(Chelsea Update would like to thank Megan DeLeeuw for the information and photos in this story.)
More than 100 residents attended the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) 72nd Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Each year, the WCCD presents three conservation awards to farmers, landowners and residents for their ongoing commitment to applying conservation on the ground.
The “Walter Wolfgang Memorial” Conservation Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Bill and Mike VanRiper of Dottie-O-Dairy Ranch LLC in Lima and Sylvan townships.
The Tree Conservationist Award was presented to Emerson School of Lodi Township. The Small or Beginning Conservation Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Jill and Nate Lada of Green Things Farm in Ann Arbor Township.
Bill and Mike VanRiper were recognized for their conservation farming efforts—including reduced tillage, use of cover cropping, implementing a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP), participation in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) with organic acreage certified by the USDA.
As part of the annual meeting, PhD candidate Gabriela Quinlan presented on the “Michigan’s Native Pollinators.” Michigan is home to a huge diversity of native, wild bees. Quinlan discussed the fascinating life history of native bees, presented tips for identifying bees, and provided ways to support these communities.
Quinlan of Michigan State University studies the effects of nutrition on honey bee disease, survival and productivity in Midwestern landscapes. She received her BS in Biology from North Carolina State University where she studied wild pollinators, including native bees and endangered butterflies. After graduating Gabriela plans to work in academia, teaching and researching bee ecology.
A buffet dinner catered by Moveable Feast was served. Program reports on 2019 accomplishments and a door prize drawing was also included in the meeting program.
A WCCD director election was held for two open positions. Matthew Koenn and Shannon Brines were both elected for 4-year terms. Koenn is a farmer in Sylvan Township has been serving on the WCCD Board of Directors since 2003. Brines is owner of Brines Farm in Webster Township and serves as an Applied Geographer and Lecturer at the University of Michigan.
For more information about the Conservation District annual meeting, the election or to learn more about upcoming Spring Tree Distribution and/or Second Annual Native Plant Expo and Marketplace, please contact the District Office: (734) 205-1219 or [email protected].
