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!

The USDA Service Center building in Paw Paw is closed due to the federal government furlough and lapse in funding. However, thanks to local funding, like the VBCD's Programs Millage and other funding sources, the Van Buren Conservation District staff are continuing to work remotely.

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. The regular board meeting schedule shall be set at the first meeting of the Board in the calendar year. Meetings start at 10:00 AM at the VBCD office (1035 E Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079), unless otherwise noted.

Recent News

Image of a Strike Team Crew Member surveying for invasive species in a river.

We’re on the Lookout!

We’re on the Lookout! We are looking for applicants for seasonal opportunities with our SWxSW Corner CISMA Strike Team. The Strike Team works with the community to minimize the impact of invasive species. The CISMA Team manages and surveys for invasive species and are the local experts on invasive species for the surrounding community. Gain valuable skills and experience, do some good protecting Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, while working with an awesome team. Apply or share! Learn more about this opportunity by clicking

Notice of 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule – Van Buren Conservation District Board of Directors

The Van Buren Conservation District Board will meet on the following dates for the 2026 calendar year. All Van Buren Conservation District Board Director meetings shall begin at 10:00 AM. All changes to this schedule shall be posted according to Michigan’s Open Meetings Act.  LOCATION: USDA Service Center 1035 E Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079 DATES: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday)  Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday) Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (fourth Wednesday) Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (fourth Wednesday) Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Person standing in a cornfield holding a plant from a cover crop. Logos of the Van Buren Conservation District and Farming for the Future.

2026 Farming for the Future

The VBCD is excited to host our nineteenth Farming for the Future Conference! Supporting your farm, business, and stewardship is important to us. We bring you the resources, experts, and topics to support your vital work. We’re excited for you to join us! Farming for the FutureDate & Time: March 11, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location: Van Buren Conference Center | 490 S Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064Registration required. Lunch will be provided. To register, click the link below. Register by Clicking

Image of people on a hiking on a trail and people kayaking on a lake. Text: "Discover with the District." Logo of the Van Buren Conservation District.

2026 Discover with the District Events

Discover with the District events offer you ways to connect with our outdoors, wildlife, and resources. Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD) staff, the folks working with our resources locally, may lead the events but we all contribute to the fun and sharing about the great outdoors. These events are free and open to the public. Registration may be required and is listed in the event details. See our statements below the registration link for questions, help, accessibility, and more. Events like these are made possible

Image of a Strike Team Crew Member surveying for invasive species in a river.

We’re on the Lookout!

We’re on the Lookout! We are looking for applicants for seasonal opportunities with our SWxSW Corner CISMA Strike Team. The Strike Team works with the community to minimize the impact of invasive species. The CISMA Team manages and surveys for invasive species and are the local experts on invasive species for the surrounding community. Gain valuable skills and experience, do some good protecting Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, while working with an awesome team. Apply or share! Learn more about this opportunity by clicking

Notice of 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule – Van Buren Conservation District Board of Directors

The Van Buren Conservation District Board will meet on the following dates for the 2026 calendar year. All Van Buren Conservation District Board Director meetings shall begin at 10:00 AM. All changes to this schedule shall be posted according to Michigan’s Open Meetings Act.  LOCATION: USDA Service Center 1035 E Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079 DATES: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday)  Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday) Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (fourth Wednesday) Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (fourth Wednesday) Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Person standing in a cornfield holding a plant from a cover crop. Logos of the Van Buren Conservation District and Farming for the Future.

2026 Farming for the Future

The VBCD is excited to host our nineteenth Farming for the Future Conference! Supporting your farm, business, and stewardship is important to us. We bring you the resources, experts, and topics to support your vital work. We’re excited for you to join us! Farming for the FutureDate & Time: March 11, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location: Van Buren Conference Center | 490 S Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064Registration required. Lunch will be provided. To register, click the link below. Register by Clicking

Image of people on a hiking on a trail and people kayaking on a lake. Text: "Discover with the District." Logo of the Van Buren Conservation District.

2026 Discover with the District Events

Discover with the District events offer you ways to connect with our outdoors, wildlife, and resources. Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD) staff, the folks working with our resources locally, may lead the events but we all contribute to the fun and sharing about the great outdoors. These events are free and open to the public. Registration may be required and is listed in the event details. See our statements below the registration link for questions, help, accessibility, and more. Events like these are made possible

Events

Events in February 2026

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
February 1, 2026

Category: General
5:00 pm: Discover with the District: Winter Wildlife


February 2, 2026

Image of people on a hiking on a trail and people kayaking on a lake. Text: "Discover with the District." Logo of the Van Buren Conservation District.
February 3, 2026
February 4, 2026
February 5, 2026
February 6, 2026
February 7, 2026
February 8, 2026
February 9, 2026
February 10, 2026

Category: General
10:00 am: SWxSW Corner CISMA Annual Meeting


February 11, 2026

Text: "you're invited - SWxSW Corner CISMA Annual Meeting February 11, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM VanBurenCD.org" Logo of the SWxSW Corner CISMA and a photo of a man wearing snorkels in water covered by algae.
February 12, 2026
February 13, 2026

Category: General
10:00 am: Birds & Blooms


February 14, 2026

Graphic of the Birds and Blooms event. Text: "Birds and Blooms: Valentine's Edition. Saturday, February 14, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - activities for all ages!"
February 15, 2026

Category: General
Washington's Birthday - Office Closed

February 16, 2026

February 17, 2026
February 18, 2026
February 19, 2026
February 20, 2026
February 21, 2026
February 22, 2026
February 23, 2026
February 24, 2026

Category: General
10:00 am: VBCD Board Meeting


February 25, 2026

February 26, 2026
February 27, 2026
February 28, 2026
  • 10:00 am 12:00 pm, January 28, 2026 – January VBCD Board Meeting
  • 5:00 pm 6:00 pm, February 2, 2026 – Discover with the District: Winter Wildlife
  • 10:00 am 12:00 pm, February 11, 2026 – SWxSW Corner CISMA Annual Meeting
  • 10:00 am 2:00 pm, February 14, 2026 – Birds & Blooms
  • February 16, 2026 – Washington's Birthday - Office Closed
  • 10:00 am 12:00 pm, February 25, 2026 – VBCD Board Meeting
  • 9:00 am 1:00 pm, March 11, 2026 – Farming for the Future
  • 10:00 am 11:00 am, March 21, 2026 – Discover with the District: Kal-Haven
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