Conservation District celebrates 75 years at upcoming annual meeting

submitted by Washtenaw County Conservation District

Join the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) in celebrating 75 years of conservation work in Washtenaw County at the Robin Hills Events Center (Glasshouse at Robin Hills Farm Event Center, 20390 Stockbridge Chelsea Rd. (M-52), Chelsea) on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 5:30pm. The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Becky Huttenga of Ottawa County on farmland preservation in Michigan. The meeting will also include: a presentation on 75 years of conservation at the WCCD, highlighting key leaders and accomplishments; a Distinguished Service Award and Volunteer of the Year Award; a director election; and a snapshot of key priorities for the WCCD for 2026. Dinner will be provided by Wesley Catering. Tickets $20 each, RSVP required.

The keynote presentation will focus on the loss of farmers, farms, and farmland in Michigan, a complex problem of ever-increasing concern. This presentation shines a spotlight on the challenge of farmland protection and how the losses can be curtailed through agricultural easements, land linking, succession planning and more. Ms. Huttenga — supported by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funding, Ottawa County, and Michigan Food and Farming Systems — developed, launched, and piloted the MIFarmLink Project and MIFarmLink.org, a website specifically designed for farmland real estate listings. The WCCD will be collaborating with Ottawa County to take over management and expansion of MIFarmLink.

The 2023 District Director election results will be announced at the annual meeting. All Washtenaw County residents, 18 years of age and older, are eligible to vote and those in attendance may vote at the annual meeting. All absentee ballots, available at the WCCD office (705 Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI) or by request, must be submitted by 12pm on January 19.

Proof of residency is required with submission of ballot. More information about director candidates and instructions on how to participate in the election can be found at washtenawcd.org/2023-director-elections. The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local unit of government, assisting Washtenaw residents with the conservation, management, and wise-use of their natural resources since 1948. This District is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Information on the Conservation District is available online 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.