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
River Cleanup Schedule 2025
Events start at 9:30 am
All equipment is provided!
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)
Email Eric Pretzlav at
to be added to the volunteer list!
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.
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.
SPRING TREE SALE 2025
Thank You for Supporting the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s Annual Spring Tree Seedling Sale!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Tree Sale! Your support helped enhance our local landscapes and continues to fuel our mission to give back to the community and protect Michigan’s natural resources.
We’re grateful for your commitment to conservation and look forward to seeing you at future events!
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, July 16th, 2025
3:00PM - 4:30PM
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- 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