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

More Resource Links Below...

Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠barrycd.org/give

In this episode we are honored to welcome Dan Zay to our podcast. Dan is the State Resource Conservationist at the Michigan Natural Resources Conservation Service-USDA, based in Grand Ledge, Michigan. With over a decade of experience in environmental conservation and project management, Dan brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion. His role involves managing the Ecological Sciences Section within the Michigan NRCS, where he provides leadership for the largest Wetland Compliance program in the nation. Dan's work focuses on training and technology transfer to support sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts across Michigan. His extensive background includes serving as a State Biologist, where he played a pivotal role in coordinating biological aspects of NRCS conservation programs and wetland compliance under the Farm Bill. With a passion for preserving natural habitats and wildlife, Dan's contributions to environmental conservation are truly commendable. Join us as we delve into his experiences, insights, and vision for the future of conservation in Michigan.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

CRP https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/crp-conservation-reserve-program

Dr. Doug Tallamy's Nature's Best Hope https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/Resources/Natures-Best-Hope

Praire Strips https://www.kbs.msu.edu/2022/08/prairie-strips-frontiers-in-ecology/

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

In this episode we learn about fisheries, aquatic organism habitat, fisheries ecology, and fish conservation in Southwest Michigan.

Our guest is Adeline “Addie” (Dutton) Myers, a dedicated fisheries biologist serving as part of the Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Addie holds a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University. Addie has researched endangered Pallid Sturgeon in the upper Missouri and lower Yellowstone Rivers, where she worked on estimating population abundance, quantifying diet overlap, and building qualitative food webs to better understand species relationships and food limitations.With Michigan’s DNR, Addie oversees fisheries management in both inland and Great Lakes waters across 24 counties in Southwest Michigan. This includes managing fish populations, assessing aquatic connectivity, and addressing conservation concerns related to freshwater mussels and habitat preservation. She is responsible for reviewing permits that impact waterways within the public trust doctrine, ensuring that conservation efforts are upheld and future generations can enjoy Michigan's world-class fisheries.Addie also serves as the chairperson for The Coldwater Resources Steering Committee, a group tasked with providing input, advice, and recommendations to the DNR on Michigan’s coldwater fisheries resources. Addie is deeply committed to engaging with youth and the public to foster an appreciation for nature and conservation. She organizes educational programs such as walleye pond events, where local elementary school students get hands-on experience with fish and aquatic life. Addie's passion for conservation and dedication to community engagement make her a valuable asset to the fisheries management efforts in Michigan.Outside of her professional responsibilities, she’s a passionate hunter, and avid angler.

FMI: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/fisheries/units/s-michigan

>> 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 Resource Links Below...

Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠

In this episode we learn about farming, ecological sustainability, and profitability. There are many valuable resources in this podcast and hyperlinked below. We are honored to be joined by Christine Charles, a dedicated professional with an extensive background in sustainable agriculture, ecological farming, and soil health. Nearly 2 years ago, Christine began in the role of Extension Educator for Field Crops and Regenerative Agriculture at Michigan State University Extension. Christine works with farmers, educators, researchers, and organizational partners to promote and enhance regenerative practices in agriculture, such as enhancing soil health and climate resilience while maintaining focus on profitability. She also serves on KBS’ Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Stakeholder Advisory Committee.Her varied background includes positions in soil science research at Ohio State University and Purdue University, working as a Student Soil Trainee at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and with the U.S. Forest Service. During her time in graduate school, she co-instructed several courses in Geographic Information Systems, Soil Sciences, Wildland Fire Management, and Ecological Engineering and Science. Each role has demonstrated her comprehensive understanding of soil health, conservation practices, and sustainable farming. FMI Resources that Christine mentions during our conversation include the following... Fieldprint Platform from Field to Market (“an assessment framework to measure the environmental impacts of commodity crop production and identify opportunities for continuous improvement”): ⁠https://fieldtomarket.org/our-programs/fieldprint-platform/⁠ The Midwest Cover Crop Council (MCCC) Cover Crop Decision Tool: ⁠https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/selector-tools/⁠ MSU Extension Newsletter Sign-ups: ⁠https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001hQ_goXPHameUV47Zc6efPHRLzHSQpo7PSbT9QFWAJ0HyZLIh8i8AfjofxJw1jUavmH7ViCxM0KMwKnu2DnVUywTXOluIluTFW72_vwi8awTLe2dZ6eBPwENF3LxRq60itrz1ozQXMyFr57ObouAkMEaHSf5_r4Wm⁠ Sign-up for Virtual Breakfast 2024! Free field crop updates every Thursday morning from March to September: ⁠https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/field-crops-virtual-breakfast-sessions-are-back-for-growing-season⁠ SARE Cover Crop Economics Bulletin: ⁠https://www.sare.org/resources/cover-crop-economics/⁠ Soil Health Nexus Resources and Toolbox: ⁠https://soilhealthnexus.org/resources/

More Resource Links Below...

Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠

In this episode our guest is MICHELLE SKEDGELL. Michelle has been the Executive Director of PIERCE CEDAR CREEK INSTITUTE for 22 years. For those who don’t know PCCI is a nature center, it’s also an environmental education center as well as a biological field station – that is to say, a destination of learning, research, and natural resource management – on 850 acres of Michigan outdoors.

FMI PCCI ⁠https://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/⁠

FMI BCD Tree Sale ⁠http://barrycd.org/trees⁠