(Chelsea Update would like to thank Megan DeLeeuw for the information in this story.)
The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) will host its 73rd Annual Meeting virtually to recap 2020 and celebrate Conservation stewards in the county on Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Those wishing to participate must first RSVP on the WCCD website to receive an invitation to link to the meeting. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHzzyakUEbx2Tl4DCdhF3ZyaIoqZ1VMeSyHzkGwSx1xkT_kg/viewform)
The Annual Meeting will kick-off with Dr. Shikha Singh, Regional Coordinator for the Jackson, Lenawee, Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), presenting on key invasive species to watch out for in Washtenaw County. Singh will also take questions from attendees on anything related to invasive species management.
Following the presentation of business items and 2020 staff reports, three Conservation Awards will be presented to residents who have demonstrated exemplary conservation work over the years. The 2020 “Walter Wolfgang Memorial” Conservation Farmer of the Year Award will be presented to Randy Klager of Bridgewater Township.
The 2020 Beginning and/or Small Conservation Farmer of the Year Award will be presented to John Cox of Baseline Farm in Webster Township.
The 2020 Tree Conservationist Award will be presented to Walter Keppler of Lima Township.
Klager is being recognized for his conservation farming efforts including no-till, crop rotation, integrated pest management, soil testing and participation in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Cox of Baseline Farm is being recognized Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program’s (MAEAP) verification in Farmstead, cropping, and livestock systems and implementation of ecologically sound grazing systems.
Keppler is being recognized for excellent in planting a diversity of tree and shrub species on his property. Full articles and photographs on each landowner and can be found on the WCCD website: https://www.washtenawcd.org/2020-awards.html.
A Distinguished Service Award will be given to Director Donald Rentschler of Lodi Township for his service on the WCCD Board of Directors from 1995 through 2020.
Finally, the results of the Director elections will be announced in which two candidates are running for two positions: Jill Dohner and Hannah Bradshaw. All residents of Washtenaw County are eligible to vote and must bring proof of address and must submit their ballot and registration form by mail or in-person during office hours before Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.
The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local unit of government, assisting private landowners, businesses and others, with management of their natural resources in Washtenaw County. This District is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Information on the Conservation District is available online at www.washtenawcd.org.
