Come visit the Eaton Conservation District (ECD) at this year's Lansing Home and Garden Show at the MSU Pavilion. The event will run March 16-19, 2017.

From the event website:
"The strongest Home & Garden show in the Mid-Michigan area fills the MSU Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University. Incredible gardens, extensive landscaping projects, a Standard Flower Show and four free seminar stages surround hundreds of exhibits featuring construction, remodeling, kitchens & baths, retail garden centers, pools and spas and home services."

ECD will be sharing a booth with the newly formed Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (MM-CISMA). Eaton County is part of the MM-CISMA and ECD is working along with Ingham, Clinton, and Ionia counties to combat invasive species in Mid-Michigan. The MM-CISMA targets Japanese knotweed, black swallow-wort, and invasive phragmites. Come see what ECD and the MM-CISMA have been up to and how you can get involved.

If you are planning on attending THURSDAY or FRIDAY (March 16-17), click the picture below to receive $2 off your entrance fee. This offer is only valid for these two days and for online purchases only.

Eaton Conservation District would like to recognize Matt Griffith of Charlotte for his efforts in protecting Eaton county's natural resources, especially our water. Matt joined Charlotte Public Works in June 2006 and is currently Superintendent of Utilities.

He is a key figure in Charlotte's Science Adventure Camp held every summer since 2012. Matt has been instrumental in finding presenters, giving presentations himself, preparing the park set-up, purchasing supplies, and cooking lunch for volunteers. One hundred 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students participated in 2016 and what Matt does behind the scenes keeps this event running smoothly. You will also find Matt at the annual October 1st River Conservation Day river cleanup. For 12 years Matt has been a key player in making sure this very important event goes off without a hitch. Matt is also a crucial factor in the successful Canoe the K-Zoo event held the past three years in the Kalamazoo River watershed. Last year, more than 40 paddlers enjoyed themselves due to the organizational effort Matt puts into the registration, set-up, and food preparation.

As an active member of the Wellhead Protection Team, Matt co-manages the meetings, agendas, and grant application work necessary to keep the Wellhead Protection Plan updated in order to effectively protect and preserve our county's drinking water.

Above picture taken at the 2016 Charlotte River Conservation Day, Matt Griffith pictured left.

The MacNaughton family farm was established in 1905 by Sidney MacNaughton. Sidney, Keith, and third generation Ron MacNaughton milked cows and in 1953 Keith and Ron purchased their first Herefords. In 1965, Keith and Ron sold the dairy cows and the Herefords took over.

Ron took over the farming operation completely in 1983. His son Jeff helped work on the farm while growing up and enjoyed showing Herefords for more than 20 years with his parents. Ron and wife Jill maintain a smaller herd of about 10 cows on the Grand Ledge farm. They still enjoy showing and sell a select few bulls, heifers, and steers. The farm primarily grows corn, soybeans, and wheat. Ron and Jill still bale their share of hay and straw every summer as well.

In 2012, Ron worked with Tim Redder, NRCS District Conservationist, and applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Together they developed a rotational grazing program and Ron is currently working on becoming Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verified in Farmstead and Livestock.

Eaton Conservation District would like to recognize the MacNaughtons for their efforts in protecting our natural resources by awarding them the Cooperator of the Year Award.

The Eaton Conservation District would like to acknowledge Dr. George Silva for his 30 years of service to Michigan State University with the Educator of the Year Award. Dr. Silva joined MSU in 1986 as a Research Specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. In 1994, Silva joined Michigan State University Extension as a Project Manager of the 35,000-acre Sycamore Creek Watershed Project. His educational initiatives to preserve water quality by reducing non-point source contamination of sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides contributed to an 18% reduction in nitrogen and a 20% reduction in phosphorus fertilizer inputs in the watershed.

In 1997 he took on a dual role as Field Crops and Horticulture Extension Educator. He has served as an exemplary model in fulfilling the MSU Extension's pivotal role in applying unbiased, research-based knowledge to critical issues, needs, and opportunities. He uses his excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills to foster special relationships with both private and public agribusinesses.

Dr. Silva has won numerous awards for programming excellence, including the North Central Regional Communication Award and the Applied Research Poster Competition in 2007 at the National Association Meeting. These coveted awards were given in recognition of educational outreach efforts in value-added agriculture, environmental stewardship, and web-based technology. Dr. Silva is a firm believer in the use of technology for MSU outreach. He is committed to maintaining and enhancing MSU Extension's local, state, and international reputation for excellence. He has consistently implemented on-farm, hands-on research and demonstration projects and delivers timely information.

In 1999, Dr. Silva started the Eaton County Master Gardener volunteer training program. This program has trained 350 certified Master Gardener volunteers. The Lansing State Journal frequently consults Dr. Silva to publish gardening articles. He appears regularly on TV Channels 6 and 10. Additionally, he has been a regular guest speaker at local schools, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, and gardening associations.

George is currently Senior Extension Educator for Eaton, Ingham, Barry, and Livingston counties. His list of accomplishments and awards, published publications, certifications, and experiences are so much more than this space allows. The important fact is the remarkable contribution that Dr. Silva has given to Eaton county, and for that we are grateful.