Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 3:30 PM at the Scottville Branch of the Mason County Library, located at 204 E State Street in Scottville. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Stop by to pick up your Native Plant Sale order. A limited selection of extra plants will also be available for purchase during pickup.

Thank you for supporting native plants in our community!

The Mason-Lake Conservation District invites you to an educational evening focused on local forest management and resilience. This workshop addresses critical forest health challenges, with a primary focus on managing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Led by regional experts, you will learn to identify HWA infestations, prepare hemlock trees for treatment, and implement strategies for replacing impact trees. We will explore methods to enhance forest diversity using tree tubes/deer exclosures to protect newly planted trees or trees that are incorporated in natural generation. High-value tree species we are looking to protect are American basswood, yellow birch, white birch, white cedar, and hemlock. Finally, the session will cover essential silvicultural techniques and strategic species selection for successful reforestation.

We will have two speakers: Julia Place (Project Manager with the Mason-Lake Conservation District) and Joshua Shields (District Forester for the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts).

This event is free and open to the public granted to us by a U.S. Forest Service Grant - Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR). This will be an indoor event. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Julia Place, Project Manager, at julia.place@macd.org or call the main District line at 231-757-3707 ext. 5.

The Mason-Lake Conservation District's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day offers residents a safe and responsible way to dispose of items like pesticides, batteries, electronics, and small appliances.

This annual event helps prevent harmful substances from entering landfills, waterways, and natural habitats, protecting both the environment and public health. It’s made possible through community donations, local partnerships, and volunteers who assist with tasks like unloading items, directing traffic, and sorting materials.

Pre-registration is required for loads over 200 pounds.

If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B4EA4A82FA1F49-63449006-household#/

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 3:30 PM at the Scottville Branch of the Mason County Library, located at 204 E State Street in Scottville. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88689582272?pwd=Ap3ja2XoZUca1ArILljAQOXb4kVmB8.1

Join us at the Bass Lakes AEP Annual Meeting, where Mason-Lake Conservation District will be presenting on shoreline restoration and preservation!

The event will also cover lake health updates through the CLMP, a DASH update, and plenty of information on aquatic invasives, shorelines, and wake boats. Stick around for the Labor Day Family Fishing Contest, plus food and beverages.

For more information on Bass Lakes Area Environmental Partnership, visit: https://basslakesaep.wixsite.com/501c3

Learn the intriguing history of the mineral springs in Glen Park! Who built them and why they did from Leann Burger. It's always an adventure with Dr. Josh Shields in Glen Park! Don't miss out on the secrets hidden in Glen Park!

Sign up by visiting: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/S3rQWa3Unb

DATE CHANGE: Our board meeting (normally held on the second Monday of the month) has been rescheduled and will now be held on Tuesday, July 14th

The meeting will still begin at 3:30 PM at the Scottville Branch of the Mason County Library, located at 204 E State Street in Scottville. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Registration is currently full! If you'd like to be added to the waiting list, please call Josh Shields at 989-220-9236.

Managing Your Habitat! A Field Day at the Brown and Weeden Property
During this field day you will learn about different factors to consider when making management decisions on forested or non-forested property. These topics will be discussed as part of a field tour highlighting a 27-acre Manistee County property owned by Justin Brown and Tiffanie Weeden. Presenters will include landowner Justin Brown, who is also a soil conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as Josh Shields, Forestry Assistance Program [FAP] forester, wildlife biologist, and arborist with the Manistee Conservation District (MCD) and Mason-Lake Conservation District (MLCD).

There is NO COST to attend the field day and LUNCH AND A PORTABLE BATHROOM WILL BE PROVIDED (THANK YOU TO THE MICHIGAN TREE FARM COMMITTEE)! SPACE IS LIMITED so please register by July 6th, 2026. To register online go tohttps://forms.gle/WXZRHB5FQJJorbmc6. Or call Josh Shields at 989-220-9236 (Mobile).

For more information, agenda details and a map of the location, click the button below.

Mason-Lake Conservation District and Osceola-Lake Conservation District are co-hosting a scrap tire collection event in Baldwin for Lake County residents. Residents can drop off up to 15 tires free of charge, with donations welcome.

Limit 15 tires Passenger tires on/off rim Semi tires on/off rim No tires over 12” wide No tires over 4’ tall Tires must be free of dirt

This is a great opportunity to properly dispose of old tires and keep them out of our local environment.

