More Resource Links Below...

Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠⁠

Our guest in this episode is Chad Machinski, Conservation Manager at Michigan Audubon. Passionate and dedicated, Chad has been making significant strides in sanctuary stewardship and volunteer engagement since March 2023. With a strong background in botany and ecology, Chad's love for the natural world blossomed during his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Michigan. There, he honed his skills and knowledge about Michigan's diverse ecosystems through hands-on conservation work as a Nichols Arboretum Caretaker. An ISA Certified Arborist, Chad is skilled in plant identification, propagation, integrated pest management, and tree care. Whether he's binoculars in hand, studying birds, or flipping logs in search of reptiles, Chad's commitment to conservation is evident in every aspect of his life. His recent efforts include the revitalization of sanctuaries like Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary in Barry County and the monitoring of Chimney Swifts at the Barry County Courthouse, showcasing his dedication to protecting and understanding the intricate web of life in Michigan's natural habitats. We want to note that Michigan Audubon is a partner of Barry Conservation District.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Michigan Audubon www.michiganaudubon.org

Crossley Bird ID Guides https://crossleybooks.com

Cornell Lab or Ornithology https://www.birds.cornell.edu

Mathaei Botanical Gardens https://mbgna.umich.edu

Otis Farm & Warner Sanctuary https://www.michiganaudubon.org/faq-items/otis-farm-bird-sanctuary/

Swift Night Out in Fri August 23rd https://www.michiganaudubon.org/calendar/swift-night-out-hastings/

Cerulean Warbler Tours in Spring https://www.michiganaudubon.org/go-birding/cerulean-warbler-tours/

If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠⁠

More on Conservation Fridays at ⁠https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays⁠

More Resource Links Below...

Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠

Our guest today is Catherine Getty, a highly experienced and dedicated community leader with a strong background in natural resource development and land use planning. Currently Catherine is a Barry County Commissioner for District 2, which includes Middleville as well as parts of Thornapple and Yankee Springs Townships. In this capacity she serves on the committees of Broadband Expansion, Personnel and Human Services, the Board of Health, Middleville Local Development Finance Authority, Parks and Recreation, and Solid Waste Oversight.Catherine Getty is also Executive Director of Blue Zones Activate Barry County. And it’s this role that we’re especially interested in today. Catherine’s leadership exhibits a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of Barry County residents. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep connection to the local community that make her a vital figure in promoting active and healthy lifestyles. May is Mental Health Month, and we’ve asked her here today to learn more about Blue Zones initiatives as they pertain to the outdoors, health, and wellness. And we should mention that Blue Zones is a sponsor of Outdoor Youth Day 24 – an event we organize – and a partner of Barry Conservation District.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Blue Zones bluezones.com

Activate Barry County bluezones.com/activate-barry-county/

Activate Barry County Facebook facebook.com/BlueZonesActivateBarryCounty/

Modern Farmer article on Farm Stops https://modernfarmer.com/2024/05/is-the-farm-stop-revolution-upon-us/

Ann Arbor's Argus Farm Stop https://www.argusfarmstop.com

If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at ⁠barrycd.org/give⁠

More on Conservation Fridays at https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays

More Resource Links Below...

Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠barrycd.org/give

Today, we are joined by LGROW's Matt Bain.

Matt is an Aquatic Specialist at the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC), stationed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a deep-seated passion for aquatic ecosystems, Matthew has dedicated the past four years to studying and safeguarding the health of rivers and streams within the lower Grand River Organization of watersheds. He holds a Master of Science degree in Biology with a specialization in Aquatic Ecology from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where his research focused on aquatic macroinvertebrate ecology and taxonomy.As an Aquatic Specialist, Matthew's primary role involves conducting macroinvertebrate sampling throughout the lower Grand River watershed. This sampling is critical for monitoring water quality, as different macroinvertebrate groups exhibit varying tolerances to pollution, providing valuable insights into the health of the river system. In addition to his fieldwork, Matthew is actively involved in education and community outreach efforts, collaborating on grant writing and sharing his expertise to raise awareness about the importance of preserving aquatic biodiversity.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds https://www.lgrow.org

Email Matt Bain at ⁠matt.bain@gvmc.org⁠

Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) https://micorps.net

If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at barrycd.org/give

More on Conservation Fridays at https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays