Conservation District Education Newsletter — January 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited for new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities — and we challenge you to partner with another district on a program, event, or shared opportunity. Keep sharing content ideas, grant suggestions, and kudos!
In this issue
Program Spotlight • Funding Opportunities • Educator Highlights • Featured Activity • Announcements & Reminders (Issue #2 — Education Committee)
Benzie Conservation District
Meet Future Conservationists
Benzie CD met with future conservationists from the Class of 2025 on November 4, 2024 at the Benzie County Career Expo. Representing their booth were Jodi Monteith (Conservation Technician) and Jessica Barnard (Communications & Administrative Coordinator).
Watershed Wednesdays
Benzie partnered with Dr. Jordyn Stoll from Michigan Trout Unlimited to sample for didymo (“rock snot”). After microscope review, Dr. Stoll confirmed there is no didymo in the Platte or Betsie Rivers. Benzie CD shared the results on social media and emphasized that these rivers are environments where didymo could thrive — so everyone should be extra careful about prevention.
Funding Opportunities
KidsGardening Grants
Grants to build and maintain new or existing youth garden programs nationwide.
kidsgardening.org/grant-opportunitiesWildflower Association of Michigan
$1,250 grants for native plant gardens, restoration projects, signage, and more.
wildflowersmich.orgMelinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation
Supports holistic environmental curricula integrating ecological principles and field activities (primary/secondary settings).
mgaef.org/grants.htmCD Educator & District Highlights
Zach Bates
Recently certified in national environmental education curricula — Project Learning Tree and Project WILD at the Renewable Roots Convention. We’re excited to see the River Race of Two Cities with Friends of GCD. Great work, Zach!
Amber Butterfield
Former Dickinson CD District Manager now serving as MACD Grant Administrator — partnering to find funding for education needs statewide. Congratulations, Amber!
Tuscola Conservation District
Welcomed 600+ students at county-wide Project RED, sharing knowledge on pollinators, soil, and fish health. Education Technician Patty McNinch also led a school Build-A-Tree activity for Arbor Day — trees were put on display for everyone to view. Great work, TCD!
Featured Activity — Build a Moon Habitat (NASA The Space Place)
Great for outreach to recycling clubs: students use old newspapers and masking tape to construct a moon habitat they can actually sit inside. Emphasizes STEM engineering and re-use; best for grades 5–12. Compare habitats on the Moon with habitats for Earth creatures.
Announcements & Reminders — Jan–Mar 2025
January
- Jan 20 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Jan 21 — National Hugging Day
- Jan 29 — Lunar New Year
- Jan 30 — Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
February
- Feb 2 — Groundhog Day
- Feb 9 — Super Bowl / National Pizza Day
- Feb 14 — Valentine’s Day
- Feb 17 — Presidents’ Day
- Feb 27 — National Retro Day
March
- Mar 1 — World Compliment Day
- Mar 8 — International Women’s Day
- Mar 10 — Daylight Saving Time begins
- Mar 14 — Pi Day
- Mar 17 — St. Patrick’s Day
- Mar 19 — First Day of Spring
- Mar 29 — National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day
- Mar 30 — Easter Sunday
Michigan Deer Hunting Seasons (confirm with DNR)
- Archery: Oct 1–Nov 14 & Dec 1, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025
- Extended Archery: through Jan 31, 2025 (select counties)
- Late Antlerless Firearm: Dec 16, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025 (Lower Peninsula)
- New Extended Late Antlerless: Jan 2–12, 2025 (select counties)
Share Updates / Contact
Send education news, stories, funding updates, or features
Rachel Straughen — rstraughen@gtcd.org
Erin Horton — erin.horton@macd.org
Thank you for reading — and thank you to all Michigan Conservation District employees and partners for your work in 2024 and the year ahead.