Manchester couple to be honored at Conservation District’s annual meeting

Plant Pathologist Dr. David Roberts will present on the “Health of Michigan Urban Forests” at the Washtenaw County Conservation District’s 71st Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held 6 pm Thursday, January 10, 2019, at the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. The public is welcome to attend.

The meeting will also include the presentation of three conservation awards. The “Walter Wolfgang Memorial” Conservation Farmer of the Year Award will be presented to Jerry and Jean Kuhl of Sharon Township, and the Tree Conservationist Award will be presented to the Norma and Dan Green of Scio Township. The 1st Annual Beginning or Small Farmer of the Year Award will be presented to Cathy and Tom Shurmur.

The Kuhls are being recognized for their conservation farming efforts—including no-till, grid soil, variable rate fertilizer application, cover crops and high level Integrated Pest Management. The Greens are being recognized for many years of excellent tree planting and their overall stewardship efforts on their 42 acre property. The Shurmurs are being recognized for integrating conservation practices in their first ten years of farming, including producing nutrient needs on-site through green manure and vermicompost production.

Dr. Roberts will discuss a variety of invasive species and pests plaguing Michigan’s urban forests. Unknowingly, property owners are contributing to the demise of their trees. Several major maladies will be discussed, including the threat of Oak Wilt, the newly introduced Trellis Rust on pear, and herbicide toxicity. Questions from attendees will be welcomed.

Dr. Roberts retired from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2018 after committing four decades to advancing MSU’s Land Grant Mission. He has published hundreds of articles and has taught lectures and workshops. Dr. Roberts has researched many issues on Michigan’s plant industry, including Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, Diplodia Tip Blight of Pines, and a variety of cultural problems such as plant nutrition and herbicide toxicity

A buffet dinner will open the District Annual Meeting, catered by Moveable Feast.  Donations for dinner are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Reservations are needed for the dinner and should be made by January 7. To make reservations, call the District Office at: (734) 205-1219 or e-mail: megan.deleeuw@macd.org. Payment can be made at the door the night of the meeting.                      

Program reports on 2018 accomplishments and a door prize drawing will also be included in the meeting program. For more information about the Conservation District annual meeting, or to make dinner reservations (deadline is Jan. 7), call the District Office at: (734) 205-1219 or email megan.deleeuw@macd.org.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local unit of state government, assisting private landowners, businesses and others, with management of their natural resources in Washtenaw County. The District works cooperatively with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This District is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Information on the Conservation District is available on-line at www.washtenawcd.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.