4 beverage tasting tickets. Tickets are $25 online and will be $30 at the door. If you know of a winery, brewery or cidery that would like to add your taste of Michigan to this event, contact: Ginger Bardenhagen at celticjig1@gmail.com or 517-930-2121.For more information, please email mienvirothon@macd.org or visit www.michiganenvirothon.org.
Public Meetings Announced for Thornapple River Watershed Management Plan
A draft of the Thornapple River Watershed Management Plan was submitted for review to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on July 10, 2009. The TRW Management Plan assesses water quality conditions throughout the watershed to determine pollution levels, their sources and causes. Where pollution levels impair or threaten water uses, such as drinking water, fisheries, swimming, boating or wildlife habitat, critical areas have been defined and targeted for improvement.
The Draft TRW Management Plan outlines both a strategy for citizen education about watershed issues and a strategy for implementing management practices and policies to reduce non-point source pollution in the watershed. In order to reach the goals identified in the TRW Management Plan, cross-jurisdictional cooperation and support are necessary from agencies, organizations and citizens in the Thornapple River Watershed region.
To best introduce and solicit comments on the Draft TRW Management Plan, a series of informational meetings has been scheduled in August, 2009. All stakeholders and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. Times and locations are as follows:
Tuesday, August 4 Wednesday, August 5
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Barry County Courts Charlotte USDA Service Center
and Law Conference Room Basement Conference Room
206 W. Court Street 551 Courthouse Drive
Hastings, MI 49058 Charlotte, MI 48813
Thursday, August 13
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ada Township Hall
7330 Thornapple River Dr.
Ada, MI 49301
MDEQ Neightborhood Environmental Partnership Award July,09
Eaton Conservation District was recognized for their work with GM Lansing Delta Township (LDT) Facility during the MDEQ's 2008 Neighborhood Environmental Partnership Award Ceremony on July 23rd, 2009. The award is to recognize organizations that team up in the community for environmental conservation and education activities. From left: Senator Patricia Birkholz, Keith Wilson and Bridget Burnell from General Motors, Andrea Stay from the Eaton Conservation District, Steve Chester DEQ Director, and Michael Young NEP Program Director.
Free Water testing at Ag Expo in July 2009
click here for more information
Project Learning Tree Workshop offered for Educators
Eaton CD is partnering up with the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance, General Motors, and Project Learning Tree to offer a workshop July 27 & 28, 2009 for educators, click here for more information.
Nashville Dam to be Removed Later this Summer
For information about this project, click here
Interested in Fresh Produce? Head over to a local Farm Market
For a list of Eaton Co Markets and times, click here
RUP Credits Available
The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) makes available several important services. We can offer you up to 9 Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) Credits, help you fulfill your SARA Title III requirements and provide Emergency Planning for your farm, which may save livestock, equipment and lower your insurance rates.
The Farmstead Assessment System (Farm*A*Syst) is a book of work sheets that will help you assess how effectively your farmstead structures, management practices and site conditions protect your water resources. Normally a Farm*A*Syst is conducted about every 3 years, completing a FAS for the first time will get you 4 RUP Credits.
The Crop Assessment System (Crop*A*Syst) will assist you to develop and implement a management plan that prevents contamination of groundwater and surface water resources and maintains economic crop production. Completing a C*A*S will give you 4 RUP Credits.
Completing the Emergency Plan for Farms the first time will provide 1 RUP credit. To find out more, call Kim at the District at 517-543-5848 x 5.
