Van Buren Conservation District

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent uptick in cases in Michigan, the Van Buren Conservation District is primarily working from home. Email is the best way to reach us, as we are checking voicemails infrequently. Please visit the staff link to obtain the staff member's email address that is appropriate for your inquiry. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we do our part to keep our staff and the rest of the community safe!

Landscape Least Wanted

The mission of the Van Buren Conservation District is to promote the conservation of natural resources through partnerships, providing public education, demonstrations, and technical assistance while working together for future generations.

Board Meetings are open to the public and are the fourth Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. The meetings start at 10:00 AM at the VBCD office (1035 E Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079), unless otherwise noted.

Recent News

You’re Invited to the 2025 VBCD Annual Meeting!

You’re Invited to the 2025 VBCD Annual Meeting! We’re thrilled to invite you to the Van Buren Conservation District’s Annual Meeting, Director Election, and Summer Picnic – our biggest community gathering of the year! This free event is your opportunity to celebrate conservation successes, connect with fellow community members, and enjoy a summer evening together. Event Details 📅 Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 🕔5:30 PM (optional tour at 5:00 PM) 📍 Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum | 903 S Bailey Ave., South Haven, MI 49090 ‼️Free

2025 Stream Monitoring

Come Along! Water Health Monitoring We care about our water – whether we’re drinking it, bathing in it, or swimming and playing in it. To check up on our water’s health, twice a year we hold Stream Monitoring events. What is Stream Monitoring? The Van Buren Conservation District, Two Rivers Coalition, and volunteers come together to protect our water. We wade into rivers and streams to collect macroinvertebrates (bugs and the like) to monitor our water’s health. We always have fun, and you don’t need

Farming for the Future 2025 – Session Descriptions Available

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 12, 2025 at the Van Buren Conference Center from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. This year, our keynote speaker will be Jeremy Sweeten. Jeremy is a first generation farmer and a consultant for Understanding Ag. He has seen firsthand how regenerative farming practices can improve your soils, livestock, and profitability.

2025 Naturalist Events

  Our Naturalist Events are guided explorations of nature with our nature expert staff. On land or water, our naturalists engage with you and nature, so we are all better stewards. The great outdoors, friendly chit chat, and exploring? What’s not to love! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or newly curious, join us as we walk and paddle Van Buren County’s outdoors! Our Naturalist Events are made possible through you! In 2016, voters backed the VBCD Operations millage which allows us to bring fun, educational

Events

Events in May 2025

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Category: General
1:00 pm: Volunteer Stream Monitoring


April 27, 2025

April 28, 2025
April 29, 2025
April 30, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 2, 2025
May 3, 2025
May 4, 2025
May 5, 2025
May 6, 2025
May 7, 2025
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May 10, 2025
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May 12, 2025
May 13, 2025
May 14, 2025
May 15, 2025
May 16, 2025
May 17, 2025
May 18, 2025
May 19, 2025
May 20, 2025
May 21, 2025

Category: General
3:00 pm: City of Hartford Passenger & Semi Tire and Electronics Collection


May 22, 2025

Category: General
12:00 am: VBCD Board Director Nominating Petition(s) Due


May 23, 2025

May 24, 2025
May 25, 2025

Category: General
All day: Memorial Day

All day
May 26, 2025

May 27, 2025

Category: General
10:00 am: VBCD May 28, 2025 Regular Board Meeting


May 28, 2025

May 29, 2025
May 30, 2025
May 31, 2025
  • 3:00 pm 7:00 pm, May 22, 2025 – City of Hartford Passenger & Semi Tire and Electronics Collection
  • 12:00 am 5:00 pm, May 23, 2025 – VBCD Board Director Nominating Petition(s) Due
  • All day, May 26, 2025 – Memorial Day
  • 10:00 am 12:00 pm, May 28, 2025 – VBCD May 28, 2025 Regular Board Meeting
  • 9:00 am 2:00 pm, June 7, 2025 – Paw Paw Recycle Roundup
  • All day, June 19, 2025 – Juneteenth Holiday
  • 10:00 am 12:00 pm, June 25, 2025 – VBCD June 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting
  • All day, July 4, 2025 – Independence Day Holiday
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