Upcoming Events
Seed Ball Class
🌱 GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY WITH NATIVE SEED BALLS! 🌱
Come learn how to make your own native seed balls using seeds that can help bring more pollinators, color, and life to your landscape. It’s a simple, hands-on way to connect with native plants and give them a little help getting established.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to learn something new, get your hands dirty, and take home something you can plant!
🌼 Learn about native seeds
🌱 Make your own seed balls
🐝 Support pollinators
🌿 Take home your creations
Bring a friend, bring the kids, or come make something beautiful for your own backyard!
🌱 GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY WITH NATIVE SEED BALLS! 🌱
We have two upcoming Native Seed Ball Workshops, and you get to choose the time that works best for you!
Come learn how to make your own native seed balls using seeds that can help bring more pollinators, color, and life to your landscape. It’s a simple, hands-on way to connect with native plants and give them a little help getting established.
🌼 Learn about native seeds
🌱 Make your own seed balls
🐝 Support pollinators
🌿 Take home your creations
Choose from two class times:
📅 November 4 | 5:00–6:00 PM
📅 November 7 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a fun way to learn something new, get your hands dirty, and do something good for our local pollinators!
Space is limited, so be sure to register and save your spot. We hope to see you there! 🌱
Seed Balll Class
🌱 GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY WITH NATIVE SEED BALLS! 🌱
Come learn how to make your own native seed balls using seeds that can help bring more pollinators, color, and life to your landscape. It’s a simple, hands-on way to connect with native plants and give them a little help getting established.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to learn something new, get your hands dirty, and take home something you can plant!
🌼 Learn about native seeds
🌱 Make your own seed balls
🐝 Support pollinators
🌿 Take home your creations
Bring a friend, bring the kids, or come make something beautiful for your own backyard!
🌱 GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY WITH NATIVE SEED BALLS! 🌱
We have two upcoming Native Seed Ball Workshops, and you get to choose the time that works best for you!
Come learn how to make your own native seed balls using seeds that can help bring more pollinators, color, and life to your landscape. It’s a simple, hands-on way to connect with native plants and give them a little help getting established.
🌼 Learn about native seeds
🌱 Make your own seed balls
🐝 Support pollinators
🌿 Take home your creations
Choose from two class times:
📅 November 4 | 5:00–6:00 PM
📅 November 7 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a fun way to learn something new, get your hands dirty, and do something good for our local pollinators!
Space is limited, so be sure to register and save your spot. We hope to see you there! 🌱
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Homesteading-Making Natural Dyes
Discover the Colors Growing Around You
A whole world of color is growing right outside your door! Join us to explore the art of natural dyeing and learn how plants found in our local landscape can be transformed into beautiful, natural colors.
During this class, you’ll learn how to ethically harvest plants for dyeing, choose and prepare fibers, and select the best plant materials for creating natural dyes. We’ll also explore both the historic and modern uses of plant-based dyes and how these traditional practices are being brought back to life today.
Tools, books, dye samples, and plenty of inspiration will be available to help you get started on your own natural dye journey. Each registrant will also receive a copy of Wild Color by Jenny Dean, a wonderful resource to continue exploring natural dyes and plant-based color at home.
About the Instructor
Michelle McCoskey is the Director of Education at Fernwood Botanical Garden, where she organizes educational field trips and public programs for both youth and adults. Before joining Fernwood, Michelle worked as an environmental educator and art instructor and helped run Great Lakes Fibershed and Color Wheel, a Detroit-based natural dye collective.
Come join us on November 18th for what is sure to be a fabulous class filled with color, creativity, plants, and inspiration!
A world of color awaits you in your local landscape! Learn how to ethically harvest plants in our region and process them for use as natural dyes. You'll explore the historic and modern uses of plant dyes, how to select and prepare fiber for dyeing, and how to choose your dyestuffs. Tools, books, and dye samples will be on display for inspiration and encouragement to get you started on your own natural dye journey.
