(Chelsea Update would like to thank Dennis Rice for the information in this story.)
Washtenaw County residents looking for help with the management of the natural resources on their property can contact the Washtenaw County Conservation District for assistance.
Whether you have an erosion problem, a woodlot that needs thinning, you want to establish wildlife habitat, you need soils information, or other natural resource management concerns, the Conservation District may be able to help.
The Conservation District is a local agency of State government, whose mission is to educate and assist the people of Washtenaw County with the conservation and management of their natural resources.
The District, which has been in existence for 67 years, offers technical assistance and information related to natural resource conservation and management, at the request of landowners, units of government and private businesses. This assistance is provided through a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) to Washtenaw County landowners.
Although not every resident will have a need for Conservation District services, the wise conservation and management of the County’s natural resources helps maintain an environment that everyone can enjoy.
District programs and services include:
Soils information—the published Washtenaw County Soil Survey identifies soil types on maps for all of Washtenaw County. In addition to soils descriptions, the soil survey includes a wealth of information on managing soils for crops, woodland and wildlife, engineering properties, and more. The complete soil survey is available for purchase from the District in book or CD-ROM formats. Soils information can also be found using the USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey here.
Tree and native plant sales—many county residents know about the Conservation District from its tree and native plant sales. Trees and plants are offered as reasonable cost for reforestation, wildlife habitat establishment, windbreaks and screens, erosion control, landscape naturalizing and other conservation uses. Funds generated by these sales are used for District programs and operations.
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) which provides farmers with farmstead, cropping and livestock assessments leading to MAEAP verification; and emergency farm planning assistance.
Fish Day—pond owners are able to purchase fingerling fish to stock their ponds and talk with an expert about fish and pond management.
Federal cost share and incentive payment programs offered by USDA are also available through the Conservation District. USDA NRCS technical staff assist landowners with participation in such programs as the: Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Rain barrels and tumbling composters—rain barrels can be used to store water run-off from home roofs for use in watering plants, flowers, gardens, and other uses. Using a rain barrel can help cut your municipal water bill and the use of rain water is more beneficial to plants. Tumbling composters only require a 3 foot by 4 foot area and help speed the composting process while not attracting critters. Both the rain barrels and composters are made from recycled food-grade barrels and other recycled materials and can be purchased from the District. If not in stock, barrels or composters are available for pick-up in 2 to 3 weeks from date of order.
Web site—the Washtenaw County Conservation District also has an extensive web site with information on a variety of conservation topics, from soils to ponds, forestry to wildlife, backyard conservation to insects, and links to county, state and federal agencies and organizations involved with natural resource management.
Newsletters—the district publishes a monthly electronic, e-mail newsletter, “E-Conservation Update” which includes brief highlights of District programs, upcoming events and current information. A printed newsletter is published once a year, which is a combined annual report and spring tree and plants sale catalog. Residents can be placed on the mailing list for either publication by contacting the District office or visiting the District web site and sending an e-mail request by clicking on the “Contact” link at the top of the home page.
For more information about the Washtenaw County Conservation District, its programs and services contact the district office, 7203 Jackson Road. Call 734-761-6721 ext. 5 or click here.
