Stories Growing Michigan’s Conservation

From soil health to forest stewardship, these fresh posts spotlight the people and projects restoring Michigan’s land and water.

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts Welcomes MIFarmLink as a Statewide Program Starting October 1

By Rivka Hodgkinson LANSING, MI – Beginning October 1, 2025, the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) will officially bring MIFarmLink under its umbrella, expanding efforts to connect farmland owners with the next generation of Michigan farmers. “MACD is thrilled to help grow MIFarmLink into a statewide program through our network of conservation districts,” said…

Supporting Michigan’s Conservation Districts During the Federal Government Shutdown

– By Rivka Hodgkinson The federal government shutdown has left some Michigan’s Conservation Districts without access to their NRCS offices, equipment, or email, but our commitment to serving communities hasn’t stopped. Learn how you can support your local District, from donating and volunteering to sharing your conservation story. As the federal government shutdown continues, Michigan’s…

Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Strengthening Our Shared Stewardship in Michigan

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and celebrate the first stewards of this land-the Indigenous nations whose knowledge, relationships, and care for the earth continue to shape Michigan’s landscapes. It is a day to honor their ongoing leadership in conservation, acknowledge the harms of exclusion and displacement, and commit to a shared future of collaboration…

Celebrating 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…

Protecting 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…

A 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.