ABOUT US
The St. Joseph County Conservation District was established in 1948 to assist farmers in developing soil and water conservation plans. Since then, the District has expanded its focus to include a wide range of stakeholders across the County and throughout the St. Joseph River Watershed. While agriculture remains a core focus, we also collaborate with partner organizations to protect and conserve the county's most vital natural resource—water.
Guided by a volunteer board of five members and supported by a dedicated staff, The St. Joseph County Conservation District works with partners to promote the preservation of ground and surface water, sustainable agricultural practices, irrigation efficiency, environmental education, ecological stewardship, and community-centered initiatives.
Our services are made possible through community support, including volunteer efforts, local financial contributions, and grant funding. Throughout the year, the Conservation District organizes several fundraising events, such as the spring tree sale, annual meeting, and local food dinner, to further our mission.
RECENT event Highlights
🌱 The 2026 Spring Tree Seedling Sale Is Now Live!
Our 2026 Spring Tree Sale is officially open! We’re offering a wide selection of trees and other plants suited for many uses—from privacy screening and windbreaks to fencerows, farmsteads, erosion-prone areas, or simply adding something beautiful to your yard.
👉 Visit our Buy Online webpage to view the full species list and to place your order today!
How to Order:
- Order online
- Call our office: (269) 467-6336 ext. 5
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Email your order: carolyn.grace@macd.org
Important Dates
Order Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026
Order Pickup Location: St. Joseph County Fairgrounds (Barn #28)
Pickup Times:
- Friday, May 1, 2026: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 2, 2026: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Thank you for your support!
HANDS-ON MUSHROOM WORKSHOP March 25th, 2026
What You'll Learn:
Mushroom Cultivation: Discover the art and science behind cultivating your own delicious and nutritious mushrooms right at home. Learn to grow mushrooms four different ways at home. From spore to harvest, we'll guide you through the entire process, making it accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms: Elevate your culinary skills and explore the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms. Learn the secrets of cultivating gourmet varieties that add a touch of luxury to your meals, as well as medicinal mushrooms that have been treasured for their health-promoting properties for centuries. Did we mention FREE Mushroom gourmet dishes for each attendee.
Educational Insights: Our workshop isn't just about mushrooms; it's about understanding the vital role they play in our ecosystems. Gain insights into the ecological benefits of mushrooms and their potential for environmental stewardship.
Why You Can't Miss It:
Engaging and Interactive: This workshop isn't your average lecture; it's an immersive experience where you get to roll up your sleeves and engage with mushrooms firsthand in this hands-on mushroom experience.
Expert Guidance: Led by the passionate team at Great Lakes Mushroom Company, you'll be learning from seasoned experts who are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for all things fungi.
Community Connection: Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature, sustainability, and the wonders of mushrooms. Forge new friendships and be a part of a community dedicated to the marvels of the fungal kingdom.
Exclusive Goodies: Attendees will receive exclusive offers on Great Lakes Mushroom Company products, ensuring you can continue your mushroom adventures long after the workshop concludes. All attendees will have FREE Mushroom coffee the entire event! All participants leave with an additional grow kit (Ready-To-Fruit) FREE!
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAYS 2025
The District is partnering with St. Joseph County
to provide two household hazardous waste
drop-off days for local residents!
The 2025 collection dates include:
Tuesday, May 6th
Tuesday, October 7th
from 2:00pm-600pm
St. Joseph County Fairgrounds
in Centreville, MI.
*Please refer to the adjacent flyer for lists of
accepted and not accepted household items.
River Cleanup Schedule 2025
Thank you to all volunteers who
attended river clean-up events in 2025!
Friday, June 27 - Prairie River
Meet at Centreville Canoe Park (3.5 mile paddle)
Saturday, July 26 - Nottawa Creek
Meet at Rawson’s King Mill Co. Park (3 miles)
Wednesday, Aug 20 - Fawn River
Meet at Fawn River Kayak Guide & Rental (4.2 miles)
Friday, Sept 26 - Portage River
Meet at South Fisher Lake Road (4.7 miles)
2026 River Clean-up Event dates
to be announced in Spring 2026!
Email stjoecountycd@gmail.com
to be added to the volunteer list.
Summer Field Day 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us
at MDK Farms for our Summer Field Day.
We had a fun and educational morning learning
about soil health and agricultural programs
with specialists from:
- Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP/CTAP)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- MDARD Regenerative Agriculture Program
- MSU Extension
We appreciate your participation and
look forward to seeing you at future events!
For more information about
these programs, please contact:
Mike Censke
mike.censke@macd.org
(269) 467-6336 Ext. 5
NATIVE PLANT SALE 2025
Thank You for Supporting the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s Annual Spring Native Plant Sale!
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s sale! Your support helps establish regionally adapted, wildlife-friendly plant communities across our local landscapes—and strengthens our mission to protect Michigan’s natural resources. Every plant makes a difference!
Want to be notified ahead of next year’s sale?
Email Kaitlin Renehan at kaitlin.renehan@macd.org
or call (269) 467-6336 ext. 5 to be added to the list.
2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Thank you to all who attended the St. Joseph County Conservation District's Annual Meeting!
Dr. Douglas McLaughlin spoke to conservation enthusiasts about how we can all do our part while kayaking by surveying our local rivers and waterways.
We would also like to congratulate our awardees...
Volunteer of the Year: Patrick McCarty
Young Farmer of the Year: Doug Hasbrouk
Partner of the Year: Chupp's Herbs & Fabrics
And a special congratulations goes out to the contestants
of "May The Forest Be With You Always"
art contest put on by MACDE.
1st Place Statewide (4-6 grades): Dresden Fetters
2nd Place Statewide (10-12 grades): Paityn Lawson
ST. JOSEPH RIVER INVENTORY
Our SJCCD team has successfully surveyed the entire length of the St. Joseph River, mapping invasive species distributions, water quality trends, and potential areas of concern along the 206-mile mainstem.
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
6:00PM - 7:30PM
At the District Offices
693 E. Main Street, Centreville MI
OUR MISSION
THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROVIDES EDUCATION, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, PARTNERSHIPS, AND CONTACTS FOR LOCAL RESOURCES TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS CONSERVE THEIR LANDS AND OUR SHARED ENVIRONMENT FOR A CLEANER, HEALTHIER, ECONOMICALLY STRONGER REGION.
SJCCD PHOTO GALLERY
Check out our photo gallery!
Click on pictures to see what SJCCD has been up to!
RIVER CLEANUP EVENT SCHEDULE
CALL OUR OFFICE TO BECOME A RIVER CLEANUP VOLUNTEER!
(269) 467-6336 Ext. 5 -or- stjoecountycd@gmail.com
*Snacks, lunch, kayaks,
and life jackets provided!
SOUTHERN MICHIGAN INVASIVE SPECIES TEAM
Questions regarding invasive species?
Call or email at
(269) 467-6336 Ext. 5
-or- shaun.grace@macd.org
Program Contact: Shaun Grace
MACROINVERTEBRATE EVENT SCHEDULE
CALL OUR OFFICE TO BECOME A STREAM MONITORING VOLUNTEER!
(269) 467-6336 Ext. 5 -or- kaitlin.renehan@macd.org
*No previous experience necessary; equipment and training provided!
Program Contact: Kaitlin Renehan