Properly planted trees can provide a variety of ecological and economic benefits including retaining and filtering stormwater, improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, reducing energy costs, and increasing real estate values. To continue to bring these benefits to Michigan communities, the Eaton Conservation District and the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance are announcing their Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting Grants.  

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance’s Go Green Youth Challenge (GGYC) engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development, and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12th grade, are challenged to collect coins as an individual, classroom, or club each spring.  The coins collected fund community tree plantings and program outreach efforts. In the spirit of the GGYC, the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance offers local units of government, public educational institutions, public libraries, non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, churches, and tribal governments the opportunity to apply for a grant for up to $2,000 to plant trees.

Grant applications are available online at www.miarbordayalliance.com. Applications are due by mail no later than August 15th, 2014.  Funded tree planting projects must be completed by December 31st, 2014.

The 2014 GGYC exceeded previous monetary goals and had over 1,100 students from across the state participate! Planting projects in Potterville and Dimondale were funded by this grant in 2012 and we would love to see more applications from Eaton County.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance would like to thank everyone who participated, including the sponsors:  ITC, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District, WKAR, and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being.  Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a program of the Eaton Conservation District.

 


  

Though it doesn't feel like it - Spring is just around the corner!  and with that, we are preparing for our Spring Tree  Sale.
 
Volunteers are a critical part of our event.  This year, our
tree sale has been moved to the Eaton County Fairgrounds - and we will be wrapping trees and distributing them at Kardel Hall.  
We need help on the following dates (you can work a few hour shifts or an entire day):
 • Wednesday April 16th 8-4pm - Tree Wrapping
 • Friday April 18th from 8-6pm - Tree Distribution to customers
 
Lunch and snacks provided to volunteers and you can earn Gift Certificates towards trees or books.  Dress to get Dirty.  Wrapping Trees is fun and hard work.  Sign up to work and help out by calling (517) 543-5848 x 5.

Wildlife  Workshop 
March 19, 2014
 6:30-8:30  pm
Eaton Conservation District
Basement  Conference Room
551  Courthouse Dr.
Charlotte,  MI 48813
 
Do you have questions about wildlife issues? Do you want to learn how to create or enhance wildlife habitat on your property? Then join ECD for our  Wildlife Habitat Workshop. Participants will learn about conservation programs, 
wildlife management, and habitat improvement methods. Adam Bump with the Michigan DNR will present on the State of Wolves in Michigan.  Local sportsman's  groups will also be in attendance.

There is no charge to attend, but since space is limited, RSVPs are appreciated.  Call the Eaton Conservation District at (517) 543-5848 ext.5 to sign  up.

Backyard Orchardist Pruning Workshop
March 20, 2014
6:00-8:30  pm
Country Mill Farms, LLC
4648 Otto Rd.
Charlotte, MI  48813
 Cost:  $8 per person
 
Many people are interested in having their very own fruit trees. The thought of  having a convenient source of fresh fruit is very appealing. However, caring for a fruit tree when just starting out can be an intimidating prospect.
This is where ECD's Pruning Workshop can help. This workshop and on-site demonstration at the Country Mill will show how to correctly care for your trees to get the most out of your investment.

For  more details and to RSVP, please call the Eaton Conservation District at 517-543-5848 ext.5.

Just a reminder that tree sale pick-up is rapidly approaching.  Tree Pick-up is April 19th from 8am-6pm at

Janson Equipment Company
799 Island Hwy
Charlotte, MI  48813

Extras will be available on a first come-first serve basis.
For more information, visit our tree sale page