Join us for a fun evening at Ludington Bay Brewing Co. during a Celebrity Bartender Night supporting local conservation efforts. Community supporters will step behind the bar, with proceeds benefiting conservation programs in Mason and Lake Counties.

The night will include raffles and a relaxed, social atmosphere, making it a great opportunity to enjoy good company while supporting a meaningful cause. Staff and board members will be in attendance to show their support throughout the evening.

Join us for a winter grower meeting focused on practical, real-world conservation topics for farms and forested land. This event will cover regenerative agriculture, soil health, and funding opportunities that support sustainable practices.

Presentations will include biochar and how it can be used to improve soil and reduce fertilizer inputs, the benefits and options for using cover crops, and available cost-share programs for conservation projects. The meeting will also touch on invasive species management in northern Michigan forests and highlight conservation equipment and MAEAP-related resources available to producers.

To register, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScu-H4L96o_yu3FXnVX4a2vCSb3h17Dj8uA8b9f8u6GI2B4MQ/viewform

Hybrid event, held in person at Ludington Library or online via Zoom

Join a panel of conservation professionals from the Cadillac Area Land Conservancy, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to learn about options for protecting and conserving land into the future. The discussion will cover tools such as land donations, conservation easements, and other preservation approaches.

Presentations and panel discussion will address a wide range of land types, including forested areas, agricultural land, wetlands, riparian areas, and natural open spaces. A future event is planned to focus more specifically on Michigan Department of Agriculture programs related to agricultural easements and PA-116 open land preservation.

This hybrid seminar includes a mix of presentations and panel questions. Refreshments will be provided for those attending in person. Participants may attend in person or virtually.

To join in person, please register [here]

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

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

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

We'd love for you to join us for macroinvertebrate sampling in the coming weeks. This is a fun chance to meet other amazing volunteers, wade in a river, collecting insects that will help us monitor the health of the river. We have two rivers that we are planning to tackle and we need volunteer helpers! Details below are for the Big Sable River.

Volunteers should plan to dress for the weather, wear long sleeves, long pants, rain jacket and closed-toed shoes (poison ivy occurs in some areas). We can lend out waders or knee boots if you let us know ahead of time. Volunteers can wade in the stream to collect macroinvertebrates with nets, pull logs and rocks, or hang out streamside and pull insects from these items and sort for later identification. No experience needed and we'll provide all equipment. Hope to see you out there!

Meet at 9am on US31, park across the road from Doc's Sable River Inn. Sampling this site and maybe carpooling to a 2nd site at Stephens Rd. Sampling generally goes 10-2. Bring a lunch!

Contact Julia Place at - julia.place@macd.org or 906-236-0488.

*Date has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th due to Columbus Day

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 4:00 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/87569296410?pwd=gAhC4nt6K1TrCOmfAXvlkecSqgfJ3Y.1#success

Meeting ID: 889 2133 2369
Passcode: 390670

We'd love for you to join us for macroinvertebrate sampling in the coming weeks. This is a fun chance to meet other amazing volunteers, wade in a river, collecting insects that will help us monitor the health of the river. We have two rivers that we are planning to tackle and we need volunteer helpers! Details below are for the Little Manistee River.

Volunteers should plan to dress for the weather, wear long sleeves, long pants, rain jacket and closed-toed shoes (poison ivy occurs in some areas). We can lend out waders or knee boots if you let us know ahead of time. Volunteers can wade in the stream to collect macroinvertebrates with nets, pull logs and rocks, or hang out streamside and pull insects from these items and sort for later identification. No experience needed and we'll provide all equipment. Hope to see you out there!

Meet at 10am at Club 37 on M37 north of Baldwin. Sampling generally goes 10-2. Bring a lunch!
We divide into teams and carpool to sites, visiting 3 sites. It usually takes until 2 or 3pm, but people can just stay for one site if they wish.

Contact Julia Place at - julia.place@macd.org or 906-236-0488.

Arborists, foresters, and other tree-care professionals are invited to join this free workshop on treating Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), hosted by the Mason-Lake Conservation District and Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network. Presenters from the Conservation District and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will cover HWA biology, effective treatment options, and provide a hands-on field demonstration. Continuing education credits are available for Certified Pesticide Applicators in several categories, and a $5–$10 donation is suggested.

