What is givingtuesday?

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GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. If you are participating, please consider the Midland Conservation District Educational Center and Learning Lab. Join millions around the world participating in the GivingTuesday generosity movement on December 1st, 2020.

education center and learning lab:
​working to enhance our community

In 2019, the Midland Conservation District purchased a five acre property and barn from Midland County. Now, the District is inviting members of the Midland county community to contribute to the development and establishment of the Midland Conservation District Education Center. 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 does 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

​In July of 2019, the Midland Conservation District purchased a five acre property and historic barn from Midland County following a successful awareness campaign by District Administrator Karen Thurlow to save the barn from demolition. Initial fundraising efforts resulted in $60,000.00 in donations and the District successfully negotiated a purchase agreement with the Midland County Commissioners for the property. Since then, the District has established short and long-term goals for the property to transform it into the Midland Conservation District Education Center and Learning Lab. The District has secured additional funding from the Midland Area Community Foundation for city water access, the interpretive tree trail excavation and implementation, high tunnel and community garden space excavation and implementation, painting the barn exterior, property signage, and a tractor.

how you can help

The District is now seeking donations and funds 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. 

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. Donations of $1,000 or more will receive an acknowledgement plaque displayed at the property. 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 future generations!
GivingTuesday 2020_Midland Conservation District Education Center and Learning Lab
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