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
SPRING TREE SALE 2025
The St. Joseph County Conservation District's
Annual Spring Tree Sale 2025 is now live!
Explore our diverse selection online, or reach out to our office to have a catalog sent directly to your mailbox.
Your support not only enhances local landscapes with quality trees but also helps us continue our mission to give back to the community and protect Michigan's natural resources!
NATIVE PLANT SALE 2025
The St. Joseph County Conservation District's
Annual Spring Native Plant Sale is here!
We're excited to offer 10 different species of native plants this year. For a full list, please refer to the adjacent flyer.
Additionally, we'll be offering a variety of native
plants grown from seed by our staff for
$1.00 each at time of pickup.
To place an order or request additional information,
please email Kaitlin Renahan at kaitlin.renehan@macd.org or give us a call at (269) 467-6336 Ext. 5.
Your support not only enhances local landscapes with plant communities that are specifically adapted to our region and wildlife needs, but also helps us continue our mission of giving back to the community and protecting
Michigan's natural resources!
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.
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
River Cleanup Schedule 2025
All events start at 9:30 am
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)
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, April 16, 2025
3:00PM - 4:30PM
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- eric.pretzlav@macd.org
*Snacks, lunch, kayaks,
and life jackets provided!
Program Contact: Eric Pretzlav
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
The Spring Macroinvertebrate Collection Event will be held on Thursday, May 8th!
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