For additional information call the Osceola-Lake Conservation District at (231)-465-8012 or email mark.sweppenheiser@macd.org

Take part in our Ag Pesticide Container Recycling event and help reduce plastic waste in agriculture. This program accepts clean, empty containers made of HDPE plastic (#2 or #7) that have been triple-rinsed, dried, and had labels, booklets, and caps removed. Containers must be ag-based products and 55 gallons or smaller. For more information, see the attached flyer below.

All the bugs have been ID’d and a third day is no longer needed. Thank you to everyone who helped get this finished!

Join us at our office for Bug ID Day, where we’ll be identifying macroinvertebrates collected from the Little Manistee, Big Sable & Lincoln Rivers during recent stream monitoring. These small aquatic insects help us understand the health of our waterways, and no experience is needed to take part, just an interest in learning! It’s a great hands-on opportunity to see how local water quality is monitored and meet others interested in conservation.

The Mason-Lake Conservation District is inviting community members to join the conversation about the future of the Lincoln River Watershed during the first stakeholder meeting for the formation of a Lincoln River Watershed Council. 

The meeting will be held Saturday, June 13th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Victory Township Hall and will welcome local residents, organizations, municipal representatives, and other interested community members to discuss water quality, watershed concerns, and opportunities for future collaboration throughout the watershed. Please RSVP by June 12th by contacting the Conservation District (see below). 

A watershed is the geographic area of land that all drains into one body of water. Stretching across approximately 101 square miles of Mason County before draining into Lake Michigan, the Lincoln River Watershed includes a diverse mix of forests, wetlands, agricultural lands, residential areas, and recreational resources. As interest in local water quality and watershed protection continues to grow, the Conservation District hopes this effort will encourage stronger communication, increased community involvement, and long-term watershed planning efforts. 

This stakeholder meeting is part of the Kick-Starting Water Quality in the Lincoln River Watershed project. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, share local perspectives and concerns, and help identify priority areas that may guide future watershed restoration.  

This project has been funded wholly or in part through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program under assistance agreement #2025-0243 to the Mason-Lake Conservation District for the Kick-Stating Water Quality in the Lincoln River Watershed project. 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Julia Place at the Mason-Lake Conservation District at 231-613-4511.

Join us at our office for Bug ID Day, where we’ll be identifying macroinvertebrates collected from the Little Manistee, Big Sable & Lincoln Rivers during recent stream monitoring. These small aquatic insects help us understand the health of our waterways, and no experience is needed to take part, just an interest in learning! It’s a great hands-on opportunity to see how local water quality is monitored and meet others interested in conservation.

The Mason-Lake and Manistee Conservation Districts are hosting an Annual Farm Field Day at Brixstone Farms. Open to the public, the event features presentations and live demonstrations on biochar production, healthy soils, regenerative agriculture, safe chemical storage, and available cost-share programs.

Highlights include a guest presentation on using biochar as a soil amendment, a live biochar production demonstration, a small farm tour showcasing an NRCS-funded agrichemical handling facility, and a field demonstration of the district's new roller crimper, a tool designed to terminate cover crops without herbicide. A free catered dinner will be provided, and attendees who stay for the full event are eligible for one restricted use pesticide credit. There is no cost to attend, though donations are appreciated.

Join us at our office for Bug ID Day, where we’ll be identifying macroinvertebrates collected from the Little Manistee, Big Sable & Lincoln Rivers during recent stream monitoring. These small aquatic insects help us understand the health of our waterways, and no experience is needed to take part, just an interest in learning! It’s a great hands-on opportunity to see how local water quality is monitored and meet others interested in conservation.

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 3:30 PM at the Scottville Branch of the Mason County Library, located at 204 E State Street in Scottville. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88689582272?pwd=Ap3ja2XoZUca1ArILljAQOXb4kVmB8.1

Come kick off your summer with us on the Lincoln River for a macroinvertebrate sampling day! It's a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, get your feet wet, and contribute to the health of our local waterways.

Meet in the West Shore Community College - CTE Parking Lot

Volunteer roles include waders (entering the stream to collect rocks, leaves, and woody debris) and pickers (sorting through materials on shore to collect macroinvertebrates). All equipment is provided, including waders and boots if needed, just let us know ahead of time. Come prepared for all types of weather, wear long sleeves, long pants, a rain jacket, and closed-toed shoes. Bring water and a lunch. No experience needed, hope to see you out there!

To RSVP or for more info, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.

This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Looking for a reason to get outside this spring? Come spend the day with us sampling macroinvertebrates on the Big Sable River! It's a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, wade in a river, and do some hands-on work to help monitor the health of our local waterways.

