Are you interested in leasing your land to a solar developer? Concerned your neighbor might? Interested in diversifying your revenue stream, but worried about farmland turning into solar fields? Join us to learn the pros, cons, and misconceptions - good & bad - about rural solar.

Farmer and solar energy expert Allen Bonthuis will share detailed information about how solar works and how a distributed generation model can be implemented, combining solar with agriculture as a way to keep land in production and profitable, while also promoting clean energy. We will also review current incentives like USDA REAP grants, Investment Tax Credit, and depreciation to understand the economic impact of solar on a business and within a community.

Please register below.

Join us for an afternoon of exploration at Otto Nature Preserve. We will search for mushrooms, bear corn and beech drops. We will listen for pileated woodpeckers and the waves of Lake Michigan. We will learn a bit about tree identification, but mostly, we will simply enjoy the fall colors with good company.

RECOVERING OUR ROOTS - THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL PLANTS IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES

Are you curious about foraging and wild harvesting local plants? Would you like to know more about how to integrate plants into everyday life? Join organic farmer and forager, Amanda Jones for this informative series with a focus on common plant identification, how to sustainably harvest wild plants and practical ways to prepare and consume wild foods. Classes will be held at the Oceana Conservation District Office and will include walks to observe plants growing in their natural environment. Knowing the plants that grow around us is a great way to eat locally and feel connected to our ecosystem.

Tea Blends for Autumn’s Chill

WHEN: October 12, 9AM-NOON

WHERE: Oceana Conservation District Office Shelby, MI

COST: $30

Questions? Contact Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org

Sign up to register for the Fall Session

Join the district and Invasive Species Manager Sabrina Huizenga from our wonderful neighbor/partner Muskegon Conservation District for an invasive species 101 workshop! Come chat about our most infamous invasives, get resources on treatment methods for effective control, and learn about Michigan’s watchlist species.

To register, please complete the form below.

Calling all land and water stewards! If you’re looking for new ways to connect with like-minded locals and participate in meaningful conservation activities, look no further. This month’s Stewardship outing will focus on Michigan’s adopt-a-highway program. Let’s work together to keep litter off our roadsides, limiting the amount of trash and microplastics that find their way into our beloved waterways.

We will meet at the carpool lot located on Polk Rd near US 31. Please sign up using the registration form below

Calling all land and water stewards! If you’re looking for new ways to connect with like-minded locals and participate in meaningful conservation activities, look no further. This Stewardship outing is centered around International Coastal Clean-up day! Please invite your family and friends to enjoy a beautiful morning on Oceana County public beaches and be a part of the global effort to keep our coastlines clean!

Volunteers will be assigned a location on the beach with public access.

Please sign up using the registration form below.

Dune Grass, also known as American Beachgrass and Marram Grass, is a spreading, rhizomatous native bunch grass common along the shores of Lake Michigan. Dune grass is often used as an erosion control plant for dune stabilization or on non-dune areas where soils are sandy and dry. Dune grass is attractive to many homeowners because it requires minimal maintenance-no mowing necessary, and once established, this native plant requires no irrigation or fertilizer.

Visit our dune grass webpage to place an order.

Orders due Sept. 16 by 5pm.

Dispose of unused, unwanted, outdated cleaners, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, electronics and more, at this annual event, a service provided for Oceana County residents. Visit our HHW page for a complete list of accepted matierals and more information.

This meeting brings together industry representatives from FarmDroid, Morgan Composting Inc., West Michigan Agroforestry Partnership, and MSU researchers to update growers on the latest challenges and opportunities in asparagus and tree fruit production.

Speakers will provide insights on various topics such as irrigation scheduling, nematode management, agroforestry and silvopasture, soil quality, soil health and microbiology, and evaluation of profitability of farming practices through partial budgeting. We will hold the first demonstration of the FarmDroid in Michigan. The FarmDroid is a fully automatic field robot. It is an autonomous seeder and weeder that uses solar energy and GPS to plant vegetable seeds and mechanically weed during the growing season. In addition, we will demonstrate soil amendment applications with compost spreading equipment in partnership with Morgan Composting.