Please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwngt43_KCJNunL6ORdegO2smgZo4Rddmx-ZVv9wxiYEaRXA/viewform

For more information see the attached flyer

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.

Stop by to pick up your Native Plant Sale order. Thank you for supporting native plants in our community! A limited selection of extra plants will also be available for purchase during pickup.

Farm Field Day is an annual event that brings together farmers, landowners, and community members to explore conservation practices and farming approaches that support healthy land and productive operations. During this field day, you will take part in a tour of local farms with demonstrations and discussions led by conservation specialists and partners. The evening will wrap up with dinner and time to connect with others in the community.

There is no cost to attend Farm Field Day, and donations toward dinner are appreciated. Space is limited, so please register by September 8th, 2025, at https://forms.office.com/r/a6TuSmX6WV or by calling the Mason-Lake Conservation District office at (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 4:00 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/88921332369?pwd=gzIyfhbbOpQXfSaOaD4D8doCGWf0RV.1

Meeting ID: 889 2133 2369
Passcode: 390670

This meeting invites producers, landowners, local officials, and community members to share input on natural resource concerns and priorities. Feedback will help guide USDA conservation programs like EQIP and CSP to better serve local needs.

Topics Discussed:

• Top local resource concerns (e.g. water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat)

• Conservation practice priorities

• Funding strategies and program delivery improvements.

Your participation is valuable and will help shape future conservation efforts in our community.

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/9040B4EA4A82FA1F49-57578214-household#/

THIS MEETING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13th AND WILL STILL BE HELD AT THE SCOTTVILLE LIBRARY STARTING AT 4:00 PM

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 4:00 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/88921332369?pwd=gzIyfhbbOpQXfSaOaD4D8doCGWf0RV.1

Meeting ID: 889 2133 2369
Passcode: 390670

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a non-native invasive shrub that is a serious problem for many landowners in our area. It was first introduced in the mid 1800’s for windbreaks, wildlife food and erosion control. It now invades pastures, forests, yards, electrical corridors and parks. The fruit produced is low in protein and fat but high in carbohydrates, making it less nutritious for wildlife than the native plants it displaces. Attempts to control the encroachment of this aggressive shrub are often unsuccessful.

 So, what is a landowner to do? How do you get rid of this menace of a plant? Come to the Autumn Olive workshop taking place on August 8th from 2-4 pm at Pere Marquette Conservation Park, 1560 S. Lakeshore Dr. in Ludington. Conservation District staff will be there to share current information on autumn olive control and demonstrate different treatment techniques. Details about NRCS brush management cost share through Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) will also be shared. The workshop will end with a demonstration using the techniques discussed. For those who need it, Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP)/certification credits will be available. This workshop is free and there is no registration required. For questions call Mason-Lake Conservation District at (231) 757-3707.

Get your well water tested for free during our upcoming Nitrate and Nitrite Testing Days. This event is open to residents with private drinking water wells and aims to help identify potential nitrate contamination, which can pose health risks, especially to infants, pregnant individuals, and the elderly. Participants should follow the provided sampling instructions and bring a properly labeled, cold water sample to one of our drop-off locations.

• Run water for 20 minutes before collecting the sample from an untreated tap.

• Outdoor faucets work well; detach the hose before sampling.

• Label bottle clearly with your name, sampling date, and the well name (e.g., cottage well, Mom’s well).

• Use a small clean jar/bottle (mason jars, baby food jars, etc.) to collect one ounce samples.

• Water samples must be less than 48 hours old and kept cold before being dropped off.

• Water sampling forms are available on our website or when you drop off the samples.

• This service is for private drinking water wells only. Public water supplies are tested regularly.

You can access the form here: Water Sample Form (PDF).

Get your well water tested for free during our upcoming Nitrate and Nitrite Testing Days. This event is open to residents with private drinking water wells and aims to help identify potential nitrate contamination, which can pose health risks, especially to infants, pregnant individuals, and the elderly. Participants should follow the provided sampling instructions and bring a properly labeled, cold water sample to one of our drop-off locations.

• Run water for 20 minutes before collecting the sample from an untreated tap.

• Outdoor faucets work well; detach the hose before sampling.

