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.

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

There is NO COST to attend this event! Please bring your own water and snacks. Because this is not a guided hike, REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED SO JUST SHOW UP! HOWEVER, PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT PARKING IS LIMITED!

 During this event you will learn about different types of fungi (including mushrooms) growing in the forests of Michigan. Specific topics will include identification of wild fungi (including edible and non-edible species) and the basic biology of mushrooms and other fungi. We will also discuss the ecological importance of such fungi in the forest. This event will take place at Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club near Brethren and will be led by Josh Shields, FAP forester and wildlife biologist with the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts, and Linda Scribner, a naturalist who received her Wild Mushroom Certification through Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WILL NOT BE A GUIDED HIKE – Rather, you will wander the park on your own or in groups (there are trails) and Josh Shields will also wander and help you identify fungi, while Linda Scribner will be stationed at a central location where you can bring her specimens. There will also be tables with information about fungi.

If you have any questions, please contact Josh Shields with the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts, at 231-889-9666 (Office), 989-220-9236 (Mobile), or via email at joshua.shields@macd.org.

Presented by Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts, Forestry Assistance Program (FAP), Linda Scribner, and Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club

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 are below for sample dates on the Little Manistee and the Sable River. Please  connect with the contact person below to sign up or for questions on either stream day. 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.

Call Tom to coordinate (231) 342-8594

This meeting has been cancelled. Our next board meeting will be held on June 9th at the Scottville Library.

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

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 are below for sample dates on the Little Manistee and the Sable River. Please  connect with the contact person below to sign up or for questions on either stream day. 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.

Email mason-lake@macd.org or call Dani to coordinate (231) 613-4502

Invasive Species Workshop
Focus Topics: Invasive Knotweed, Invasive Bittersweet & Tree of Heaven

The public is invited to come and learn about invasive species in the City of Ludington. Invasive species professionals will give a big picture presentation, followed by breakout sessions on specific topics. Guests will have an opportunity to ask questions and discover resources throughout the event. No registration or fee is required to attend. FREE EVENT!

Presentations Include:

• 2025 Management Plan
  Learn about 2024 survey results and future plans to address invasive species in the city.

• Property Owner Resources
  Presentation on effective control. Plus information on cost share programs and local contractors.

• Invasive Species ID Walk
  Presentation and ½ mile walk to show how to identify key invasive species.

• Do It Yourself Herbicides
  Learn safe handling practices and legal restrictions for using herbicide on your property.

AFFEW is excited to share a variety of in-person presentations during the Earth Day Celebration! This is a monumental year as AFFEW celebrates its 35th and Earth Day’s 55th anniversaries! This years theme is Our Power, Our Planet. This all day event will include many topics of interest. The keynote speaker, Dr. Erik Nordman, will discuss ”The Power of Working Together” and Jim McGrath from Nature Discovery will bring his interactive show featuring reptiles and amphibians. In addition they’ll have many organizations and groups represented at the information booths. 

We plan to have a staff member attending, so stop by and say hello!

Join us for a fun, family-friendly event as we celebrate spring and the exciting upcoming 2025 Pure Markette season! It's the perfect time to connect with nature, learn about planting, and discover local products and resources.

Event Highlights:

• Pick up your MLCD preorder spring trees (Deadline: 3/7/25 - visit our website to order)

• Planting, care, and safety tips

• Spring treats from local farmers and makers

• Sneak peek of the 2025 Pure Markette season and programs

• Free seedling giveaway (1 per family – plant it at home or gift it!)

• Vendors offering farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan products, and more

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 24, 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.

While you're in Baldwin, be sure to stop by Pure Markette from 10 AM to Noon to celebrate Mother Earth, spring, and the upcoming 2025 market season! They’ll be offering free seedlings to plant or gift, planting and care instructions, spring treats from local farmers and makers, and more. Pure Markette is also helping promote our tree sale pick-up—so swing by and enjoy the festivities!

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 24, 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 24, 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!