Letter from the Leadership

As I reflect on 2022, I am inspired by what we can accomplish with a small staff, an active board, and a community that is not only eager to learn about the unique natural features of Oceana County but also committed to protecting them.

Last year marked our 50th anniversary and I’m proud to have been a part of the last decade in which we have expanded our footprint in the county. Building on our traditional services of working with farm and forest landowners to manage fields and forests in ways that improve soils, protect groundwater, and conserve energy, we have expanded our programs and services. Through new educational programming, habitat and restoration activities, and transforming land gifts into nature preserves, we are reaching new audiences and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

And we aren’t slowing down anytime soon. In response to a survey sent out to Oceana County residents in 2022, we are positioning ourselves to answer the call and delve into new territory, literally and figuratively. According to the results of the community survey, it is clear that residents want us to expand our services in two ways: 1) Restoration work such as invasive species removal, habitat improvements, and watershed management, and 2) Land acquisition and preservation for education and recreation purposes. We’ve hired a new staff person to help make this happen and have some exciting ideas brewing!

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year in other ways. Not only will we be establishing a five-year strategic plan, we will be developing the Stony Creek Nature Preserve and working with partnering organizations to get more boots-on-the-ground work completed in Oceana County. We are also gearing up for a historic amount of funds that is soon expected to be available to farmers who enroll in federally-funded conservation programs. And so it is, with our current funding sources limited and restricted – but our challenges changing and ascending – we have launched a campaign intended for expanding efforts to preserve and protect the precious and finite natural resources of Oceana County. In celebration of Oceana Conservation District’s 50th year, we are seeking $1,000 for each year of the District’s first 50 years to better position the District for its second 50 years of service. Here is the good news: we have donors pulling together to match the funds and double the impact!

I’m happy to report that within two months of launching the campaign, we’ve raised 40% of our goal. I invite you to help us celebrate this historical year by contributing to our $50K for 50 Years Campaign today! Visit our OceanaConservation.org to see the various ways to give.

- Suzie Knoll

Publisher: Mike Hrycko

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Graphics: Judy Lytle, Julie Eilers, Candy Bryant, Shanon McDowell

News: David Bossick – Ludington

Jeff Kiessel – Ludington

Amanda Dodge – Hart

Andy Roberts – Whitehall

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