Benzie Conservation District

10/30/2026

This creepy critter is a preserved crayfish, and while some are important to the ecosystem, others have a real scare factor.

Invasive red swamp crayfish are aggressive burrowers that cause erosion and even property damage. They also outcompete native crayfish for food.

At the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference (UMISC), our team learned even more about emerging threats. We also had the honor of presenting our own research about regional boater movement and aquatic invasive species presence in Northwest Michigan’s lakes.

By knowing where aquatic invasive species live, we can work together to stop their spread and protect the waters we love.

Follow to learn more!

10/28/2026

Last weekend’s Spooky Science Fest (hosted by COGNiTiON) was a blast! At our stations, area kids explored creepy crawly specimens and made their own “Franken-Fish” prints.

The prints use a historic Japanese artform called gyotaku, where fishermen would paint on their fish and press it to a page. The result is picture-proof of how big and what kind of fish they caught.

The “creepy crawlies” are aquatic insects we collected from local rivers. We use these insects to study water quality, because some species only live in very clean water.

Thank you everyone who joined the fun, and to Cognition for inviting us to participate!

10/24/2026

Vote for Friends of the Benzie Conservation District today! Oryana Community Co-op’s Groceries for Good program raises funds for local nonprofits through shopper round-ups and a monthly 2% donation day.

Friends of the Benzie Conservation District, our sister organization, is in the running for their 2027 program!

The Friends group exists to amplify our work: empowering our community to protect Benzie’s land, water, forests, and farms.

Help the Friends earn a spot in the 2027 Groceries for Good program! Twelve organizations will be selected.

Cast your vote today at the link in our bio 🔗

10/22/2026

This isn’t your average garden. The Village of Beulah has been upgrading its stormwater systems, and this rain garden is part of the plan!

When rain rushes down Second Street towards Crystal Lake, the deep-rooted native plants in this garden soak up excess water and nutrients, like fertilizer, helping prevent algal blooms on Crystal Lake.

As a demonstration garden, this project shows how shoreline properties can use landscaping to support healthy habitats.

The complete stormwater upgrades are funded by an EGLE nonpoint source grant. Our team got to participate by planting the garden with a Wildflower Association of Michigan grant.

And you can help too! If you love gardening, reach out to us about volunteer opportunities to support the garden.

Follow for more highlights of how the Benzie community is coming together to protect the environment 💙

10/15/2026

Big news! Friends of the Benzie Conservation District, our new sister organization, is officially a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) nonprofit!

Change begins with individuals. Collective efforts make for lasting impacts. When it comes to protecting the land and water we love, we’re stronger together.

Friends of the BCD exists to amplify this work!

Protect what you love! Vote TODAY for Friends of the Benzie Conservation District in Oryana Community Co-op’s 2027 Groceries for Good program! Each year, the program supports local nonprofits through shopper round-ups and a 2% of sales donation day.

Voting is open until October 31, and 12 organizations will be selected for 2027. We’d be grateful for your support!

💚 Cast your vote: oryana.coop/community/groceries-for-good

10/14/2026

Come join the fun! 🎃

🎃 Make your family’s Halloween plans a little more SCIENTIFIC! 🧪

Our Spooky Science Fest is packed with hands-on fun for your curious crew!

Put on your costumes and join us for a scary-good day exploring the science behind the season’s chills and thrills! 👻

🧪 Mix things up at the Potion Making Station
🎃 Watch the Pumpkin Trebuchet in action
💨 Explore Dry Ice Blasters
🐾 Meet our Animal Ambassadors
🐟 Try Franken-Fish Printing
…and much more with our community partners!

📅 Saturday, October 24 | 11 AM–4 PM
📍 The Hoops at Grow Benzie

🎟️ $7 per person or $35 per family - whichever is less!
Members receive 10% off + spooky swag.

Gather your little scientists, invite another family, and join us for a day of spooky discoveries!

10/08/2026

Unfortunate news as invasive red swamp crayfish have been found in a new Michigan county.

Cass County is the latest location to have a confirmed presence of this invasive species. A Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) group, which assists with invasive species management, discovered two dead crayfish while conducting a snorkel survey of a private pond near Niles, Michigan.

This species of crayfish is native to the southern United States but is harmful to Michigan's waters for several reasons:
❎ Causes big impacts on aquatic vegetation, reducing water clarity.

❎ Contributes to shoreline erosion through deep burrows.

❎ Outcompetes native crayfish species that are a major part of our aquatic food chain.

While they are not terribly active this time of year, we hope people continue to report sightings of this invasive crayfish. We know people like to eat them, but please remember it is unlawful to possess live red swamp crayfish in Michigan. They often spread by being used as live bait, escaping as aquatic pets, or being brought into the state live for boiling and eating.

Details on where these invasive crayfish have been found and how to report sightings can be found in the comments.

10/06/2026

Meet the macros! Macroinvertebrates are small critters that don’t have a backbone, like insects, snails, and crayfish. Despite their small size, they play a big role in helping researchers study water quality.

Certain aquatic macros are highly sensitive to pollutants. Their presence in a river can indicate how ecologically healthy the water is.

This Saturday, we need your help to collect macros from local rivers. Join our water quality team for Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program to discover the fascinating world of macros, and help us research water quality at the same time.

Sign up and learn more at www.benziecd.org/vsmp-fall-2026

10/02/2026

Seedling sale pickup is today! It’s beautiful weather for planting, and we have extra pines, white cedar, white spruce, and balsam fir available. Visit us behind our office October 2 from 9:00am to 4:00pm to pick up your order and shop for extras.

09/25/2026

Curious about small-scale homesteading? We’re excited to partner with Eran and Stephanie Rhodzell of Laughing Linden Farm for a Family Farm Day!

Bring the family to enjoy guided tours, demonstrations, and get inspiration for creating native and edible landscapes while improving the soil. You’ll also learn about Conservation District-facilitated programs for getting practical advice unique to your property and goals.

Plus, kids will enjoy hands-on crafts and activities like a farm scavenger hunt.

This event will be October 25 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. RSVPs are required, as parking is limited.

Learn more and sign up at benziecd.org/events