Residents on six lakes in southwest Michigan are eligible to have trees and shrubs planted on their properties this fall! It’s all part of a grant project through the Van Buren Conservation District and Michigan Lakes and Streams Association. These plantings will reduce runoff, improve the quality of water in our lakes and streams, and provide valuable wildlife habitat. Landowners on or near Round, Gravel, and Eagle Lakes in Van Buren County and Harwood, Birch, and Baldwin Lakes in Cass County who would like to

Join us for the Regenerative Ag Road Show! Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Time: 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM Where: Starting out at Van Buren Conference Center (490 S Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064). We’ll get on a bus at the conference center to tour of four farms in Van Buren County. Hear directly from farmers about successes and challenges of their journey towards regenerative ag. See practices like cover crops, no-till, rotational grazing, pollinator strips, and more! Space is limited and advance registration

The July VBCD News is in! We’re celebrating summer! Catch up with what’s new in this month’s newsletter. Don’t miss out: Attend our annual meeting July 17 Electronics recycling in Hartford & Keeler soon Grape farmers – help us spot Spotted lanternfly Important dates July-September   Are you signed up for our newsletter? This once-a-month email is your quick-and-easy guide to resources, fun, education, and events! Go to the bottom of our website to subscribe. You can access the full July newsletter by clicking here: