Related Links
Information & Resources
This site and content are property of the Van Buren Conservation District.
All Van Buren Conservation District programs and services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.
Van Buren Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer.
As part of our public education initiative, Van Buren Conservation District strives to
connect local individuals with up to date information on a variety of natural resources
and conservation related topics.  Please check this site often for updates, and please
let us know if you have any topics you would like to see added to the mix!
Emerald Ash Borer
The Green Menace
Emerald Ash Borer is a very small but very destructive beetle which is native to China and eastern
Asia.  For more information about Emerald Ash Borer identification, control and prevention, click here.
You can also visit http://www.emeraldashborer.info for current regional information pertaining to EAB.
Low Impact Development
What is Low Impact Development (LID)?  How can my municipality incorporate some of these
principles?  The Southwestern Michigan Planning Commission has assembled some great
information about this topic.  We invite you to check out their website, related Low Impact
Development links and LID newsletters.   http://www.swmpc.org/lid.asp
Create a Monarch Waystation!
Get involved in monarch conservation!  A waystation is an intermediate station between principle
stations on a line of travel.  Learn more about the types of plants monarchs need as they travel
along their yearly migration routes and how you can help conserve this spectacular species!  
http://www.monarchwatch.org
Informational Brochure
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens, or bioretention systems are beautiful landscaping features that manage stormwater
on site.  They are a great addition to your home or commercial landscaping and are very beneficial
to the environment!  Check out Rain Gardens of West Michigan for more information!  
http://www.raingardens.org
Protect Our Waters
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!
There are many invasive exotic specits which threaten our treasured great lakes, inland lakes,
streams and rivers.  Learn about these species and how you can help prevent their spread.
http://www.ProtectYourWaters.net

A Field Guide to Invasive Aquatic Species
Landscaping With Native Plants
Michigan's native plants are the trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, ferns and other plants that
were here before European settlement.  Native plants can make beautiful additions to your
landscape and are often times better adapted to Michigan's unique climate.

Van Buren Conservation District- Landscaping with Native Plants Brochure

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's "Landscaping for Water Quality"
**note, this is a very large file.  If you have trouble downloading and would like a printed copy, please contact us.

Annual Van Buren Conservation District Tree Seedlings Sale

Annual Van Buren Conservation District Native Plant Sale

Michigan Native Plant Producers Association
Tips for reducing your energy consumption
Click here for some helpful hints on how to help save the planet and your wallet!
Rain Barrels
Save Money, Conserve Water & Reduce Your Impact!
Check out our rain barrel page for information about rain barrels! See how easy it is to build your own
rain barrels to start storing rain water for use on your garden plants, its great for the environment and
can save you money!