Join us for a fun day of networking and learning from one another

This event is designed to cultivate meaningful conversations and strengthen our local farmer network. Connect with fellow producers, share experiences, ask questions, and build relationships that extend beyond the field day. Together, we can learn from one another, support conservation efforts, and grow a resilient farming community.   

Bridget Kavanagh runs a 35-acre farm where she raises livestock and takes care of grazing land. Her farm, which is MAEAP Verified, focuses on carbon capturing and regenerative agriculture

What you’ll learn:

• Rotational Grazing/ Silvopasture

• Frost Seeding

• Feed Storage / Vermin Mgmt

• Manure Composting

• Pollinator Planting

• Watering System and Fencing Mgmt

• And more!

More Field Days This Year:

• June 30th: Pasture Walk with Joe’s Happy Acres

• August 14th: Cropping System Field Day with Hickey Farms, LLC

• September 13th: Speciality Crop Field Day with Titus Farms

This event was made possible by funding from MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Education and Outreach Grant

Join us for a fun day of networking and learning from one another.

This event is designed to cultivate meaningful conversations and strengthen our local farmer network. Connect with fellow producers, share experiences, ask questions, and build relationships that extend beyond the field day. Together, we can learn from one another, support conservation efforts, and grow a resilient farming community.   

Joe Hetrick, the Eaton Conservation District’s 2025 Conservation Farmer of the Year, runs a 75-acre farm where he raises livestock and takes care of grazing land. His farm, which is MAEAP Verified, focuses on maintaining healthy soil.

What you'll learn:

• Rotational/adaptive grazing strategies

• Multi-species grazing

• Stockpile Forage

• Bale Grazing Aftermath

• Soil Health

• Experimentation / Observation

• And more!

More Field Days Coming Soon:

• July 14th: Pasture Walk with Bridget Kavanagh at Happy Goat Lucky Ewe & Michigan Merinos Farm

• August 14th: Cropping System Field Day with Hickey Farms, LLC

• September 13th: Speciality Crop Field Day with Titus Farms

We’re combining two of your favorite events, this year! Join us at Woldumar Nature Center for our annual Native Plant Sale and 80th Annual Meeting & Election. In addition to a guest presentation by Kevin Wernet, Executive Director of Woldumar Nature Center, you will be able to shop over 100 varieties of Michigan Native plants from two local vendors (scroll down for more information), get expert tips, and celebrate our 80th Birthday with an election for two (2) District Directors.

10:00am-2:00pm - Browse 'n Buy & Election

• Get expert advice and shop a broad selection of native plants including prairie and woodland varieties.​ There will also be sedges, grasses, and shrubs.

• Visit additional booths for relevant resources.

• Vote to fill two (2) open District Director seats - Candidates are Nicholas Bite, Nicole Hickey, Shane Hickey, Paul Malewski, Holly Schaeffer

11:00am-12:00pm Presentation - “A Shared History & Future: Conservation in Eaton County”

Woldumar Nature Center's Executive Director Kevin Wernet will discuss the organization's history, programs, partnerships with Eaton Conservation District, and the ongoing stewardship of their 180 acre property. The presentation will conclude with a short tour of the native gardens and current restoration projects.

12:00pm - 2:00pm Musician - Zarochi playing traditional Celtic Folk instrumentals.

2:00 pm Annual Meeting & Election Results

VOLUNTEER

We need volunteers to assist with the setup and tear down of the Native Plant Sale, help customers with their orders, answer general questions, and help load orders into vehicles. This year, we will also need two volunteers to oversee our election. Visit our Sign Up Genius to register to volunteer.

Vendor Highlights

Bendy Stem Farm

Bendy Stem Farm is a small, Michigan native plant nursery located in Dimondale. Ben is eager to help you grow your love for natives in whatever way fits into your life.

Wild Ginger Woodlands

Wild Ginger Woodlands specializes in shade-loving native woodland species and joins us from Haslett.

Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Please make checks payable to "Eaton Conservation District" or "ECD". You can call our office at (517) 543-1512 x5 with questions. 

Qualified Forest Program Public Information Session for Forest Landowners

Does your property have 20 or more acres of forest? And do you want to save a bundle on your property taxes? Then the Qualified Forest Program Information Session, hosted by the Eaton County Conservation District, is for you.

About the tax reduction program: The State of Michigan's Qualified Forest Program (QFP) provides a generous property tax reduction to non-homestead landowners who manage their forest professionally. In exchange for the property tax exemption, landowners must hire a qualified forester to create a management plan that focuses on wildlife habitat, soil & water conservation and commercial harvesting of timber.

Public access to your land is NOT required. Applications must be submitted by September 1st for the 2027 tax year. 