Sampling will take place at two sites. Volunteer roles include waders (entering the stream to collect rocks, leaves, and woody debris) and pickers (sorting through materials on shore to collect macroinvertebrates). All equipment is provided, including waders and boots if needed, just let us know ahead of time. Come prepared for all types of weather, wear long sleeves, long pants, a rain jacket, and closed-toed shoes. Bring water and a lunch. No experience needed, hope to see you out there!

To RSVP or for more info, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.

West Shore Bank's Scottville Branch is hosting their annual Community Car Wash, and this year all donations will benefit the Mason-Lake Conservation District! Bring your car by for a wash while supporting conservation work in Mason and Lake Counties. Your donation will help protect and preserve our local rivers, forests, and shorelines. We're grateful to West Shore Bank for choosing us as this year's beneficiary and for their commitment to our community!

Spring is here and we're heading to the river, come join us for a macroinvertebrate sampling day on the Little Manistee! It's a great opportunity to get outside, get your feet wet, and help us keep tabs on the health of our local waterways.

Sampling will take place at three sites. Volunteer roles include waders (entering the stream to collect rocks, leaves, and woody debris) and pickers (sorting through materials on shore to collect macroinvertebrates). All equipment is provided, including waders and boots if needed, just let us know ahead of time. Come prepared for all types of weather, wear long sleeves, long pants, a rain jacket, and closed-toed shoes. Bring water and a lunch. No experience needed, hope to see you out there!

To RSVP or for more info, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.

This is the second day of the strategic planning retreat for board members and staff. The retreat will continue work on long-term planning, organizational goals, and foundational statements for the district.

This month's regular board meeting has been replaced with a strategic planning retreat session for board members and staff. The retreat will take place over two days and will focus on long-term planning, organizational goals, and foundational work on the district's mission and vision.

If you placed a pre-order for tree seedlings and selected Baldwin as your pick-up location, your order will be ready for you!

📅 Pick-Up Details:
✔ Check in with your name, and we’ll have your pre-packed order ready.
✔ Staff and volunteers will be available to assist.

⚠ Need to change your pick-up location? Call our office by Thursday, April 23rd, at 4:30 PM to request a change. If you’re unsure of your selection, contact us to confirm.

Please note: Extra stock will not be available for purchase at this location. Pre-orders only.

If you placed a pre-order for tree seedlings, it’s time to pick them up! Orders will be available at the Community Center Barn at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Please enter from the U.S. 10 entrance, take the first right, and park along the south side of the barn.

📅 Pick-Up Details:
✔ Check in at our pick-up table with your name, and we’ll grab your pre-packed order.
✔ Staff and volunteers will be available to assist.
✔ Didn’t pre-order? A limited selection of extra trees, shrubs, and other products will be available for purchase, including tree tubes, stakes, birdhouses, and nature activity books for kids!

⚠ Need to change your pick-up location? Call our office by Thursday, April 23rd, at 4:30 PM to request a change. If you’re unsure of your selected location, give us a call to double-check.

Stop by and see what’s available—while supplies last!

If you placed a pre-order for tree seedlings, it’s time to pick them up! Orders will be available at the Community Center Barn at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Please enter from the U.S. 10 entrance, take the first right, and park along the south side of the barn.

📅 Pick-Up Details:
✔ Check in at our pick-up table with your name, and we’ll grab your pre-packed order.
✔ Staff and volunteers will be available to assist.
✔ Didn’t pre-order? A limited selection of extra trees, shrubs, and other products will be available for purchase, including tree tubes, stakes, birdhouses, and nature activity books for kids!

⚠ Need to change your pick-up location? Call our office by Thursday, April 23rd, at 4:30 PM to request a change. If you’re unsure of your selected location, give us a call to double-check.

Stop by and see what’s available—while supplies last!

The Mason-Lake Conservation District is inviting the community to join us for a stream monitoring workshop at the Ludington Library. This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of stream health and provide training for macroinvertebrate sampling conducted in the spring and fall on the Little Manistee, Big Sable, and Lincoln rivers. Topics include the importance of macroinvertebrate sampling, species identification, and how volunteers can get involved. This event is held in collaboration with the Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council. No prior experience needed. To RSVP or for more information, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.

Interested in joining us for a sampling day? More information on upcoming dates can be found here:

• Little Manistee River – May 16

• Big Sable River – May 21

• Lincoln River – May 30

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 3:30 PM at the Scottville Branch of the Mason County Library, located at 204 E State Street in Scottville. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88689582272?pwd=Ap3ja2XoZUca1ArILljAQOXb4kVmB8.1