Submitted by Emilly Hickmott, Deputy Administrator In December, the VBCD website was launched with an updated host and more navigable format. The 2022 Tree Seedling Sale is now live on the updated website. We are still updating website content, but we encourage you to check out the new look and let us know if we can help you find anything you or your residents are looking for. Program Updates: Ag Conservation/Water Quality Projects (Erin Fuller, Colleen Forestieri, Hannah Hudson) – Erin Fuller partnered with the Michigan Glacial Lakes Partnership to coordinate the production of Issue 2 of Shoreline Living, a

The Van Buren Conservation District is excited to announce that we are once again hosting a virtual Backyard Symposium! The series is called “Building a Better Backyard: Bringing Your Yard to Life.” This is an online speaker series hosted on Zoom in which folks have been invited to talk about a host of topics that connect people with the wildlife and environment around us. Recordings will be edited and posted on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/VanBurenCD after the week of live presentations.  Each day (Monday through Friday) at 2:00 PM, one of our engaging speakers will cover a topic that will

Notice of Regular Meeting Location Change To all residents and landowners of Van Buren County, notice is hereby given that the Van Buren Conservation District’s regularly scheduled January 26, 2022 board meeting has been relocated. The meeting will be held at Almena Township Hall, 27625 CR 375, Paw Paw, MI 49079 due to COVID-19 pandemic protocol.  The meeting agenda can be accessed here: January_26_2022_VBCD_Regular_Board_Meeting_Agenda. If you have any questions, please call 269-633-9054 or email deputy@vanburencd.org.  Emilly Hickmott, Deputy Administrator Van Buren Conservation District

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 8, 2022 at the Van Buren Conference Center from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. There is a chance that the event will switch to a virtual setting. Topics this year will include soil health, testing for soil health, farmer perspectives, and Tar Spot update. A MAEAP Phase 1 credit will be available for attendees along with RUP credits. Registration will begin at 8:30 AM. Free

Tree Sale 2022 is now live! Check out our awesome selection of native tree and shrub seedlings – an expanded selection since last year! Our tree sale funds go to supporting conservation programs and education while reforesting Van Buren County with native plants. Landscape knowing you are making a difference and knowing you are using good native plants! Preorders will be accepted up to April 8, 2022. Shop at https://vanburencd.org/shop/ or download this order form and mail it to us before April 8, 2022.

To all residents and landowners of Van Buren County, notice is hereby given that the Van Buren Conservation District’s regularly scheduled December 2021 board meeting has been rescheduled and will be held on December 15, 2021 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 deputy@vanburencd.org. Emilly Hickmott, Deputy Administrator Van Buren Conservation District