Parcels that are 20-39 acres must be 80% forested; parcels that are 40+ acres must be 50% forested. Non-homestead structures are allowed, but they are not eligible for the tax exemption.

Visit www.michigan.gov/qfp for additional program information. 

About the Public Information Session: At this public session, Ben Savoie, Barry Conservation District Forester and James Gray, Principal Consulting Forester at Natural Capital Forestry, LLC will explain the essentials of and 'direct from the trenches' insights about QFP so that you can determine if it is right for you and your land. In addition, we will discuss important topics like forest management plans and generous cost-share programs to help pay for conservation improvements like tree planting and removing invasive vegetation. 

Act now so that you can join before the September 1st deadline!

Stream Monitoring Identification Day

Learn what it takes to be a community scientist at this free event! You will help to identify the aquatic insects collected from Eaton County streams to calculate a water quality score. Volunteers will meet in a science classroom in the C.S. Mott Academic Center at The University of Olivet. Equipment and training will be provided.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-543-1512 x5.

Eaton County Department of Resource Recovery

Spring Clean-Up

Eaton County Residents Only (Non-Commercial)

May 9 2026, 9 AM – 2 PM

Registration Required (limit 2 per household) Register at: http://www.eatoncounty.org/913

Charlotte Location released upon completion of registration

Questions? Contact Eaton County Department of Resource Recovery

Email: Recycle@EatonCounty.Org Phone: (517) 543-3686

Garlic Mustard - Invasive Species Pull
Location: Hunter’s Orchard Park

Volunteers are needed to help keep our parks clear of invasive plant species. All  supplies will be provided, but you will want to bring a pair of garden gloves. We  welcome individuals, scout troops, and all community groups to play a part in  maintaining healthy parks and eco-systems. 

Please contact Lee Miller if you plan to attend. 

Phone: 517-323-8555  Email: lmiller@deltami.gov

Stream Monitoring Collection Day 2

Learn what it takes to be a community scientist at this free event! You will help to collect aquatic insects to monitor the water quality of Eaton County streams. Volunteers will meet at the C.S. Mott Academic Center at The University of Olivet to review stream monitoring protocols before going out into the field. All equipment will be provided, though volunteers should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-543-1512 x5.

Garlic Mustard - Invasive Species Pull
Location: Grand Woods Park

Volunteers are needed to help keep our parks clear of invasive plant species. All supplies will be provided, but you will want to bring a pair of garden gloves. We welcome individuals, scout troops, and all community groups to play a part in maintaining healthy parks and eco-systems. Lunch provided.

Please contact Lee Miller if you plan to attend.

Phone: 517-323-8555 Email: lmiller@deltami.gov

Stream Monitoring Collection Day 1

Learn what it takes to be a community scientist at this free event! You will help to collect aquatic insects to monitor the water quality of Eaton County streams. Volunteers will meet at the C.S. Mott Academic Center at The University of Olivet to review stream monitoring protocols before going out into the field. All equipment will be provided, though volunteers should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-543-1512 x5.

Join us for a free workshop to learn about invasive plant species found in Eaton County and how to identify, report, and treat them.

Invasive Plants in Eaton County

Join us in person for a fun and informative workshop all about invasive plants! Speaker, Stephanie Day, Mid-Michigan CISMA Coordinator, will share important information on the ecological impact of invasive species and what you can do to prevent their spread. After attending the workshop, you will:

• Understand what makes a species invasive and learn some of the ecological impacts of invasive plant species.

• Learn to identify common invasive plant species like garlic mustard, autumn olive, buckthorn, Oriental bittersweet, and more.

• Learn how to report invasive species using MISIN.

• Learn about various treatment and control options to address invasive species on your property.

The workshop will begin in the basement conference room at 551 Courthouse Dr, Charlotte. Refreshments will be provided. After a classroom presentation, attendees will travel to the Charlotte Forest Garden (1502 Combsdale Dr, Charlotte) to observe invasive species firsthand.

Charlotte Forest Garden Spring Planting

After the workshop, attendees are encouraged to volunteer to help plant trees and shrubs in the Charlotte Forest Garden. The Charlotte Forest Garden is a community-driven project focused on building a multiple acre park that educates the public on conservation-minded farming, creates wildlife habitat, and provides free and healthy food for the community. Equipment will be provided, though volunteers are welcome to bring their own gardening gloves and a shovel/trowel.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-230-1969.

This event is made possible by funding provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Join us for an educational workshop and tree planting event to learn about forest and prairie ecosystems found in Michigan!

Join us for a fun and educational day at our Forest Habitat Restoration Workshop! Learn about natural forest communities and fire-dependent ecosystems found in southern Michigan with a presentation by Shawn Kelly, Soil Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Contribute to the Charlotte Forest Garden by helping plant trees and shrubs to restore an oak-hickory forest.