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Homesteading Basic’s-Canning and Preserving-Juice
Kick off our 3-part canning series with a simple and delicious way to get started! Learn how to make your own juice concentrate. This easy, beginner-friendly project is a great introduction to canning and may even help ease some of those first-time canning fears. Come learn the basics, build your confidence, and leave ready to try canning at home!
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Fall Native Plant Sale
Ready to add more native beauty to your garden? Join the Berrien County Conservation District for our Fall Native Plant Sale!
We’ll have a variety of Michigan-native plants available to help you create pollinator-friendly gardens, support local wildlife, improve habitat, and add seasonal beauty to your landscape. 🌸🦋🐝
Our selection may include native wildflowers, grasses, and other plants suited to our local Southwest Michigan environment. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started with native plants, there’s something for everyone!
📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Berrien County Conservation District
3334 Edgewood Rd.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
🌱 First come, first served — while supplies last!
Come shop local, plant native, and help create a healthier habitat for pollinators and wildlife right here in Berrien County!
We hope to see you there! 💚
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
USDA Local Work Group Meeting
NRCS Local Work Group Meeting
The Berrien and Cass County Conservation Districts, in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will host a Local Work Group Meeting to discuss the FY 2027 Farm Bill Programs. The meeting brings together representatives from federal, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, and members of the public to identify natural resource concerns, discuss local conservation needs, and help determine county priorities for future conservation efforts.
We want to hear from our community! Local landowners, farmers, producers, conservation partners, and residents are encouraged to join us and share what natural resource issues and conservation priorities matter most in Berrien and Cass Counties. Your input helps shape the direction of future conservation programs and ensures local needs are represented. Come be part of the conversation and help us plan for the future of conservation in our communities!
BCCD Booth at the Berrien County Youth Fair
We are excited about this years Berrien County Youth Fair. Come see our booth in the Ag building. Find all the upcoming fair information at bcyf.us
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Monarch Festival
Come see us in our booth at this years annual Monarch Festival!
We have lots of Pollinator information to share. The kids will have a blast.
See this years line up of speakers at https://www.berriencounty.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=5772
*Rescheduled* Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Please note that this months meeting has been moved to July 27th and 12pm.
Intro to Herbs & Microgreens 101
Herbs & Microgreens
Intro to Herbs & Microgreens 101
Medicinal benefits of herbs & microgreens
How to grow & harvest properly
Drying herbs for maximum potency
Make capsules from powders (hands-on)
Make herbal tinctures (hands-on)
Regenerative Agriculture Field Day
Come listen to a nationally recognized leader in large-scale regenerative agriculture, Mr. Rick Clark of Farm Green LLC.
Join us for an inspiring day focused on the future of land stewardship as we welcome guest speaker Rick Clark, a nationally recognized regenerative farmer. Rick will share practical insights on building soil health, increasing resilience, and maximizing your land through regenerative practices.
Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, or simply passionate about conservation, this event offers a great opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. Enjoy a full day of engaging speakers, hands-on learning, and networking—including morning walking tours with Flatwater Farms, updates from industry leaders, and a chance to connect with vendors.
The day kicks off with check-in, coffee, and donuts at 8:30 AM and wraps up with closing remarks and prizes at 3:15 PM—we hope to see you there!
Mushroom 103 Workshop
Mushroom Workshop 103 – Mushroom Products & Medicine
Create tinctures, teas, coffees
Make lotions, balms, and creams
Learn proper drying & extraction methods
Hands-on product creation
Focused on medicinal mushrooms
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Hall Park Restoration (Native Planting)
Help Us Plant the Future!
Join the Berrien County Conservation District for our Hall Park Restoration Plantings on April 29th and May 22nd!
We’ll be working in wet, marshy areas to restore this important habitat—so come ready to get a little muddy for a great cause.
👉 Please bring:
• Spade shovel (if you have one)
• Gloves
• Boots
⚠️ Note: Due to the terrain and conditions, this event is not recommended for children under 10.
Come lend a hand, make a difference, and help us plant the future—one tree at a time!
*Postponed to 5/18*-Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
USDA-Farm Service Agency(FSA) Program Availability How Do I Apply?
