Benzie Conservation District

09/01/2026

Happy September! Does that mean we can officially celebrate fall?

After rescheduling our Lake Dubonnet paddle due to summer storms and air quality alerts, we’re reimagining this event:

This month, join us on the water for a relaxing (early) fall color tour.

Paddle Lake Dubonnet with us on September 18 from 9:30am to 12:00pm. Due to the nature of this event, attendance is limited to 17 people!

Register and learn more on our website: benziecd.org/events

08/25/2026

It’s part 2! Check out these must-know tips for planting and caring for bareroot seedlings.

🌲 Choose the right site:

Avoid planting trees below power lines or close to buildings. When thinking about which tree species to plant, consider their sun and soil needs, and how tall they’ll get over time.

🌲 Mind the roots:

When it’s time to plant, use a dibble or shovel to dig a hole deep enough for the roots to point straight down. If the roots are hooked like the letter “J” they might grow upward to the surface!

🌲 When to water:

Bareroot seedlings generally prefer heavy watering once a week as opposed to light waterings several times a week. If dryness is a concern, consider using planting gel on the roots to retain moisture (find it on our website!).

🌲 Prevent deer browsing:

…to the best of your ability! Consider fencing in your trees or using an eco-friendly repellent like Plantskydd (also available in our store)

🌲 Invite friends to plant with you:

Planting trees is a lot of work. Why not make an event of it? Find tree planting enthusiasts at our upcoming Neighbor Network mixer with Michigan Forest Association at Five Shores Brewing. Details on the events page of our website!

08/21/2026

Calling all native planting enthusiasts! Save the date for our upcoming Neighbor Network 🌲

08/19/2026

Happy ! Are you paddling the Platte next Friday? Support this amazing river (and surrounding watershed!) at our upcoming event.

In the morning of August 28, we’re partnering with Riverside Canoes to showcase our amazing waters through info stations along the river.

After launching from their livery, stop by the DNR Weir to learn all about the plants and critters that call the water home, and visit our booth at the river’s mouth to learn how you can protect our lakes, rivers, and wildlife on your own.

Love kayaking but want to try a canoe? Or vice versa?

Riverside Canoes is generously donating 50% of canoe and kayak rentals from participants to the Benzie Conservation District during this event 💙

Sign up and learn more about Paddle the Platte: Protect the Waters We Love at https://www.benziecd.org/paddle-for-the-platte.html. See you then!

08/18/2026

It’s and we’re answering FAQs about our native seedling sale:

🌲 What are “bareroot” tree seedlings? 🌲

As opposed to a potted plant, their roots are wrapped in damp, protective paper, instead of being in soil. Because they’re not in soil, this makes for easier transport and faster planting.

🌲 How big are bareroot seedlings? 🌲

By popular demand, we’re carrying several trees on the larger side. Most bareroot seedlings range from half a foot to two feet tall and are two to four years old.

Seedlings’ ages are written in a formula that looks like “2-1.” The first number means how long the tree lived in a seed bed (two years spent living close to other conifers) and the second is how long it lived in a transplant bed (one year).

Fun fact: typically, trees that have lived in a transplant bed have stronger, fuller roots.

🌲 What makes a plant native? 🌲

Native species exist naturally in their region, as opposed to being brought there by humans. Native species make for a balanced ecosystem by providing each other with food, habitat, and they even support natural processes like water filtration.

✅ In part 2, we’ll share tips for planting and caring for bareroot seedlings. Follow for more info!

08/14/2026

Environmental conservation doesn’t happen without people, and Benzie County is so lucky to be home to a community that truly loves this place 🌲💧

This belief is at the heart of our work. Thank you to everyone who came to our Summer Celebration on Wednesday to help us celebrate the amazing Benzie community!

Looking ahead, we’re excited to spend time with you at upcoming events like our family paddle on 8/28 and the Neighbor Network mixer on 9/9. Check out our website for details!

benziecd.org/events

08/13/2026

Enjoy a nature walk while recording your observations through notes and drawings at this beginner-friendly event!

Our beautiful nature belongs to older adults, too! Be part of this project being done partnership with the Benzie Conservation District. August 18…sign up at The Gathering Place!

08/13/2026

Did you know fall is one of the best times to plant trees and wildflower seeds?

Today through September 17, we’re selling preorders of young conifers, wildflower and grass seeds, and American beachgrass for pickup on October 2.

The best part? These plants are native to Michigan, meaning they directly benefit local wildlife, pollinators, forest stands, and even lakes and rivers.

Visit our website or office to see what’s for sale and learn how you can make a difference with your planting.

https://www.benziecd.org/seedling-sales.html

08/12/2026

It’s celebration time! Featuring FREE ice cream from Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream 🍦 Come join the fun with us at Stormcloud Parkview Taproom now until 8pm!

08/12/2026

Across a whopping 123,000 acres, rainfall, groundwater, and interconnected channels like this one all drain water toward the Platte River and out into Lake Michigan.

That’s right—a droplet of water all the way in Long Lake, Grand Traverse County, slowly but surely makes its way to the Great Lakes.
That land area is called the Platte River Watershed. It’s home to outstanding, diverse underwater worlds like the channel you see here.

Want to know more?

On August 28, bring your friends and family to Paddle the Platte: Protect the Waters we Love. We’re hosting educational stations at the DNR Weir, where you can learn about this magnificent watershed’s plantlife, ecology, and more.

Our cohost, Riverside Canoe Trips, is generously donating 50% of kayak and canoe rentals from participants to Benzie Conservation District.

Come support healthy habitats with us! Sign up at benziecd.org/events.