The event will begin at 551 Courthouse Dr, Charlotte in the basement conference room, and then will move to the Charlotte Forest Garden, located at 1502 Combsdale Dr. Please bring gardening gloves and a shovel. Refreshments will be provided.

Stream Monitoring Identification Day

Learn what it takes to be a community scientist at this free event! You will help to identify the aquatic insects collected from Eaton County streams to calculate a water quality score. Volunteers will meet in a science classroom in the C.S. Mott Academic Center at The University of Olivet. Equipment and training will be provided.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-588-6302.

Stream Monitoring Collection Day 2

Learn what it takes to be a community scientist at this free event! You will help to collect aquatic insects to monitor the water quality of Eaton County streams. Volunteers will meet at the C.S. Mott Academic Center at The University of Olivet to review stream monitoring protocols before going out into the field. All equipment will be provided, though volunteers should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-588-6302.

Stream Monitoring Collection Day 1

Learn what it takes to be a community scientist at this free event! You will help to collect aquatic insects to monitor the water quality of Eaton County streams. Volunteers will meet at the C.S. Mott Academic Center at The University of Olivet to review stream monitoring protocols before going out into the field. All equipment will be provided, though volunteers should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

For more information, contact Val Reisen at val.reisen@macd.org or 517-588-6302.

Farm Field Day:

Pollinators, Pesticides, Farm Safety and Farmer Well-Being

What you will learn:

• Using Pollinators to Increase Production

• Using Pesticides Safely Near Pollinators

• Safe Storage and Usage of Pesticides

• Tips on Farm Safety

• Optional Screening of Greener Pastures Documentary

These topics will be presented by Gary Brown - Master beekeeper for Heroes to Hives, Remington Rice - PhD MSU Extension Educator, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. 

FREE LUNCH

RUP CREDITS AVAILABLE

Register NOW for FREE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-strong-pollinators-pesticides-farm-safety-and-farmer-well-being-tickets-1277876917259?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eaton County Department of Resource Recovery presents RECYCLE-PALOOZA

General Info:

• Will be held on August 9th, from 9 AM - 2 PM

• Registration Required (limit 2 per household): http://www.eatoncounty.org/913

• Charlotte Location will be released upon completion of registration.

ELECTRONICS

Computer Accessories, CPU’s, Laptops, Tablets, Printers, Copiers, Fax Machines, Scanners, TVs, Cell Phones, Chargers, Fans, CD/DVD Players, Camcorders, Small Kitchen Appliances, Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Vacuums, Remote Control Items, Almost anything with a cord

NO FREON CONTAINING ITEMS, LARGE APPLIANCES OR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

Acids & Bases, Aerosols, Asphalt/Roofing Tar, Automotive Fluids, Cleaners, Polishes, Fluorescent Light Bulbs/Tubes, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Alarms, Flammables, Glues, Caulks, Flea Collars & Sprays, Mercury & Mercury-Containing Items, Oil-Based Paint, Stains, Varnishes, Paint Thinners, Wood Preservatives, Pool Chemicals, Solvents, Pesticides, Herbicides, Sharps (must be in a Puncture-Resistant Container)

NO LATEX-BASED PAINTS, MEDICATIONS OR BATTERIES

TIRES

Passenger tires only, with or without rims. No oversized tires.

LIMIT 10 TIRES PER VEHICLE Funding for Scrap Tire Collection made possible through a State of Michigan EGLE Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant

EYEGLASSES & HEARING AIDS

Charlotte Lions Club - Recycle for Sight will be accepting used eyeglasses & hearing aids

Questions?

Contact Eaton County Department of Resource Recovery

Email: Recycle@EatonCounty.Org Phone: (517) 543-3686

The boat wash event for Eaton County is at Lake Alliance Park on Saturday, July 19th from 11am to 3pm. The community is invited to come get their boat or kayak washed for free. 

Mid-Michigan CISMA and the MSU mobile boat wash team will be there spreading the Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose message. Clean off your boat and your gear, drain your boat and dry it off, and dispose of any fish bait or plant material you removed from your boat. Stop by our booth to say hello, learn about some local invasive species, and grab some free swag! Together we can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species!

Join us in planting native wildflowers and grasses outside the Eaton Conservation District office and Eaton County Courthouse. Please bring work gloves, a trowel, and a water bottle. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the progress of the new Demo Meadow, a project that will demonstrate how to convert grass turf to a native prairie.

This native garden planting is a partnership between Eaton CD, Eaton County Facilities, and NRCS. By using native plants, Eaton County will reduce expenses on lawn care and landscaping.

This project is made possible by grant funding from the Wildflower Association of Michigan.