Do you know what FSA Programs are available through the Farm Bill and the steps to take to apply? Join Riley Pipes as he goes over all that the Farm Bill has to offer our local farmers and producers.
Mushroom 102 Workshop
Mushroom Workshop 102 – Grow Mushrooms Indefinitely
Cloning mushrooms
Agar work & petri dishes
Liquid cultures & sterile technique
For students ready to level up production
Hall Park Restoration (Tree Planting)
Help Us Plant the Future!
Join the Berrien County Conservation District for our Hall Park Restoration Plantings on April 29th and May 22nd!
We’ll be working in wet, marshy areas to restore this important habitat—so come ready to get a little muddy for a great cause.
👉 Please bring:
• Spade shovel (if you have one)
• Gloves
• Boots
⚠️ Note: Due to the terrain and conditions, this event is not recommended for children under 10.
Come lend a hand, make a difference, and help us plant the future—one tree at a time!
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Native Plants Presentation
Join our RegenAg Technician, Sam, for a delightful afternoon focused on native plants! Sam will review what plants are beneficial to our region, how to get the plants started, and ways to maintain their health over time.
This event is hosted by our friends over at Berrien Springs Library, please feel free to contact their team with any questions about the location details. Final presentation time may vary based on the library’s schedule.
To help us offset the costs of hosting workshops for Berrien County, we encourage you to consider a small donation. These donations are not expected or required for registration.
Michigan Native Trees in the Landscape: Tips for Making the Most of Native Plant’s Best Qualities
Native Plants: What do you have and what should you get?
By definition, a "native" plant is one that is living, growing, and reproducing naturally in a particular region. Many people are surprised to learn how many plants (trees, shrubs, flowers) already in our gardens and yards are native to Michigan, and how many more there are that can add beauty and other endearing qualities. Discussion will include what makes a tree 'native' and when they are best used or when a nonnative would better suit the goal. **ISA Credits Pending**
Garden writer and instructor Janet Macunovich and horticultural photographer Steven Nikkila give you tips for making the most of native plants' best qualities: lower maintenance, less disease and pest problems and more wildlife. All are welcome.
Please join us for this free opportunity!
Funding for this project is provided by the USDA Forest Service and MDNR Urban and Community Forestry Program through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
2026 Annual Meeting
Get ready for an exciting event featuring our
Special Guest Speaker, Jarod Reibel
The Director of Physical Resource at the Edward Lowe Foundation, he will deliver an inspiring presentation on
"From Litter Box to Land Conservation at Big Rock Valley".
Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by the renowned John Byrdak of TVB catering.
Don't miss the Board Elections!
Stay informed with the latest District Updates.
Celebrate land conservation excellence with the 2025 Conservation Award
Honor environmental leadership with the 2025 Award for MAEAP Environmental Stewardship.
Join in the excitement of our Silent Auction!
Homestead Workshop
March is the best time to get your home garden started and we’re ready to share everything we know! Sign up now for an informational evening that covers soil preparation techniques, garden installation steps, and rain barrel set up or how to DIY your own barrel.
To help us offset the costs of hosting workshops for Berrien County, we encourage you to consider a small donation. These donations are not expected or required for registration.
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Hands-On Mushroom Workshop: March Edition
Since we keep selling out, we’re hosting this workshop again in March!
Emergency Planning Workshop
All farm owners and producers should develop emergency plans to help ensure the safety of all living beings, minimize property damage, and protect the environment.
Join Emily, our talented MAEAP Tech, for a brief presentation about the benefits, use, and maintenance of these documents. This workshop will have limited seating due to the nature of personalized plans and one on one assistance, so make sure you sign up today!
To help us offset the costs of hosting workshops for Berrien County, we encourage you to consider a small donation. These donations are not expected or required for registration.
Hands-On Mushroom Workshop: February Edition
Due to popular demand, we’re opening up a second workshop in February!
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.
Hands-On Mushroom Workshop
We were Sold out! I have 2 cancellations. So if anyone wants the seats for tonight register below.
Monthly Board Meeting
Join us for our monthly board meeting! They are open to the public and held on the second Monday of each month at 12 pm, unless a federal holiday falls on that Monday.