Join us for Discover with the District – a series of guided outdoor events where we explore and learn about Van Buren County and nature. Whether you’re newly simply curious or a seasoned naturalist, you’re invited to explore, paddle, and learn with us.
Discover with the District events are free and open to the public. See event details for registration and more information.
What to expect
Our expert staff guide you through engaging explorations on land and water. Along the way, you’ll discover native plants, beautiful wildflowers, fascinating wildlife, and more – all while connecting with new people and resources.
These events are hands-on, fun, and educational. You’ll leave not only with new knowledge, but also with tools to become a better steward of the environment.
Details & registration
Discover with the District events are free and open to the public. Registration is preferred and is listed along with the event details. See our statements below the registration link for questions, help, and more.
Thanks to the 2016 voter-approved VBCD Operations millage, we’re able to provide these programs to our community at no cost. Thank you for making this possible!
👥 Free, open to the public
📍 Location: Fish Lake Public Boat Launch, Fish Lake, Gobles
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025; rain date Wednesday, August 27, 3025
🕔 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join the Van Buren Conservation District’s Alex, the Van Buren District Library Gobles Branch, and Two Rivers Coalition for a guided paddle on scenic Fish Lake. Discover the lake’s rich nature – from birds and amphibians to native plants and aquatic life – all while enjoying a peaceful evening on the water.
This event also serves as a hands-on MI Paddle Stewards workshop, teaching paddlers how to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Please bring your own watercraft and equipment. Registration is required and space is limited. Be sure to sign up to receive important pre-event details via email. See accessibility statements at the bottom of this webpage.
Register here
👥 Free, open to the public
📍 Location: intersection of C.R. 215/52nd St. and 84th Ave, behind the Historic Hamilton Grange Hall in Decatur
📅 Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
🕔 Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Join the VBCD’s Erin Fuller, and our partners at Van Buren District Library Webster Memorial Library, at the Phillips Family Memorial Nature Sanctuary. This Michigan Nature Association property is a must-see! Erin will guide a leisurely hike observing and discussing the amazing nature in our own backyards!
Come along to see uncommon plants, fascinating habitats, and to take in the amazing nature in our backyards.
Registration is preferred and space is limited. Be sure to sign up to receive important pre-event details via email. See accessibility statements at the bottom of this webpage.
Questions, Help, & More
For questions, help, or more please contact us:
269-657-4030 x5
Partnership
Is your organization or community interested in holding an event? Do you need a speaker for your event? We, at the Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD), love engaging with our community! Contact us to coordinate how we can support and engage with you.
Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather or other changes, we will notify registered attendees of event cancellation.
Accessibility
These events are held outdoors. We encourage all attendees to be mindful of their abilities and needs and other conditions that could affect their ability to participate. When able, the VBCD is committed to providing accommodations.
- Weather: We encourage attendees to check for weather conditions and dress and prepare accordingly for the weather.
- Terrain: Terrain may be on unpaved paths and uneven ground or otherwise difficult to traverse.
- Safety: We encourage all participants to keep their safety in mind. On water, we require safety gear such as life jackets or other personal flotation devices.
- Clothing & footwear: We encourage all participants to wear the proper clothing and footwear when attending our events. Be sure to consider weather conditions, terrain, and your needs.
- Parking: Parking may be on paved, unpaved, or roadside surfaces and without marked or reserved parking spaces.
- Interpretation: For folks needing interpretation, we ask that you contact us prior to the event. With advance notice, we aim to accommodate interpretation requests, including but not limited to, Spanish and American Sign Language.
- Physical ability: Our events may be lightly paced but require an ability to move along trails at a steady pace. Occasional stops are made along the trail to look around and discuss what we’re seeing.
- Allergens: These outdoor events may be unsafe for those with allergies, especially those with allergies specific to the outdoors.
- Sensory: The outdoor environment may have scents, sounds, sights, and other stimuli which could affect those with sensory sensitivities.
- Restrooms: Restrooms may or may not be available at our event sites, and available restrooms may or may not be accessible. Contact us for specific event site information.
To check on event-specific accessibility, or for general questions, please contact us.
