Mark your calendars for our Volunteer Appreciation & Work Opportunity event at Thunderfoot Farm!   The VBCD welcomes past, present, and future volunteers to join us for a fun event on the farm! We will have food, information on volunteer opportunities for the year, and fun farm activities. Choose how you wish to participate. Come out to talk to the staff, watch sheep being shorn and grafting demonstrations, plant fruit trees and herb starters, and leave with giveaways! Registration is required. We look forward to seeing you!   May 15, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Thunderfoot Farm |

Stream Monitoring: Volunteer with Us! Help monitor our water’s health through the 10th annual macroinvertebrate stream monitoring event on May 5th! What is the macroinvertebrate stream monitoring? With volunteers and staff, we enter waterways to collect macroinvertebrates (bugs and the like) to monitor our water’s health. It is a fun experience! Who knew wearing waders and getting in nature was so cool? You don’t have to get into the water or have any experience. Just dress for the weather and walk in forested terrain. There are three ways to help: 🙋 a “Collector” and wear waders to go into the

Farming for the Future is an annual educational event for local farmers and is a great opportunity to learn from agricultural specialists, educators, researchers, businesses, and other farmers. This year’s event is scheduled for March 13, 2024 at the Van Buren Conference Center from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. This year, we will have Dr. Alan Franzluebbers as our keynote speaker. His research focuses on soil ecology and management for development of more sustainable agricultural systems. Alan has a Ph.D. and is a research ecologist for the USDA. Breakout sessions include tracks on grain, grazing, and forestry. Other topics will include weed

The Van Buren Conservation District is excited to begin announcing our Naturalist Events with our partners. Join our naturalists during hikes and paddles! Learn about the world around you- plants, animals, insect, environments, and so much more. Ask questions, learn interest facts, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors! Our first naturalist event is coming soon, and we’ll add more as the year goes on. We hope you’ll join us!  2 March 2024 | Winter Walk with a Naturalist | Partnering with Van Buren District Library: Covert Branch | Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve | CO Rd 376, Covert, MI

Farming for the Future is an annual educational event for local farmers and is a great opportunity to learn from agricultural specialists, educators, researchers, businesses, and other farmers. This year’s event is scheduled for March 13, 2024 at the Van Buren Conference Center from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. This year, we will have Dr. Alan Franzluebbers as our keynote speaker. His research focuses on soil ecology and management for development of more sustainable agricultural systems. Alan has a Ph.D. and is a research ecologist for the USDA. Breakout sessions include tracks on grain, grazing, and forestry. Other topics will include weed

Notice is hereby given that the Van Buren Conservation District will hold a special meeting to discuss District strategic planning. The special meeting will be held on 31 January 2024 at 10:30 AM at the Paw Paw Township Hall (114 N Gremps St., Paw Paw, MI 49079).   Upon request to the District Executive Director, the District shall make reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to be able to participate in this meeting. If you have any questions, please call 269-633-9054 or email director@vanburencd.org.