About Our Board
The Midland Conservation District is self-governed by a locally elected, five-member board of volunteer directors who serve a two to four year term. Non-voting associate directors may be selected by the MCD Board of Directors. The Board of Directors make decisions regarding the District’s programs and activities, and the hiring of qualified staff. Typically, the board meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at the USDA Service Center at 954 E. Isabella Rd, Midland MI 48640. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, our meetings are being held at our Tomlinson Barn property at 814 E. Olson Rd. Midland, MI until further notice. All board meetings are open to the public, and members of the community are encouraged to attend.
Our Current board Members
Laura Norcutt | Board Chair
Laura is a retired federal wildlife biologist with 32 years working for the U.S. Peace Corps, USDA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Her background includes experience in aquaculture, wildlife damage management, natural resource plan development, and aquatic invasive species. In 2017, she moved to Midland County with her husband to a 40 acre property in Sanford; they plan to manage it for wildlife, honey bees, chickens, vegetables and fruit. Laura also wants to work with the community to help promote renewable land management and sustainable agricultural practices.
Kevin Mudd | Board Member
Kevin was born and raised in Midland County, and has been employed at the Midland County Road Commission for 21 years. His family was involved in 4-H for 12 years, and operates a family crop/livestock farm; they are currently working toward a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) certification. Kevin believes in the importance of soil conservation and is motivated to do his part to preserve the land for future generations.
Cindy Poole | Board Member
Cindy is a retired chiropractor who practiced for 38 years, and raised a family in the surrounding community. During her practice, it was her life’s mission and work to care for patients concerned about their well being.
David Ruhle | Board Member
David was born and raised in the Midland area community on a family farm. He is a retired bridge builder and has experience involved with structural engineering. David is close to the environment and conservation daily, and is involved in gardening, farming, and managing a cow-calf operation. David desires to help build a stronger community with the Midland Conservation District.
Jan Ruhle | Board Member
Jan is a retired pharmacy technician, and a former 4-H leader for Midland County. She desires to help and learn about improving conservation and agricultural practices.
Pam Hall | Associate Board Member
Pam has lived in Midland County for over 40 years, where she raised her children and now serves on City Council. She has produced Earth News for MCTV during her first 2 year term on City Council. She has been a massage therapist for nearly 30 years, having also studied nutrition and integrative medicine prior to becoming a licensed therapist. She is interested in promoting education for the Midland Conservation District such as conservation and restoration of the land, helping provide resources so that others can learn how to cultivate their own gardens, and help farmers learn how to restore ecosystems in the Midland County area.
Dan Henton | Associate Board Member
Dan has lived in Midland for over 40 years and retired from Dow 7 years ago; he know works for Michigan State University. Dan was raised in Missouri, where his father always grew a garden and helped foster an early appreciation for conservation and agriculture. Dan is interested in providing resources to people who want to develop their own gardens and make efficient use of the space available to them. He supports efforts towards more sustainable farming practices, and is interested in helping the District become involved in STEM education activities and support efforts towards more sustainable farming practices.
Laura is a retired federal wildlife biologist with 32 years working for the U.S. Peace Corps, USDA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Her background includes experience in aquaculture, wildlife damage management, natural resource plan development, and aquatic invasive species. In 2017, she moved to Midland County with her husband to a 40 acre property in Sanford; they plan to manage it for wildlife, honey bees, chickens, vegetables and fruit. Laura also wants to work with the community to help promote renewable land management and sustainable agricultural practices.
Kevin Mudd | Board Member
Kevin was born and raised in Midland County, and has been employed at the Midland County Road Commission for 21 years. His family was involved in 4-H for 12 years, and operates a family crop/livestock farm; they are currently working toward a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) certification. Kevin believes in the importance of soil conservation and is motivated to do his part to preserve the land for future generations.
Cindy Poole | Board Member
Cindy is a retired chiropractor who practiced for 38 years, and raised a family in the surrounding community. During her practice, it was her life’s mission and work to care for patients concerned about their well being.
David Ruhle | Board Member
David was born and raised in the Midland area community on a family farm. He is a retired bridge builder and has experience involved with structural engineering. David is close to the environment and conservation daily, and is involved in gardening, farming, and managing a cow-calf operation. David desires to help build a stronger community with the Midland Conservation District.
Jan Ruhle | Board Member
Jan is a retired pharmacy technician, and a former 4-H leader for Midland County. She desires to help and learn about improving conservation and agricultural practices.
Pam Hall | Associate Board Member
Pam has lived in Midland County for over 40 years, where she raised her children and now serves on City Council. She has produced Earth News for MCTV during her first 2 year term on City Council. She has been a massage therapist for nearly 30 years, having also studied nutrition and integrative medicine prior to becoming a licensed therapist. She is interested in promoting education for the Midland Conservation District such as conservation and restoration of the land, helping provide resources so that others can learn how to cultivate their own gardens, and help farmers learn how to restore ecosystems in the Midland County area.
Dan Henton | Associate Board Member
Dan has lived in Midland for over 40 years and retired from Dow 7 years ago; he know works for Michigan State University. Dan was raised in Missouri, where his father always grew a garden and helped foster an early appreciation for conservation and agriculture. Dan is interested in providing resources to people who want to develop their own gardens and make efficient use of the space available to them. He supports efforts towards more sustainable farming practices, and is interested in helping the District become involved in STEM education activities and support efforts towards more sustainable farming practices.
Upcoming Board meetings
All board meetings are open to the public and are held at 7:00pm. Due to COVID-19, board meetings are currently being held at our Tomlinson Barn at 814 E. Olsen Rd, Midland MI until further notice. Contact us for more information.
- October 20, 2020
- November 17, 2020
- December 15, 2020
- January 19, 2021
- February 16, 2021
- March 16, 2021
- April 20, 2021
- May 18, 2021
- June 15, 2021
- July 20, 2021
- August 17, 2021
- September 21, 2021
Approved Meeting Minutes
Click each date below to view individual meeting minutes. All meeting minutes are also available via email request.
Want to get involved? We are seeking volunteers and Associate Board Members! Contact Us to learn more ways to become involved with the District.
- June 16, 2020
- May 19, no meeting due to COVID-19 restrictions and county wide flooding
- April 21, 2020 - No Meeting Held Due to COVID-19 restrictions
- March 17, 2020
- February 18, 2020
- January 21, 2020
- December 17, 2019
- November 19, 2019
- October 15, 2019
- September 19, 2019
- August 20, 2019
- July 16, 2019
- June 18, 2019
- May 21, 2019
- April 16, 2019
- March 19, 2019
- February 19, 2019
- January 15, 2019
- December 18, 2018
- November 20, 2018
- October 16, 2018 - No Meeting Held
Want to get involved? We are seeking volunteers and Associate Board Members! Contact Us to learn more ways to become involved with the District.