Van Buren Conservation District

Using Native Plants to Restore Community in Southwest Michigan and Beyond

amy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:18:36 +0000

Paperback: 236 pages

Publisher: Wild Ones Kalamazoo Michigan; 1ST edition (2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0615529933

The book includes much of the information and observations about plants, plant communities, and natural landscaping that Nancy gathered over the years, together with essays and articles that Nancy and Tom wrote together or separately for many local, regional, and international publications. The book includes 175 illustrations, most of them commissioned specially for this book. All proceeds and donations will go to the NANCY SMALL MEMORIAL FUND and to the general fund of Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones, for programs and projects in environmental education.

We are unable to ship books, all items must be picked up at the Van Buren Conservation District.

Please, select quantity then add to cart.

Start Mushrooming!

amy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:08:43 +0000

ISBN 0-934860-96-3

Now you can find and clearly identify six of the most unmistakable, edible mushrooms in North America!This book is for beginners who want to try mushrooming but don’t know how to start. It’s a unique approach that focuses on only six of the most unmistakable edible mushrooms in North America. Illustrations, natural history and photos are well-organized, in an easy-to-use layout. Recipes are included.

credit to Common Ground Distributing at www.comground.com for the above narrative.

Books are not availibe for delivery. They can be picked up at the Van Buren Conservation District only.

Fall Fen Frolic

watershed — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:32:15 +0000

Sunday, September 25, 3:00 p.m.

Sarett Nature Center
2300 Benton Center Rd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

What is a fen? Find out with a walk and talk led by staff of the Van Buren Conservation District and Sarett Nature Center. After a brief presentation on efforts to protect and restore wetlands in southwest Michigan, we’ll take a walk through Sarett’s fen. This unique wetland is home to several rare plants and animals and is at its fullest bloom in fall. We’ll look for plants like Joe Pye weed, boneset, swamp milkweed, pitcher plants and fringed gentians. Trails and a raised boardwalk should keep us out of the mud, but wear comfortable walking shoes.

For more information, contact the Van Buren Conservation District at 269-657-4030 ext. 5 or Sarett Nature Center at 269-927-4832.

Annual Meeting: Summer Farm Day & Picnic

watershed — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:11:49 +0000

6:00 p.m. July 13, 2011

You are cordially invited to join us for our 2011 Annual Meeting, Farm Day & Picnic. Join us to celebrate our “District of the Year” award for 2010, mingle with friends, enjoy great food, and hear about our recent accomplishments.

The picnic will be held at Cronenwett Farms, 70121 28^th Street, Lawton, Michigan. Please RVSP by July 1 by calling (269) 657-4030 x5, or by registering online here.

2010 Farm Day & Picnic

Natural Shoreline Landscapes Workshop

watershed — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:50:27 +0000

1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July16

The Van Buren Conservation District will be conducting a natural shoreline homeowner workshop on Saturday, July 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Van Buren Youth Camp in Bloomingdale, Michigan.

Lakefront homeowners are encouraged to attend this unique workshop which will explore natural shoreline landscaping using ecological principles and practices to reduce erosion and achieve the stabilization and safety of shorelines. Natural shorelines enhance habitat for fish and wildlife, improve lakefront aesthetics, and save lakefront homeowners money. A recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assessment of Michigan inland lakes indicated that poor biological health is three times more likely in lakes with poor lakeshore habitat.

Workshop attendees will receive a detailed and well illustrated natural shoreline homeowner manual, educational brochures and other useful literature regarding natural shorelines as part of their participation in this event. The workshop will be taught by Van Buren Conservation District staff who are members of a statewide network of natural shoreline educators supported by the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership.

The registration fee for this natural shoreline workshop is $10.00 per person. Lakefront homeowners interested in registering should contact A.J. Brucks at the Van Buren Conservation District at (269) 657-4030 x 5 or alison.brucks@mi.nacdnet.net. Online registration is also available here.

Know Your Native Plants Workshop

watershed — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 02:55:13 +0000

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 3

Chad Hughson from Hidden Savanna Nursery will be joining us to talk about native plants of Michigan. Chad’s workshop will offer beautiful pictures of our native grasses and wildflowers s well as great information regarding each species. Chad is a wealth of knowledge and you won’t want to miss his presentation at the Van Buren Conservation District office.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so please RSVP by calling 269-657-4030 x5, or register online here.

This workshop should also get you excited for our Native Plant Sale!

Prairie Sedge (Bicknell Sedge)

amy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:05:24 +0000

Prairie Sedge (Carex Bicknellii)

Details:

Sun: Full- Part Sun Moisture: Dry - Moderate

Height: 2-3 ft Season: May-June

Purchase Prairie Sedge (Bicknell Sedge)

Please note that all Native Plant Sales are for pickup on May 21, 2011 from 10-3pm. We are unable to ship plants.

Garden Trays: Wetland (Rain Garden)

amy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:23:46 +0000

Garden Trays are 32 plants in 2.5″ separate pots.

Our designated grower will choose your plants that will appropriately best suit your growing potential.

A Design plan will accompany all garden flats.

Please choose your Moisture, Light, and Soil type below.

Please note that all Native Plant Sales are for pickup on May 21, 2011 from 10 to 3pm. We are unable to ship plants. Garden Flats are $80.00 each.

Garden Trays: Savanna Wildflower

amy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:18:59 +0000

Garden Trays are 32 plants in 2.5″ separate pots.

Our designated grower will choose your plants that will appropriately best suit your growing potential.

A Design plan will accompany all garden flats.

Please choose your Moisture, Light, and Soil type below.

Please note that all Native Plant Sales are for pickup on May 21, 2011 from 10 to 3pm. We are unable to ship plants. Garden Flats are $80.00 each.

Garden Trays: Prairie Wildflower

amy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:17:23 +0000

Garden Trays are 32 plants in 2.5″ separate pots.

Our designated grower will choose your plants that will appropriately best suit your growing potential.

A Design plan will accompany all garden flats.

Please choose your Moisture, Light, and Soil type below.

Please note that all Native Plant Sales are for pickup on May 21, 2011 from 10 to 3pm. We are unable to ship plants. Garden Flats are $80.00 each.