Winter time at the Conservation District

While the snow may be falling and the days are short, the Conservation District is far from
dormant. In fact, these winter months are a time of intense activity, a period for laying the
groundwork for a successful and productive spring and summer.

“People often ask me what we do in the winter, and it’s hard to summarize on the spot,” says
Mike McCarthy, Executive Director at the Conservation District. “The truth is, we’re incredibly
busy planning and preparing for the upcoming season.”

The first signs of spring are already taking shape within the District. The annual spring tree sale
fundraiser is in full swing, with the conservation district placing tree orders as far back as July.
The native plant sale is also undergoing a revitalization, by partnering with a new/old local
nursery that utilizes Upper Peninsula seed sources to ensure the highest quality and most locally
adapted plants. They too also grow all naturally without the use of chemicals.

This winter is also a time for looking ahead. The District is preparing for its 2025 Annual
Meeting, scheduled for April 3rd at Les Cheneaux Distillery. The event promises to be a
valuable opportunity for community members to learn about the District’s work and to share their
input. Be on the watch for RSVP information in the near future.

Several exciting watershed projects are also on the horizon. Grants from the Michigan DNR and
U.S. Forest Service will support tree planting efforts in Brevort, Trout Lake, Garfield, and
Pickford townships. Furthermore, the District is collaborating with the City of Sault Ste. Marie
and Brimley Area Schools to reduce stormwater runoff through strategic plantings of trees,
shrubs, and native plants.

The Three Shores CISMA is currently undergoing a leadership transition, welcoming a new
coordinator to the team. While a temporary decrease activity is expected during this period,
Outreach Specialist Lilli will remain available to assist the community. Meanwhile, seasonal
staff are diligently surveying the Lake Michigan shoreline for Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, a deadly
invasive pest that threatens hemlock trees in lower Michigan.

The Three Shores CISMA is also embarking on a new research project, investigating the
movement of European Frog-bit, an invasive aquatic plant. Funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Coastal Program, this research will explore the potential role of waterfowl in the spread
of this harmful species.

A new face to the District, AmeriCorps volunteer Leane Byard is playing a crucial role this
winter, working closely with tribal communities and other underserved groups to identify their
unique conservation needs and explore how the District and USDA can best serve them. This
working is being done under the Working Lands Conservation Corps program.

Finally, the winter months are a critical time for securing funding. The District actively pursues
grant opportunities to support its diverse programs, including watershed and invasive species
initiatives. Many opportunities were applied for in the fall with several more already being
written this winter.

As the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer, the Conservation District will be ready to
put these winter plans into action, ensuring a bountiful and productive season dedicated to
protecting and enhancing the environment of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

If you have questions or would like some help with your property don’t hesitate to reach out
anytime by calling 906-635-1278 or email clmcd@macd.org.