Registration includes morning refreshments, lunch, afternoon refreshments and a promotional item.   Michigan Pesticide Re-certification credits in the categories private core, commercial core or 1C, Certified Crop Advisors’ Continuing Education Units and MAEAP Phase 1 credits have been requested.

The 2024 Farming for the Future Field Day will be held on August 13, 2024 at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, MI 49420, from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. Registration begins at 9:00 am. This event is also sponsored by West Central Michigan Horticultural Research, Inc.

 Early registration is $15 by August 12. Registration is $20 on August 13.  To register, you can visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/FarmingfortheFutureFieldDay2024/ , call the Oceana County MSU Extension office at 231-873-2129, or stop by the office at 844 South Griswold St., Hart, Michigan 49420.

RECOVERING OUR ROOTS - THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL PLANTS IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES

Are you curious about foraging and wild harvesting local plants? Would you like to know more about how to integrate plants into everyday life? Join organic farmer and forager, Amanda Jones for this informative series with a focus on common plant identification, how to sustainably harvest wild plants and practical ways to prepare and consume wild foods. Classes will be held at the Oceana Conservation District Office and or at Maple Moon Farm and will include walks to observe plants growing in their natural environment. Knowing the plants that grow around us is a great way to eat locally and feel connected to our ecosystem.

Summer’s Bounty: Medicinals and More

WHEN: August 10, 9AM-NOON

WHERE: Maple Moon Farm 1224 S.144th Ave, Shelby, Mi

COST: $30

Questions? Contact Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org

Sign up to register for the Summer Session

All in our community who resonate with our mission are welcome to come to our Conservation Celebration! This is a chance to honor and celebrate our Executive Director Suzie Knoll, who has been committed to building programing and visibility for the district for the last ten years. We ask the community to come together to wish her well in her next professional endeavor. We also look forward to introduceing the incoming District Manager! We will enjoy drinks, appetizers and good conversation.

Enjoy a scenic float on the North section of the White River led by district staff! Talk all things riparian flora, take in the sights and sounds of our native birds, learn how to identify common aquatic invasives, and bond over our collective love for our gorgeous water resources! We will meet at Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery. Bring your own kayak if you have one, or rent one from the livery. Participants to pay for kayak rental and/or transportation costs.

Please sign up using the registration form below and we will send more details to registered participants prior to the event.

As of July 3, This event is full! To be on our waitlist, please REGISTER below

Calling all land and water stewards! If you’re looking for new ways to connect with like-minded locals and participate in meaningful conservation activities, look no further. This month’s Stewardship outing will focus on Michigan’s adopt-a-highway program. Let’s work together to keep litter off our roadsides, limiting the amount of trash and microplastics that find their way into our beloved waterways.

We will meet at the carpool lot located on Polk Rd near US 31. Please sign up using the registration form below.

Join Oceana Conservation District for a special Saturday afternoon in nature and explore the benefits of Shinrin-yoku, a relaxing Japanese wellness practice also known as “forest bathing.” Shinrin-yoku is a well-researched method for natural stress relief, and is an approach to time in nature that focuses on slowing down, awakening our senses, and offering a deep level of our attention to what is happening in the world around us. This 1.5 hour event will be led by ANFT certified forest therapy guide Katie Venechuk, who is the founder and primary program guide at In Your Element Wellness. Katie will start our afternoon with a brief introduction to the research and science behind shinrin-yoku and how it is different from a hike in the forest, and then we'll transition into a guided forest bathing experience to help you relax, awaken your senses, and notice the most subtle of details in the web of life around you. We'll end with a wild foraged tea ceremony and time to visit among the trees. 

This event is not a hike or and the total distance covered will be less than 1-mile. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing. We will have a sit pad for you to use during your experience, but feel free to bring along a blanket if you’d like! 

Space will be limited to 15 participants. The fee for the program is $15 and pre-registration is required. Registrants will be directed to a payment page after filling out the form below to confirm the reservation.

As of July 1, only TWO (2) spaces are available

As of May 24, registration is full

The Oceana Conservation District received a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to collect and recycle residential tires in Oceana County.

Participation is free although donations and volunteers appreciated.

