Benzie Conservation District

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Seeking Input on Local Resource Concerns

8/25/2023

The USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), along with the Benzie Conservation District and the Manistee Conservation District, is hosting a public local work group meeting to discuss the FY2024 Farm Bill Programs. Local work group meetings are formed and held annually to gather input from cooperating federal, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, and the public to determine the priority natural resource concerns in our area. The conservation districts serve a vital role as the link between the private landowner and the USDA-NRCS who administers the farm bill conservation programs. Input provided will be used to help inform NRCS’s strategic response to local natural resource concerns.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 1:00 - 3:00pm at the Mills Community House located at 891 Michigan Ave, Benzonia, MI 49616. In addition to the meeting, the NRCS is seeking input via a public survey which can be completed through September 15th, 2023. The survey consists of 16 natural resource concerns that are common to our part of Michigan, such as air quality, terrestrial habitat, surface water and groundwater pollution, and soil health, and asks participants to rank these concerns between low priority, medium priority, and high priority. The concerns prioritized through the survey will be used to determine NRCS’s FY 2024 Farm Bill conservation programs.

take the survey

Paper copies of the survey can be found at either the Manistee Conservation District or Benzie Conservation District offices and can be returned by mail, email, or by dropping it off at the Conservation District offices.

For more information on the local work group meeting or the survey, contact your local NRCS office at 231-889-9666 for Manistee County, or 231-882-4391 for Benzie County.

Fall Native Seedling Sale is Happening Now!

8/18/2023

Another planting season is around the corner! This month, you can get started on your next planting project with our biannual Native Seedling Sale.

Our fall catalog is lush with native trees and grasses selected carefully for our region. Between a variety of seedlings, grasses, and wildflowers, the chosen plants reflect Benzie County’s natural beauty while supporting the needs of our community. Wildlife savor the food and resting spots provided by native plants, which also create windbreaks and limit erosion with their root structures. This year’s sale features returning favorites like white spruce, along with new products, such as the Prairie Mix blend of grasses and wildflowers.

The 2023 Fall Native Seedling Sale begins August 17th and ends September 21st, with product pickup in early October. These dates are strategically timed for best planting opportunities. In autumn, young trees don’t get scorched by the summer heat, and native grass seeds germinate well in cool soils.

Seedling sale orders can be placed in person, by mail, or online starting on August 17th. Items will be reserved for pickup on October 6th at our downtown Beulah office. In the meantime, we’re happy to help you select species for your site and provide free planting guides. Visit us at 280 S. Benzie Blvd in Beulah, mail to PO Box 408, or contact 231-882-4391 or info@benziecd.org. Find the latest sale updates in our e-news, seedling sale page, and social media.

Whether you’re planning a long-term conservation project, excited for an opportunity to garden, or want to leave a lasting mark for generations to come, native species are a perfect match for your goals.

Happy planting!