Eaton Conservation District Encourages Soil Stewardship
Eaton Conservation District encourages you to think about your personal responsibility to be a good steward of all natural resources, including soil, during its annual Stewardship Week celebration. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has proclaimed April 26 – May 3, 2009 as Stewardship Week. For more ideas and educational materials, click here
District gears up for a busy month
April is a busy time for the Eaton Conservation District with our Spring Tree Sale, Earth Day, and Arbor Day. Look for us at many events in the community including: organizing the Statewide Arbor Day celebration at Potter park, and participating in Greener Delta and the Eaton Rapids Earth Day celebration, displays set up at local libraries, and much more. We are participating with Greener Delta, Relay for Life, and many local schools to provide seedlings to kids. The Eaton Conservation District houses the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance Program that works statewide with teachers, schools, municipalities to promote Arbor Day. For more info about arbor day, please go to www.miarbordayalliance.com
2009 Native Plant Sale Order Form Available (click here)
Nashville Dam Slated for Removal
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has awarded the Barry Conservation District (BCD) a $200,000 Inland Fisheries grant for the removal of the Nashville Dam, located just west of M-66 in the Village of Nashville. The dam is one of six on the main stem of the Thornapple River, the others being operational hydroelectric power-producing structures. Dam removal is tentatively scheduled for 2009, pending the receipt of necessary permits and completion of engineering studies. The dam will be replaced by a weir system that will provide a gradual slope to compensate for the height of the existing dam and will allow for fish passage from the upper to lower reaches of the watershed. Questions about the project can be directed to the Barry Conservation District office at (269) 948-8056 ext. 3, or to joanne.barnard@mi.nacdnet.net.
2009 Spring Tree Sale Order Form Available (click here)
Upcoming Project Learning Tree Workshop
The Eaton Conservation District and Michigan Arbor Day Alliance are partnering with General Motors LDT to offer a project Learning tree workshop at the GM site and habitat area. read more
Eaton CD produces 2008 Annual Report
The district has been VERY busy in 2008. Click here to view our annual report.
Eaton CD WINS Community Partner Award
Enhancing a wildlife habitat in the middle of a corporate site is no small feat. That is exactly what Eaton County Conservation District accomplished and its efforts were rewarded with a national recognition. (more)
Annual Meeting planned for January 29th, 2009
The 63rd Annual Meeting of the Eaton Conservation District will take place January 29th, 2009 from noon-3pm at the VFW Hall in Charlotte. The meeting will consist of a wildlife habitat expo, luncheon, and guest speaker. The guest speaker will be Paul Kindel from the Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy.
Tickets are available for $12 (to cover meal) and may be purchased at the District office at 551 Courthouse Drive, Suite 3, Charlotte, MI 48813 or contact us at (517) 543-5848 x 5. Reservation must be received by Jan 21st.
Conservation District Staff and Volunteers monitoring Thornapple River Water Quality
(November 08) The district spent a nice warm November day out near vermontville collecting Macroinvertebrates to monitor river quality. Macroinvertebrates are the insects, crustaceans, and other small “bugs” living on and under rocks and sediment in our local streams. They are relatively immobile and short-lived (less than a year to several years), are sensitive to changes in their environment, and are a powerful indicator of chronic human disturbance. These organisms include insects such as mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies. As conditions change in a watershed (such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, amount of shade, water velocity), changes in the macroinvertebrate community result. Macro Invertebrates make good indicators of habitat conditions, water quality, and overall ecosystem productivity.
Eaton County Conservation District nominated for Wildlife Habitat Council Award
(October 08) The Eaton County Conservation District has been selected as one of five finalists by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) for its Community Partner of the Year Award. The WHC will announce the winner at an awards banquet on November 18, as part of their 20th Annual Syposium in Baltimore, Maryland. Read More
Deadline approaches for Fall Photo Contest
Deadline Nov 14th. Click here for more information and entry form
Attention: 5th Grade Teachers - Arbor Day Poster Contest!
Encourage your 5th grade students to design an original poster depicting the 2009 contest theme: “Trees are terrific… in cities and towns!”