Important things to know

1. A maximum of 50 tires will be allowed to accommodate the needs of more people in the county.

2. All tires must be mostly clean at the time of drop off. Remove all excess water, mud and leaves, or your tires will be turned away.

3. We accept car and pickup tires only. We do not accept semi tires, tractor tires, airplane tires, construction loader tires, earth mover equipment tires, golf cart tires, or rubber tracks.

4. Rims must be removed.

As of May 24, registration is full

Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agricultural systems based on mimicking the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Nathan Ayers will introduce one practice of Agroforestry called Forest Farming. The USDA defines Forest Farming as “the cultivation of high-value crops under the protection of a managed tree canopy”. Utilized worldwide, Permaculture, Agroforestry and Forest Farming systems help growers diversify crop production while conserving natural resources and improving ecological health. This workshop will cover and share many resources on how to plan, design, plant and maintain a permaculture designed forest farm system on properties of all sizes. 

Instructor: Nathan Ayers is the Director of Chiwara Permaculture Research and Education and project lead of the West Michigan Agroforestry Partnership. Since 2010, Nathan has led the integration of permaculture, agroforestry and nature-based systems-thinking into many organizations throughout the US.  www.westmichiganagroforestry.com 

Please register below

If you are interested in the environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits of native landscaping, we hope to see you at our Native Plant Sale! We will have approximately 40 species representing prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats that are excellent for backyard landscaping. Plants will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. We will not be taking pre-orders. Proceeds benefit restoration and educational programs at Oceana Conservation District. Please visit our Native Plant Sale page for prices and a complete species list.

Calling all land and water stewards! If you’re looking for new ways to connect with like-minded locals and participate in meaningful conservation activities, look no further. This month’s stewardship outing will give participants a chance to explore our newest nature preserve and lend a hand in the management and development of the 40-acre Stony Creek Nature Preserve that will be open to the public in 2025. Activities include the removal of garlic mustard, sign installation, and trail development.

Please sign up using the registration form below.

Suzie Knoll will lead a field trip within American Youth Foundation’s Camp Miniwanca property. Participants will see several species of brightly-colored warblers that briefly stop to forage for insects along the long journey back to their northern breeding grounds. We will also see many other species of birds that are establishing breeding territories in the forested habitat at the Camp. Knoll will point out characteristics for identifying birds by sight and song. Bring your own binoculars if you have them; we will have a few extra on hand if needed. The field trip will take place under light rain conditions but will be cancelled in the event of medium to heavy rain. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Please note that as of may 10, this field trip is full. Fill out the form below if you’d like to be on a waiting list

Macroinvertebrate Sampling on the White River

Designated a Natural River by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and located right here in Oceana County, the White River is one of the state’s finest river systems due to its undeveloped nature and pristine quality.

We are joining the White River Watershed Partnership in their efforts to monitor the quality of the White River Watershed. Twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, a team of professionals and interested citizens dip nets into tributaries and streams of the White River to collect macroinvertebrates (insects you can see with the naked eye). Once collected, the team meets back at the Kropscott Environmental Center to sort and identify the macroinvertebrates. The number and diversity of macroinvertebrates are indicators of water qualify and health of a watershed.

It’s a fun, educational, hands-on experience, ideal for seasoned and budding stream biologists, but open to anyone who has an interest in the White River. Adults please plan to accompany children younger than 16. If you’d like to be a part of this important monitoring work, you can dedicate a half or full day in the following ways:

• Meet at 9:30am at the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center to participate in the stream sampling. Bring waders if you have them.

• Meet at 12:00pm at the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center to help sort and identify macroinvertebrates. Tweezers, jars, and magnifying headsets are provided. No previous experience needed.

Address and Directions: 6523 W. Baseline Rd, Fremont. From M-20 in Hesperia, continue east on M-20 and take Stone Road south 1 mile and turn right at Baseline Rd.

Back-up Date: In case of inclement weather, May 18 will be a back up date!

To register: Contact Raymond Schinler, Board Chair White River Watershed Partnership, at (231) 861-4624 or raymondschinler@gmail.com. You can also visit the White River Watershed Partnership website for more information.

