Arenac Conservation District
4490 M-61, Standish, MI 48658, US
(989) 846-4565 ext. 5
What makes a good steward?
A Good Steward is someone who takes the inititiave to improve their surroundings with conservation in mind. Good Stewards consider their environment and design well planned, environmentally sustainable habitats.
The Good Stewards Program helps landowners reach their stewardship goals. Whether you're looking to plant a wildflower garden, attract pollinators and wildlife, harvest fruits and vegetables, create more resilient soils, or just cut back on fertilizer and maintenance costs, we are here to help you live your conservation dream. GSP members will recieve the tools and training to design their ideal habitat and execute their stewardship plan.
Participation in the Good Stewards Program is completely FREE. If you have ever wanted to use sustainable practices to add beauty and value to your property, the Good Stewards Program is right for you. Sign up today to begin your stewardship journey!
Stewardship Assistance
Good Stewards members recieve in-person, hands-on guidance to determine their stewardship goals and design their ideal space. The first 50 properties to sign up also recieve a printed planning workbook and complimentary soil/water tests to help them create a personalized landscape. Long-term technical assistance is provided for all participants looking to maintain their landscapes for year to come.
Landowners executing their stewardship plan through the Good Stewards Program will receive an attractive lawn sign to show the world their commitment to conservation. Be the first one on your block to become a Good Steward!
Workshops
Arenac Conservation District provides a wide range of workshops to help you with your stewardship journey. Partcipation in these workshops is not manadatory, but will help you craft your health landscape and reach your stewarship goals.
These workshops are free to attend, and available to all, regardless of participation in the Good Stewards Program. Continuing education credits may be available depending on the workshop.
Next Workshop: Into to Michigan Insects and Wildlife, February 19
Stewardship Resources
Soils
Native Planting
Native Planting
Understanding your soil is key to developing a healthy and sustainable landscape. Online resources from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will help you determine the health of your soil and help you manage it accordingly.
Native Planting
Native Planting
Native Planting
zgaro Choosing the right plant can be daunting. Fortuately, there are resources availale to helping you find the right plant for your landscape.
Arenac Conservation District Plant Sale
Landscaping for WIldlife
Landscaping for WIldlife
Landscaping for WIldlife
Wildlife can help keep your landscape healthy, thriving, and pest-free. These independent organizations provide tools and guidance for supporting local wildlife.
Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A Landowner's Guide
more Stewardship options
Landscaping for WIldlife
Landscaping for WIldlife
There is so, so, so much more you can do to be a Good Steward! These groups provide the tools you need to reach your conservation goals, whatever they may be!
NRCS Backyard Conservation Basics
Composting and Organics Management
Bay Area Community Foundation
Funding for the Good Steward Program is provided by the Bay Area Community Foundation as part of the Saginaw Bay Watershed Restoration Fund.
Follow the link below for more information.