project background

In July of 2019, the Midland Conservation District purchased a five acre property and barn from Midland County, thanks to overwhelming community support and donations provided by concerned supporters who wanted to see the barn saved from demolition.  In November of 2020, the District received funding from the Midland Area Community Foundation to help complete our goal to transform this special space into the Midland Conservation District Tomlinson Barn Education Center, enabling and helping landowners in the pursuit of conservation through  sustainable farming,  increased biodiversity and healthier wildlife habitat in Midland County.

the district's educational center: working to enhance
​our community

The completed Education Center will be a space dedicated to educating and enabling the Midland County community on the important topics of sound environmental stewardship and agricultural practices, for the purposes of future sustainability, healthy farming, and increasing biodiversity and wildlife habitat in Midland County. One of the primary focuses will be youth education on conservation practices.
The ultimate purpose of this project is to have a physical space to demonstrate to the Midland County community how to implement conservation friendly land practices by providing education and modeling environmental stewardship techniques that enhance quality of life for all.

how will this project benefit the community?

  • Improved Annual Reforestation Tree Sale: A new, clean venue with water hook up and space for storing, packing and distribution will enhance the effectiveness of the District's Annual Reforestation Tree Sale, resulting in an anticipated increase in participation, trees sold, and overall green space throughout the county.
  • Interpretive Tree Trail: the installation of an interpretive tree trail for the community will educate the public on   forest management and the value of native trees.
  • High Tunnel and Community Garden Space: the installation of a high tunnel and a community garden will serve as a model demonstration of environmentally safe farming for the community to connect with local growers, landowners, and school groups.
  • Workshops and Events: the District will have an increased capacity to host conservation related workshops, events and presentations for landowners, partners and the people of all ages.

Where We've been, and where we are going

Goals Completed to Date Include:
  • Electric Hook Up: $3,500 (Gifted and completed - Thank You!) 
  • New Roof: $30,000 (Gifted and completed - Thank You!) 
  • Excavating remove debris and stop water from flooding the barn ($4,600.00 Gifted and completed - Thank You!​)
  • City water access hooked up - Thank You!

​Midland Area Community Foundation Support
As of November, 2020, the District was awarded a $57,770 grant award from the Midland Area Community Foundation for funding of development of the property. The Midland Area Community Foundation provides philanthropic leadership to strengthen our community by fostering collaboration and giving today and in the future. This project was submitted to the 2020 cycle of the Foundation's Community Investment award  as a project designated to the Focus Area: Enriching Our Community. The Foundation funded the District's proposal for the following goals:
  • City water access hooked up: Completed, Thank You MACF!
  • The interpretive tree trail excavation and implementation
  •  High tunnel and community garden space excavation and implementation,
  • Painting the barn exterior, property signage
  • A tractor for grounds maintenance.​​
The District is grateful to the Midland Area Community Foundation for believing in the District's vision for the community, and excited to create this education center for the community.
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1-2 Year Goals: What to Expect in the Near Future
  • Annual Meeting and Board member election  May 18, 2021:  barn open house and picnic)
  • Family Fun Days 
  • Conservation Matters Workshops 
  • Conservation Demonstrations
  • Garden Space
  • Annual Reforestation Tree Sales for native trees and shrubs
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3-5 Year Goals
  • A small restroom facility
  • Workshops for schools and youth groups
  • A farm market (free to local home producers wanting to sell their product according to the Michigan Cottage Law)

how you can help

The District is now seeking donations and monetary gifts from the local community for the following needs for the property:​
  • Supplies for Educational programs
  • Educational Tunnels improvements
  • Gardening supplies such as hoes, shovels, rakes, pots, soil, seeds
  • Restroom facility for the future including a septic system
  • Your time: we are also seeking volunteers to help us complete and carry out our vision. 
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All donations go directly to the project. Checks can be payable to the Midland Conservation District noting Barn Project; all monetary gifts are tax deductible and can be mailed to 954 E. Isabella Rd, Midland MI 48640.  Any donation amount will help us toward our goal to creating an education space for learning, growing, and bettering our community. All donations over $100 will receive a 'Friends of the Barn' plaque posted inside the barn. Please contact District Administrator Karen Thurlow at midlandconservation@macd.org or by phone at 989.486.2325 with any questions. Thank you for participating in our efforts to serve our community, and conserve Midland County's natural resources for present and future generations!