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.

The 2014 annual meeting was a great success! We had a great meal, presented conservation awards, re-elected 2 board members, provided program updates, and saw the debut of the Greening Mid-Michigan Agriculture Video.  Door Prizes and Silent auction made possible by many local businesses.

Eaton County District Conservationist Tim Redder was recently featured on the Michigan Out of Doors show explaining how the Wetlands Reserve Program works. 

The interview shows an extensive restoration project, converting 600 acres back to functional wetlands.  This is located in Eaton County, MI, including Delta, Oneida, Benton, and Windsor townships. 

Click this link to watch the video on youtube. 
http://youtu.be/1ZUfwu034TM?t=16m16s

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program for the
restoration  and protection of wetlands on private property. Technical and
financial  assistance is provided in return for placing a conservation easement
on the  property either permanently or for a  period of 30 years. Financial
assistance  is provided to landowners for restoration and enhancement practices
that are  implemented on the WRP easement

Water is a natural resource that we all need every day.  Less than 1% of the water on Earth is fresh useable water for our daily needs. So it is important that each of us does our part to keep it clean. Check with the Eaton Conservation District to see how you can become involved with a local watershed group. There are easy steps we can all take to protect the water in our community. For instance, using a broom instead of a water hose when cleaning your driveway will help save water and help prevent pollutants from washing into storm drains.  Storm drains in many cities and towns include a marker that says “No dumping - drains to stream or lake”. This is because leaves and grass clippings dumped into storm drains or a nearby body of water will decompose and take oxygen out of the water for fish and other creatures. If you have a pet, it is important to pick up pet waste so that it is not washed into nearby bodies of water.  These are just a few of the many easy steps you can take to protect the Middle Grand River watershed. For more info, visit www.middlegrandriver.org

America’s network of 3,000 conservation districts across the country are working on the ground each and every day with local farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect our water, soil and air for future generations. Conservation districts have been involved in delivering locally-driven conservation across America for more than 70 years.

           

2013 marks the 58th year of the National Association of Conservation Districts National Stewardship Week. Help us celebrate National Soil and Water Stewardship Week—Where does your water shed?—April 28 through May 5.

Contact Eaton Conservation District or visit www.nacdnet.org/education  for more information. Brought to you by Eaton Conservation District, visit us at www.eatoncd.org

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


 

Hot off the press, the March newsletter is at the post office, coming soon  to a mailbox near you. 

Can't wait, click here to read it now!