Join Barry CD’s Executive Director to discover the important role wetlands play in protecting water quality, reducing flooding, supporting wildlife habitat, and maintaining healthy ecosystems. This educational program will explore wetland ecology, the relationships between native plants and their environment, and the impacts invasive species can have on local landscapes.

Participants will also learn about common wild plants that can be responsibly harvested during late summer, including species typically available in August and September. Gain practical knowledge about plant identification, ecological stewardship, and the benefits of native plant communities.

Whether you're interested in conservation, native plants, foraging, or simply learning more about the natural world around you, this program offers a great opportunity to connect with local ecosystems and expand your understanding of Michigan's wetlands and plant life.

The Barry Conservation District Board of Directors meets at 8 am on the second Tuesday of the month at the Tyden Center Conference Room, 121 S Church St, Hastings MI 49058, unless otherwise noted.

Are you a new producer with questions about how to safely sell produce to the public? MDARD inspectors and the Conservation District’s Produce Safety Technician will talk about best practices and answer all your questions!

The Barry Conservation District Board of Directors meets at 8 am on the second Tuesday of the month at the Tyden Center Conference Room, 121 S Church St, Hastings MI 49058, unless otherwise noted.

Enjoy a guided, hands-on walk through Tyden Park as you learn to identify common trees and native saplings. Practice using field guides and apps while discovering key features like leaves, bark, and seeds that make each species unique.

Suggested Registration for Tree Identification materials and updates. 

Join us for a workshop on identifying and managing the invasive species that impact our local landscapes. We will discuss effective control strategies to help you protect native habitats and improve the overall health and resilience of your property and our region.

The session also highlights the technical guidance and financial assistance programs available to landowners. Learn how to access these professional resources and cost-share opportunities to support your conservation efforts and long-term stewardship goals.

Agenda:

1:30 p.m.  Introductions and History of Kellogg Forest

• Speaker: K.J. Kettler – MSU AgBioResearch

2 p.m.  What is CISMA and Conservation District?

• Resources Available, Common Invasives, Forestry Programs, etc.

  • Speakers:

    • Sara Rahn – Invasive Species Coordinator, BCK CISMA

    • Ben Savoie – District Forester, Barry Conservation District

3 p.m. Field Portion: Invasive species management demonstration

• Identification practice, techniques, and safety

  • Speaker: Sara Rahn – Invasive Species Coordinator, BCK CISMA with Support from BCK CISMA Strike Team

 4 p.m. – Adjourn

Cost: FREE

The Barry Conservation District Board of Directors meets at 8 am on the second Tuesday of the month at the Tyden Center Conference Room, 121 S Church St, Hastings MI 49058, unless otherwise noted.

Join the Barry Conservation District and Thornapple River Watershed Council as we install two new rain gardens in the Thornapple River Watershed! This is a volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in native plants, native landscaping techniques, and stormwater pollution reduction. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt if they sign up.

T-shirts are first come, first served until gone.

Join the Barry Conservation District and Thornapple River Watershed Council as we install two new rain gardens in the Thornapple River Watershed! This is a volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in native plants, native landscaping techniques, and stormwater pollution reduction. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt if they sign up.

T-shirts are first come, first served until gone.

Join BCK CISMA on the evening of May 27th to gain some hands-on experience dealing with the invasive mile-a-minute weed (MAMW). We will have a short introduction presentation on MAMW, and then you will be able to take a brief hike to hand-pull some patches of MAMW at the Whitehouse Nature Center, Albion College. Register to receive an MAMW t-shirt on the day of the event.

Join us to learn about about forest health and history of the site, plus gain hands-on experience on how to ID and manage common woody invasive species while volunteering with staff from Barry Conservation District, BCK CISMA and Barry County Parks.

Photo from SWMLC Hike

Qualified Forest Program Public Information Session for Forest Landowners

Does your property have 20 or more acres of forest? And do you want to save a bundle on your property taxes? Then the Qualified Forest Program Information Session, hosted by the Eaton County Conservation District, is for you.

About the tax reduction program: The State of Michigan's Qualified Forest Program (QFP) provides a generous property tax reduction to non-homestead landowners who manage their forest professionally. In exchange for the property tax exemption, landowners must hire a qualified forester to create a management plan that focuses on wildlife habitat, soil & water conservation and commercial harvesting of timber.

Public access to your land is NOT required. Applications must be submitted by September 1st for the 2027 tax year. 

Parcels that are 20-39 acres must be 80% forested; parcels that are 40+ acres must be 50% forested. Non-homestead structures are allowed, but they are not eligible for the tax exemption.

Visit www.michigan.gov/qfp for additional program information. 

About the Public Information Session: At this public session, Ben Savoie, Barry Conservation District Forester and James Gray, Principal Consulting Forester at Natural Capital Forestry, LLC will explain the essentials of and 'direct from the trenches' insights about QFP so that you can determine if it is right for you and your land. In addition, we will discuss important topics like forest management plans and generous cost-share programs to help pay for conservation improvements like tree planting and removing invasive vegetation. 

Act now so that you can join before the September 1st deadline!

The Barry Conservation District Board of Directors meets at 8 am on the second Tuesday of the month at the Tyden Center Conference Room, 121 S Church St, Hastings MI 49058, unless otherwise noted.

The Barry Conservation District Board of Directors meets at 8 am on the second Tuesday of the month at the Tyden Center Conference Room, 121 S Church St, Hastings MI 49058, unless otherwise noted.