• Label bottle clearly with your name, sampling date, and the well name (e.g., cottage well, Mom’s well).

• Use a small clean jar/bottle (mason jars, baby food jars, etc.) to collect one ounce samples.

• Water samples must be less than 48 hours old and kept cold before being dropped off.

• Water sampling forms are available on our website or when you drop off the samples.

• This service is for private drinking water wells only. Public water supplies are tested regularly.

You can access the form here: Water Sample Form (PDF).

Get your well water tested for free during our upcoming Nitrate and Nitrite Testing Days. This event is open to residents with private drinking water wells and aims to help identify potential nitrate contamination, which can pose health risks, especially to infants, pregnant individuals, and the elderly. Participants should follow the provided sampling instructions and bring a properly labeled, cold water sample to one of our drop-off locations.

• Run water for 20 minutes before collecting the sample from an untreated tap.

• Outdoor faucets work well; detach the hose before sampling.

• Label bottle clearly with your name, sampling date, and the well name (e.g., cottage well, Mom’s well).

• Use a small clean jar/bottle (mason jars, baby food jars, etc.) to collect one ounce samples.

• Water samples must be less than 48 hours old and kept cold before being dropped off.

• Water sampling forms are available on our website or when you drop off the samples.

• This service is for private drinking water wells only. Public water supplies are tested regularly.

You can access the form here: Water Sample Form (PDF).

Join us for an educational event focused on aquatic vegetation identification, where participants will learn how to recognize both native and invasive plant species found in Michigan's lakes. This program is a collaboration between the Mason-Lake Conservation District, MSU Extension, and the Bass Lakes Area Environmental Partnership. There will be a Diver Assisted Suction Harvest (DASH) boat demonstration at the Big Bass Lake boat launch to show one of the methods used to manage invasive aquatic plants. Registration is available at https://forms.office.com/r/ZDDa7tkYhT.

Monthly meetings have been scheduled on the 2nd Monday of the month, beginning at 4:00 PM, this month will be at the Webber Township Hall in Baldwin, MI. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88921332369?pwd=gzIyfhbbOpQXfSaOaD4D8doCGWf0RV.1

Meeting ID: 889 2133 2369
Passcode: 390670

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 Mason County property owned by Steve and Kristen Kimm.  Presenters will include Josh Shields, Forestry Assistance Program [FAP] forester, wildlife biologist, and arborist with the Manistee Conservation District (MCD) and Mason-Lake Conservation District (MLCD); as well as the landowner Steve Kimm.

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 3rd, 2025.  To register online go to https://forms.office.com/r/13gADezVL9.   Or call the MLCD office at 231-757-3707 ext. 5.

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

Learn how to build a rain barrel to safely collect and reuse rainwater for gardening, outdoor washing, and even creating an outdoor shower. Participants will receive an instruction guide and a hardware shopping list to help build their own at home. Demonstrations will take place during the event, and attendees can enter to win one of four completed rain barrels.

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.

We invite the public to learn how to identify wild parsnip and learn about the potential harm posed by this invasive species. Wild Parsnip can outcompete desirable native species and can harm livestock and humans that come into contact with it.

FREE EVENT-NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Birding in Your Backyard is a four-part series focused on the birds all around us. Topics include birding in our area, creating a backyard wildlife habitat, bird photography, and birds in the arts and humanities. No experience is needed—just an interest in birds!

Each session is held on the third Tuesday of the month (May through August) at the Ludington Library.

Our forester, Josh Shields, will be presenting during the June session—don’t miss it!

This presentation will be about the components of wildlife habitat (food, water, cover, and space) and different ways that landowners can provide these components.  The particular focus will be on creating such habitats for wildlife (including songbirds!) in backyard settings, with local examples.

Come to The Barn at Shagway with Certified Forester, Wildlife Biologist, and Arborist Josh Shields from the Michigan Forestry Assistance Program at the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts. Josh will walk with participants through the trails on the property and talk about trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plant species. Donations welcome to support ongoing preservation of the grounds, the barn and eradicating invasive species at The Barn at Shagway.

To register: www.thebarnatshagway.com/nature-walk-talk

Join us at our office for Bug ID Day, where we’ll be identifying macroinvertebrates collected from the Little Manistee River 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.