RECOVERING OUR ROOTS - THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL PLANTS IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES

Are you curious about foraging and wild harvesting local plants? Would you like to know more about how to integrate plants into everyday life? Join organic farmer and forager, Amanda Jones for this informative series with a focus on common plant identification, how to sustainably harvest wild plants and practical ways to prepare and consume wild foods. Classes will be held at the Oceana Conservation District Office and will include walks to observe plants growing in their natural environment. Knowing the plants that grow around us is a great way to eat locally and feel connected to our ecosystem.

TOPICS AND DATES

Wild Foods to Welcome Spring, Saturday, May 11, 2024

Summer’s Bounty: Medicinals and More, Saturday, August 10, 2024

Tea Blends for Autumn’s chill, Saturday, October 12, 2024

Herbs for Winter Wellness, Saturday, December 14, 2024

WHEN: SELECT SATURDAYS, 9AM-NOON

WHERE: OCEANA CONSERVATION DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS LOCAL NATURAL AREAS

COST: $100 ALL 4 CLASSES IN THE SERIES, $30 PER SESSION DROP-IN, AS SPACE ALLOWS

Questions? Contact Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org

Sign up to register

Join Suzie Knoll and Jim Nicholas on a stroll along a nature trail on the property of Jim and Bonnie Nicholas in Shelby to identify and learn about the cultural history of many of our beloved spring ephemeral wildflower species such as trillium, spring beauty, trout lily, jack-in-the-pulpit, bloodroot and Dutchman's breeches.

Meeting location will be shared with those who registered a few days prior to the event.

please note: REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL. If you would like to be on a cancellation list, please fill out the fields below.

Calling all land and water stewards! If you’re looking for new ways to connect with like-minded locals and participate in meaningful conservation activities, look no further. This month’s Stewardship outing will focus on Michigan’s adopt-a-highway program. Let’s work together to keep litter off our roadsides, limiting the amount of trash and microplastics that find their way into our beloved waterways.

We will meet at the carpool lot located on Polk Rd near US 31. Please sign up using the registration form below.

Please plan to pick up your trees, shrubs and dune grass on April 20th near the pig/goat barn at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. Please plan to enter the fairgrounds through the Main St gate, and exit through the Polk Rd gate.

Join Oceana Conservation District and partners for the final event in our three part series featuring the invasive pest threatening local hemlock populations: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Learn what treatment methods are available to landowners, watch demonstrations of each method by one of our HWA crews, and receive additional resources to aid in your self-treatment project.

Drew Rayner, West Michigan HWA coordinator, and representatives from HWA treatment crews out of Muskegon, Ottawa, and Mason-Lake will be present to provide their expertise, answer questions, and provide self-treatments recommendations.

To sign up for this event, please register using the form below.

This event is now full

Join Conservation District staff member Adam Chandler on a guided night hike through Otto Nature Preserve. We will learn about many fascinating adaptations that owls have for navigating their life in the forest and we will listen for calls. We hope to hear Eastern Screech, Barred, Great-horned and/or Long-eared Owl, but it is not guaranteed. Either way, time is never wasted when out for a winter night hike in the woods on a full moon.

Please be sure to have your tree sale orders submitted by 5 pm. Either download an order form and mail in your payment, or visit our tree sale page and order online.

REgistration is now closed

Oceana Conservation District, MSU Extension and Oceana County Farm Bureau cordially invite you to this year’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Banquet! We will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and conversation during the social hour starting at 5pm, followed by dinner, brief reports, awards and a featured presentation on Fisheries!

Michigan DNR Fisheries Biologist Mark Tonello will discuss stream ecology and fisheries management highlighting the work currently being done in Oceana County to manage the White River, Stony Creek and Pentwater River Watersheds. We hope you take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate Oceana County’s agriculture and natural assets while staying up-to-date on current initiatives.

Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Please register below and you will be redirected to our web store to purchase tickets. The deadline to register is March 13.

Join Conservation District staff member Adam Chandler on a guided night hike through Otto Nature Preserve. We will learn about many fascinating adaptations that owls have for navigating their life in the forest and we will listen for calls. We hope to hear Eastern Screech, Barred, Great-horned and/or Long-eared Owl, but it is not guaranteed. Either way, time is never wasted when out for a winter night hike in the woods on a full moon.

This event is now full