The Van Buren Conservation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotion of Emilly Hickmott to Executive Director as of October 1, 2023. Hickmott started with the District in May 2018 as the Recycling Coordinator and began serving as the Deputy Administrator in the spring of 2021. In her time with the district, she has worked to expand recycling education and access, support our strong agricultural community, and equitably address landowner concerns. In her new role, she will oversee the staff and lead efforts to meet tomorrow’s conservation challenges.    In 2024, the Van Buren Conservation District will celebrate

The 10th Macroinvertebrate Stream Monitoring is coming up October 1st! 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 walking in forested terrain. There are three ways to help: a “Collector” and wear waders to go into the water to collect insects with nets  a “Runner” that stays bank side

To all residents and landowners of Van Buren County, notice is hereby given that the Van Buren Conservation District’s regularly scheduled December 2023 board meeting has been rescheduled and will be held on December 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Van Buren Conservation District office (1035 E. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079). If you have any questions, please call 269-657-4030 x5 or email info@vanburencd.org.

To all residents and landowners of Van Buren County, notice is hereby given that the Van Buren Conservation District’s regularly scheduled November 2023 board meeting has been rescheduled and will be held on November 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Van Buren Conservation District office (1035 E. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079). If you have any questions, please call 269-657-4030 x5 or email info@vanburencd.org.

Come volunteer with the Van Buren Conservation District and the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail for the Van Buren State Trail Clean Up! This community clean up event will collect trash along the Van Buren State Trail on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM. We will meet where the Van Buren State Trail crosses M-140 Hwy in Covert (near 32605 M-140, Covert, MI 49043). The Van Buren State Trail is a treasure of Van Buren County. This scenic trail runs 14 miles from South Haven to Hartford with views of open farmland, blueberry and cranberry fields, dense

Come volunteer with the Van Buren Conservation District and the Two Rivers Coalition for the Paw Paw River Clean Up! This community clean up event will collect trash and debris in the Paw Paw River on September 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Trash in our rivers is more than just an eyesore; it contaminates our drinking water and hurts our environment. Pollution in rivers negatively impacts plants, wildlife, drinking water quality, scenic beauty, and recreational value. Come join us in cleaning up our community and protecting our environment! Kayaks or canoes and safety equipment are encouraged for