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.

Come join 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, please sign up using our Google Form. For questions or more information, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or 231-613-4511

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 fall? 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, please sign up using our Google Form. For questions or more information, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or 231-613-4511

The Mason-Lake Conservation District's first meeting of the fiscal year will be held on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026, beginning at 3:30 PM, at the Webber Township Hall in Baldwin. The Board will finalize the meeting schedule for the remainder of the fiscal year at this meeting. Public is welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82959918184?pwd=bcj7OGjHfaYehawK6acvFfa0vplrKV.1

Fall 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, please sign up using our Google Form. For questions or more information, contact Julia Place at julia.place@macd.org or 231-613-4511

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.

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

The meeting will be held Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Victory Township Hall. Local residents, organizations, municipal representatives, and other interested community members are encouraged to attend. This meeting will include updates on work completed throughout the watershed this summer, preliminary findings from field monitoring efforts, and continued discussion of watershed concerns and priorities for future work.

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. Protecting these resources requires collaboration among many people who live, work, and play throughout the watershed.

This stakeholder meeting is part of the ‘Kick-Starting Water Quality in the Lincoln River Watershed’ project. Since the first stakeholder meeting held in June, MLCD has been working to collect additional information about current conditions throughout the watershed. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear updates from these efforts and continue conversations where next steps should be prioritized to guide a future watershed management plan.

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Julia Place at the Mason-Lake Conservation District at 231-757-3707 ext. 5.

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 Fin and Feather Club in Scottville and will be led by Josh Shields, FAP forester and wildlife biologist with the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts, and naturalist Linda Scribner. Both Linda and Josh received their Wild-Foraged 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 property on your own or in groups 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 231-399-9030 x 102 (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 Fin and Feather Club of Mason County

This meeting is a chance to hear the results of our Conservation Needs Assessment Survey that we conducted throughout the community this year, and see how local input is shaping future conservation efforts at our District.

As a joint meeting with our federal partners at Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), attendees can also learn more about federal Farm Bill programs and provide input on natural resource issues and local priorities. Feedback from this working group can influence how Farm Bill projects and cost-share are prioritized for farm and conservation projects in our area. For example, what conservation projects are not getting done, and would cost-share help to make it happen?

Farmers, foresters, landowners, local officials, conservation groups and community members are invited to attend. Your voice can guide future conservation work and financial assistance.

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/82959918184?pwd=bcj7OGjHfaYehawK6acvFfa0vplrKV.1

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

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!