State prizes will be awarded to the top three posters and each winner’s school will receive a tree. To be eligible for the State Competition posters must be postmarked by: January 31st, 2009
If you would like additional information, contact Rachael Wood, Michigan Arbor Day Alliance State Program Coordinator at the Eaton Conservation District at 517-543-5848 x 5 or by email at miarborday@yahoo.com www.miarbordayalliance.org
Battle Creek River River Conservation Day a Success! October 4th 2008
Participants included the Frontier City Flycasters of Charlotte, Eaton Conservation District, City of Charlotte, Battle Creek River Watershed Project, Courthouse Square Association and Charlotte Public Schools. Volunteers were busy in Charlotte picking up litter, removing logjams, labeling storm drains, landscaping, and MORE! Free lunch and t-shirts were provided and it was a fun and rewarding day. If you are interested in volunteering for this event in the future, please call us at (517) 543-5848 X 5
Cost Share Available for Kalamazoo Watershed Producers
An EPA targeted Watershed Grant has been obtained to install conservation practices in the Battle Creek Waterhsed (part of the larger Kalamazoo river watershed). Conservation practices installed can receive 75% of the cost paid. Conservation practices can make your farm a more productive and competitive business and help conserve Natural Resources. No red tape, no waiting period, simle selection process based on the geographical location of your farm.
Call Rick Pierson at (269) 781-4867 X 37 to learn more!
Fall Conservation Tour - September 12th, 2008
This year's annual Fall tour consisted of a morning Clean Sweep pesticide collection, a tour of the woodbury ethanol plant, discussion of Slow Release Nitrogen, MEAEP Demonstration, and Groundwater Program updates.
- Sponsored by:
- Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program
- Eaton & Barry Conservation Districts
- Michigan State University Extension
- Ionia County Resource Recovery
- Crop Production Services, Woodbury
Eaton Conservation District Partners with General Motors LDT and is awarded DEQ Neighborhood Environmental Partners Award - July 31st, 2008
GM Lansing Delta Township and partners - Michigan State University Dept of F&W, and Eaton County Conservation District - received this award for the 2007 Bio-Blitz held at the GM wildlife Habitat Area.
GM worked in cooperation with the Conservation District and Michigan State University to host their first Bio-Blitz August 17th-18th, 2007. The Bio-Blitz was a 24 hour event where local experts and volunteers come out to the Habitat site to survey for all the species they could identify. This gave a “snap-shot” species inventory of the area’s birds, mammals, insects, plants, etc. The final tally was 359 species. The Bio-Blitz was also open to the public and featured three wildlife presentations, guided nature walks, and educational displays and booths. There were over 500 people involved in this event, including attendees, volunteers, and scientists.
Attention Community Leaders and Partner Organizations
Re: The NEW Eaton Conservation District - Jan 08
The Thornapple Grand Conservation District has changed its name to the Eaton Conservation District. This name change was announced and went into effect at the district Annual Meeting on January 24th, 2008. Since 1946, the District has covered Eaton County, MI. The name change does not change the area covered. The district changed its name to the Eaton Conservation District for several reasons:
- Better name recognition and visibility in Eaton County.
- Conformity - Each of the other 78 conservation districts in Michigan are known by their county name.
- Better ability to market and fundraise which will result in more dollars brought to Eaton County for Conservation practices.
The new name, Eaton Conservation District, will be used immediately on letterhead, brochures, tree sale catalogs, and newsletters. The signs on the county borders will not be changed immediately due to funding, but will gradually be changed.
The Eaton Conservation District will continue to offer existing services and will be constantly seeking new projects, funding opportunities, and ways to serve Eaton County’s Natural Resources.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (517) 543-5848 x 5, email: andrea.stay@mi.nacdnet.net
Upcoming Workshops:
October 4th, 08 - Photography Workshop
December 4th, 08 - Woodlot Workshop
2009 Annual Meeting
March 21st, 2009 Project Learning Tree Workshop
March 24th, 09 - Wildlife Workshop
May 11th - Composting Workshop
May 21st - Techniques for Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Workshop
July 27 & 28 - Project Learning Tree Workshop
The Eaton Conservation District hosts a variety of workshops throughout the year. Please check the Conservation Calendar to see upcoming workshops. Some of our past workshops have included:
- Wildlife Habitat
- Horses and the Environment
- Landscaping with Native Plants
- Basics of Beekeeping
- Advanced Beekeeping
- Well and Septic Workshop
- Fall Ed-Demo Farm Tour
- Forestry Tour
- Nature Photography
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