Rekindling the Flame: The Crucial Role of Prescribed Burns in Restoring and Maintaining Newaygo County’s Native Ecosystems

To further the cause of prescribed burns in Newaygo County, the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition, in collaboration with the Michigan Nature Association and Big Bluestem Farm, will be offering the first Newaygo County prescribed burn training this fall. The objective is to form a trained group of volunteers who can perform prescribed burns under the guidance of specialists. This initiative aims to maintain existing nature preserves and assist homeowners in developing native landscaping on their properties.

Healthy Habitats Spotlight Event: Native Plant Enthusiasts “Meet & Greet”

You too can be part of the “Homegrown National Park” Movement!
Native plant gardeners, preservationists and other native plant “nerds” are invited to come together on Thursday, August 31 for a first-time networking event. The informal gathering will be held at Waters Edge Golf Course, 1100 Ramshorn Drive, Fremont, MI 49412. Come at 5:30 and enjoy appetizers, dinner or drinks on your own while sharing interests, information and resources with others.
The gathering is hosted by Big Bluestem Farm and the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition. Experienced native plant gardeners and large area installers, as well as insect pollinator experts, will be on hand to share, and to answer questions you may have.

Healthy Habitat Spotlight Event: August 17 – Silvopasture & Sustainable Agriculture Workshop

The West Michigan Agroforestry Partnership and the Newaygo Conservation District are hosting a sustainable agriculture event at Earthscape Farm on Thursday, August 17. The program will be from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at Earthscape Farm, 6523 W. Baseline Road Fremont, MI, 49412. Free BBQ and refreshments will be served. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, go to www.westmichiganagroforestry.com, scroll down to Agroforestry Field Series and click on Register Here.
Earthscape Farm has been owned and run by Bill and Patrice Bobier since the 1970’s. This “in the Field” workshop will rely on Bill’s decades of organic farming experience, and will provide information, demonstration and guidance on “silvopasture” systems from their establishment through their ongoing management. Silvopasture is a term that describes trees, pasture and livestock integrated and managed as a singular, healthy and sustainable system.
“The ideas connected to it have been recirculated several times over the years”, states Mr. Bobier. “Now with the rapidly changing climate they are being repopularized.”

Bringing Nature Home-Creating Homegrown National Park

Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy is a carefully researched and thought-provoking book that has the potential to transform the way we think about the environment. This book is for anyone who is passionate about the environment and looking for practical ways to make a positive impact. Tallamy, a well-known ecologist and entomologist, is a trusted source when it comes to creating sustainable landscapes that support biodiversity. He is known for his research on the role of insects in the ecosystem, and how we can protect and preserve our local natural areas.