2026 NACD Summer Meeting Highlights Michigan Conservation
Grand Rapids, MI — The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) proudly co-hosted the 2026 NACD Summer Meeting in Grand Rapids, welcoming conservation leaders from across the country for learning, collaboration, and a firsthand look at natural resource conservation in Michigan.
Attendees were welcomed by MACD President Jerry Miller, NACD North Central Region Chair Kris Swartz, Grand Rapids Chief of Staff Louis Canfield, and Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg.
The program featured Dr. Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Will Meeks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director; Nicole Zacharda, Great Lakes Commission Program Manager; and NRCS Chief Colton Buckley. Governor Gretchen Whitmer also shared video remarks highlighting the role of Michigan’s 75 Conservation Districts.
Sessions and breakout discussions explored agricultural resilience, federal partnerships, local working groups, river restoration and preservation, farm linking, and Conservation District capacity.
Attendees also experienced conservation in action across West Michigan through tours of the Grand River, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Mast Young Plants, Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market, Schwallier’s Country Basket, Plainsong Farm, and Cannonsburg State Game Area.
The tours highlighted work in water quality, habitat restoration, agriculture, local food systems, wildlife management, and land stewardship.
MACD thanks NACD, local Conservation Districts, speakers, tour hosts, partners, volunteers, and attendees for making the 2026 NACD Summer Meeting a success.
Special thanks to sponsors Abt Global, Boxed Water, Michigan Farm Bureau, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.