Join us for our 20th Anniversary!

Written by Lisa Kuntz, District Manager

 In March, the "Power of the Pause" transitions into the "Momentum of Reawakening." As the Northern Hemisphere approaches the Spring (Vernal) Equinox around March 20th or 21st, nature and humans both experience a biological shift from conservation to action. 

The Reawakening of Nature

In the natural world, March is a month of threshold-crossing where subtle internal changes become visible external growth.

• Breaking Dormancy: Plants rely on photoperiod (day length) and temperature to trigger the release of dormancy. Woody plants begin "bud break," and seeds that required winter's "cold stratification" to weaken their shells finally germinate.

• Emergence & Migration: Hibernating animals like bears, frogs, and insects emerge from winter retreats. Migratory birds return, filling the air with the "Dawn Chorus" as they stake out breeding territories.

• Hydrological Stirring: Rising temperatures melt snowpacks, filling vernal pools—temporary ponds that become essential breeding grounds for amphibians like spring peepers and wood frogs. 

In Michigan, March is the month of eco-dormancy, where plants have completed their required "chilling hours" and are simply waiting for environmental temperatures to rise above 42°F to begin chemical growth. This transition is often non-linear, with warm spells triggering early "bud break" followed by sudden freezes that threaten delicate new tissue. 

If you want to learn more after having attended one of our Mushroom 101 workshops then you will be excited to learn we are offering a Mushroom 102 class in April.

• $45 per person

• Wednesday April 29th at 6pm

• Berrien County Conservation District Offices

  • 3334 Edgewood Rd. Berrien Springs MI 49103

Hosted by Great Lakes Mushroom Company and focused entirely on mushrooms, you’ll get all the details on cultivating your own fungi and creating your own cultures! This immersive and educational experience is the perfect way to spend a weeknight. Check out the link below for more info and to reserve your seat today.

Call to Action: Volunteers Needed For the following: 🌳💚

We're gearing up for multiple events and we need your help! 🌟

The following volunteer opportunities are available:

Reforestation Tree Sale - April 19-25

Hall Park Restoration- Tree Planting - April 29th

Native Plant Sale- May 19th

Hall Park Restoration-Native Plant Planting - May 22nd

Macroinvertebrate Stream Monitoring- TBD in May

By lending a hand, you'll be supporting our efforts to promote reforestation and conservation in Berrien County. Plus, you'll get to meet like-minded individuals and be part of a fun and rewarding experience! 🌿

Interested in volunteering? Email our District Manager, Lisa Kuntz, at lisa.kuntz@macd.org to learn more and sign up!

Thank you for considering volunteering with us! We couldn't do it without your support. 💪