Posts by rivka hodgkinson
MACD Awarded $1.6 Million Grant to Strengthen Statewide Conservation Leadership and Water Quality Protection
MACD Awarded $1.6 Million Grant to Strengthen Statewide Conservation Leadership and Water Quality Protection Three-year investment from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation will build lasting capacity for Conservation Districts across Michigan LANSING, MI — The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) has been awarded a $1.5 million, three-year capacity-building grant from…
Read MoreCelebrating Excellence in Conservation: MACD’s 2025 Award Winners
Presented by Carol Higgins, St. Joseph County CD (Region 8 Rep) It has been my pleasure to work with Rivka, Jerry, Melissa Eldridge, and Becky Huttenga to select the 2025 winners of MACD awards from approximately 30 nominations across five categories: District of the Year Emerging Leader Outstanding Board Member Champion of Conservation Champion of…
Read MoreProtecting Michigan Waters: The Vital Role of Section 319 Grant Funding
| By Rivka Hodgkinson Understanding Section 319 and Its Importance Nonpoint source pollution—runoff from farms, roads, and urban areas—is the leading cause of water quality impairments across the United States. Section 319 of the Clean Water Act gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority and resources to help states address this challenge. Why…
Read MoreA Turning Season for Conservation Education With MACD
Fall into connection with MACD’s September 2025 Education Newsletter. Explore district achievements, upcoming training events, Envirothon updates, and resources helping educators build a greener, more resilient Michigan.
Read MoreBuilding Stronger Conservation Networks With MACD
The June 2025 issue celebrates Michigan’s summer of conservation learning! Discover Educator Spotlights, new grant opportunities, Envirothon highlights, and hands-on programs empowering students and district teams to lead sustainable change.
Read MoreSpring Forward: Conservation Ideas Bloom Across Michigan
Spring forward with insight from Michigan’s Conservation Districts! The March 2025 Newsletter shares grant funding news, student program updates, and innovative projects that connect communities to soil health and sustainable farming education.
Read MoreWelcoming The New Year With MACD 2025!
Kick off 2025 with MACD’s Education Newsletter! Explore new training opportunities, grant updates, and district success stories that highlight how Michigan’s conservation leaders are cultivating resilient soil, clean water, and strong communities for the year ahead.
Read MoreCheck Out The New MIFarmLink Newsletter!
Check Out The New MIFarmLink Newsletter! We’re excited to share the latest MIFarmLink newsletter, featuring stories, resources, and updates that help connect Michigan’s farmland, farmers, and future. MIFarmLink is now a program of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), continuing its important work to strengthen farmland access and support Michigan’s agricultural communities. Read the…
Read MoreConservation Districts Continue to Deliver for Michigan Communities, While Advocating for Stronger Support and Funding
Conservation Districts Continue to Deliver for Michigan Communities, While Advocating for Stronger Support and Funding By Rivka Hodgkinson Public trust and transparency are foundational to our shared work of protecting Michigan’s land, water, and natural resources. The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) represents a statewide network of community-led agencies that have served Michigan for…
Read MorePress Release: In Response to Press Coverage of Conservation Districts
Press Release: In Response to Press Coverage of Conservation Districts By Rivka Hodgkinson Public trust and transparency are foundational to our work of protecting Michigan’s land, water, and natural resources. The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) represents a statewide network of community-led agencies that have served Michigan for over 80 years. Recent media reports…
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