Eaton Conservation District

10/13/2026

For the first time ever, we’re kicking off an annual sponsorship campaign for 2027.

For as little as $250, your business or organization can support Eaton Conservation District's work and receive recognition throughout the year. We also have larger opportunities, including presenting sponsorships from $2,000 - $6,000. View the sponsorship package here: bit.ly/SponsorECD

A sponsorship helps us continue bringing conservation education, community events, and boots-on-the-ground programs to Eaton County and beyond, including the Conservation Carnival, Tree Sale, Native Plant Sale, farm field days, stream monitoring, and more.

Are you interested in sponsoring these programs, or know a business or organization that might be a good fit? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Shari Merten, Development & Event Coordinator, at [email protected]

Thank you for supporting local conservation and helping us continue this work in Eaton County!

10/10/2026

CWD Kits are Back!
Free Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing kits are available from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for pickup at our offices

Please note:
☑ Each package contains supplies to test three deer.
☑ Please take only one kit.
☑ If you do not use your kit, please return it to our office rather than throwing it away. These kits have prepaid postage, which is expensive.

Pick up from 551 Courthouse Dr., Charlotte, Suites #1 or #3

Thank you for helping us support healthy deer populations and local wildlife!

10/08/2026

Keith Moss: Remembering a Conservationist & Friend
Eaton Conservation District sends our condolences to the family and friends of Rory “Keith” Moss, who passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at the age of 63.

Keith was a former Eaton Conservation District Board director, serving from 2012-2018. He spent much of his career working in wastewater. Before joining the Board, Keith was an active conservation partner, helping lead Charlotte river cleanups, supporting the Science Adventure Camp co-hosted with the City of Charlotte, and being recognized as our Conservation Partner of the Year.

Former Eaton Conservation District Executive Director, Andrea Stay remembers Keith as “truly the kindest, best dude I’ve ever worked with” and one of her biggest supporters during her time at the District.

We are grateful for Keith’s service, friendship, and dedication to conservation in Eaton County. He will be deeply missed.

Celebration of Life: October 24, 1 - 4:30 p.m. at Eaton Area Senior Center, Charlotte, MI

10/08/2026

Notice of Special Meeting
The Eaton Conservation District Board of Directors has called a special meeting for Friday, October 9th at 4:00pm. The meeting location is 7710 West Saginaw Hwy, Lansing MI 48917 - Conference Room C
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and take action authorizing an alternate signatory for grant contracts in the absence of the board chair

10/07/2026

As promised, we’re announcing the winner of our Archive Photo Showcase!

Recently, we hosted a special showcase at EagleMonk Pub & Brewery featuring a selection of photos from our archived Amateur Photo Contests, with entries dating all the way back to 1999. Visitors had the chance to look through the collection, celebrate Eaton County’s natural beauty, and vote for their all-time favorite photo.

And the winner is...
Kathleen Hubbard’s 2021 photo of a Sandhill Crane!

Thank you to everyone who came out to view the showcase, cast a vote, and celebrate the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Eaton County with us.

And a big thank you to Eaglemonk Pub & Brewery for having us! 🍺

10/02/2026

River Conservation Day is tomorrow at Bennett Park in Charlotte! Don't miss it!

23 Years of Caring for Charlotte’s Rivers

Join us for the 23rd Annual Charlotte River Conservation Day on Saturday, October 3, from 8:30am to noon at Bennett Park. This long-standing community event brings people together to enjoy the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and lend a hand caring for Charlotte’s rivers, parks, and natural areas. Volunteers will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of hands-on projects, including:

• Removing trash from the Battle Creek River and Butternut Creek
• Beautifying Bennett Park
• Clearing and maintaining trails
• Caring for rain gardens
• And more!

We will provide cleanup supplies and equipment. Arrive before 9am for coffee and donuts, and lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 8:30am-12pm
Location: Bennett Park, 1305 Cochran Avenue, Charlotte

This event is organized by the City of Charlotte and Eaton Conservation District.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980382554531?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/01/2026

NRCS in Eaton County is Accepting Applications for Conservation Programs

While the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers should apply by Oct. 30, 2026, to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include:

🌽Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): The Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement. The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.
🌻Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation.
🌾Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides producers with the technical and financial resources they need to address resource concerns on their land including improved water and air quality, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion, improved natural vitality and more.

NRCS is also providing additional financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application for EQIP and CSP. RPP is part of USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system.

Call 517-543-1512x3 or visit 551 Courthouse Drive, Suite 3 for more information.

09/30/2026

🎉 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Two Outstanding Farms! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Triple F Hobby Farm and Dawn til Dusk Farm for achieving their MAEAP Verification! This achievement reflects their commitment to protecting Michigan’s natural resources, improving soil and water quality, and leading the way in responsible stewardship.

MAEAP‑Verified farms set the bar high, showing their communities what environmental responsibility looks like in action. We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and continued care for the land they farm. 🌱💧🌾

If your farm is interested in taking the next step, MAEAP is voluntary, confidential, and is designed to help farms of all types and sizes reduce environmental risks while strengthening long-term sustainability.

Become verified, be recognized, and help keep Michigan’s natural resources thriving for future generations! 🌎💚

For more information, contact: [email protected]