Who we are

The Midland Conservation District  is one of 75 Conservation Districts in the state of  Michigan. Districts are local units of government, first established in the Dust Bowl Era to work with farmers, ranchers and foresters; however, as landscapes have changed, districts have adapted, as urban and suburban communities also face natural resource challenges. Water quality and quantity, air quality, invasive species, habitat degradation and reductions in open space all affect land-use management in developed and developing areas. Conservation districts are helping to address these natural resource issues across the nation. Past research has shown that close to 70% of the nation’s conservation districts are involved in some form of urban and community conservation. These include soil interpretation and protection, urban erosion and sediment control, tree planting and invasive species management. Conservation Districts continually identify the needs of their local communities, work in partnership with others involved in conservation to set local priorities, and develop action plans to solve natural resource problems. The delivery of these efforts by Conservation Districts allows citizens to manage their private lands for a cleaner, healthier Michigan. For more information about Michigan Conservation Districts, please visit the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts. 
​
 Hugh Hammond Bennet was a pioneer in  land stewardship and  is often considered the "Father of Soil Conservation."

Our Mission 

“The mission of the Midland Conservation District is to provide responsible leadership in resource conservation practices to the community for present and future generations."

Our Purpose 

"The purpose of the Midland Conservation District is to educate and work with the community and partners to develop and carry out conservation programs to reduce erosion, protect water quality, and encourage wise land management.”

Our Goals 

  • Provide technical assistance and information to producers and provide conservation education for community with cooperating agencies
  • Provide communication and outreach to the Midland County community
  • Create and secure sustainable funding for programs for the Midland County community 
  • Provide affordable reforestation tree sales for the Midland County community 
  • Improve the quality of water, soil and air in Midland County through the implementation of conservation practices 
  • ​Increase board development and volunteer involvement ​​​
​

Our Programs 

The mission, purpose and goals of the Midland Conservation District are met through a variety of programs, partnerships and assets that are offered to the Midland County community. Click below to learn more about a specific program that we offer:   ​​

Our Resources 

We strive to serve our community by providing a variety of resources, information and educational opportunities. Click below to learn more about a specific resource that we offer:  ​​

Where We are headed 

The Midland Conservation District strategic planning process started with a partner meeting on March 6, 2020. The meeting had 21 attendees and was held at the Chippewa Nature Center. Invitations were sent to community supporters, township, city and county officials, local producers and partners. District Board members and staff also participated in the strategic planning. The District has looked at its purpose, where we have been, where we are now, where we want to be in the future and how to arrive at our destination. In the strategic planning meeting we examined our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, goals, recommendations and action plans. This process will help provide an adaptable 5-year strategic plan for 2020-2025 that will assist in guiding MCD operations and will help us define our purpose and future goals. The goal of the meeting was to interact and get valuable feedback from our attendees to help to clarify the Midland Conservation District’s course of action for the next 5 years and to create an action plan for the District to communicate effectively with the public and with customers about its programs and services. 

​Annual Report 2020
Resource Assessment & Strategic Plan   

Do you live in Midland County? Please consider taking our Resource Survey.  Your concerns are our our concerns! 
​