Kent Conservation District

05/13/2026

Take a moment to check out all the happenings this spring with your local Conservation District!

From community programs and conservation projects to upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, there’s a lot growing this season. Read our latest newsletter to stay connected and see the impact happening across our community.

Spring is in full swing, and we're excited to share upcoming events, conservation opportunities, and seasonal programs happening across Kent County. In this Edition: 

05/11/2026

Kent Conservation District was fortunate to lead the East Grand Rapids Middle School students during their "Day of Care" Friday, May 1st.

With 22 students helping with a garlic mustard pull around Reeds Lake and 69 students building brush piles for wildlife habitat at the Rogue River State Game Area, we were able to accomplish a lot of important work.

Thanks to the outstanding efforts of East Grand Rapids Middle School students during their recent Day of Care projects, much of the planned stewardship work at RRSGA has already been completed. Due to this, we have decided to CANCEL the upcoming RRSGA Eco-Stewardship Workday scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

For other volunteer opportunities, please visit our website and go to the event calendar to see future events.

05/08/2026

The Kent Conservation District works with residents, landowners, and local communities to protect the natural resources of Kent County through conservation programs, environmental education, and habitat restoration efforts. Our goal is to support healthy forests, waterways, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands across the region.

As part of the West Michigan CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area), we focus specifically on preventing and managing invasive species throughout West Michigan. This includes educating the public, surveying for invasive plants and pests, coordinating treatment efforts, and helping landowners identify and respond to invasive species before they spread further.

To learn more about our invasive species work and the role of the West Michigan CISMA, watch our introduction video here:
WM CISMA Introduction Video

The West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), is a partner-focused conservation organization that manages invasive species in seven...

05/04/2026

Still in search of a "few good yards" for our Native Plant Yard Tour this summer. Please read on!

Do you use native plants to grow birds & butterflies?
Do you live in the West Grand or Walker area?
Would you like to inspire others to build habitat?

If yes to all the above, your yard may be an ideal candidate for a tour stop on this year's Native Plant Yard Tour. And fun fact, we LIKE yards that are a mix of native AND non-native traditional gardens. Having both in the same landscape shows newbies you can get started with natives by simply adding to your existing gardens.

KCD is partnering with Kind Hearts Bloom on this single day, self-guided event we expect to hold on a Saturday in July or early August. It will showcase up to 10 residential yards on the west side. Registrants tour the stops at their own pace and visit with the owners to get inspired and learn.

If this sounds interesting, and you would like to be considered as a tour host, please complete our interest form.
https://forms.gle/iQ9zZYFVr8HapnuJ6

05/01/2026

Good news!

We’ve decided to extend our native plant sale pre-orders through Monday morning, May 4, 2026, so there’s still time to get your order in!

Don’t miss your chance to add beautiful, native trees and shrubs to your landscape while supporting conservation efforts right here in Kent County.

Order now before it’s too late. Check out what we still have in stock and place your order today:
https://www.kentconservation.org/category/all-products

If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign. Get those orders in and help us make this planting season a success!

04/30/2026

TOMORROW is the LAST DAY to pre-order for our Native Plant Spring Sale!

Don't miss your chance to lock in your favorites before the big day! Pre-order now and pick up your plants during our Browse & Buy Sale on May 30th, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Get ready to transform your yard with native plants that support pollinators, wildlife, and a healthy landscape!

📅 Pre-order deadline: TOMORROW
📍 Pick-up & sale day: May 30th | 10AM–2PM

Let’s grow something beautiful together!

04/29/2026

Calling All Volunteers!

We are looking for a few extra hands to help our team plant trees across Kent County over the next few days and weeks!

Whether you have a day, a few hours, or just an hour to spare, we’d love to have you join us in making a difference in our community.

No experience needed, just a willingness to get your hands a little dirty and help us grow a greener future!

Interested in joining? Email us at [email protected] to learn more and get next steps.

04/25/2026

Do you use native plants to grow birds & butterflies?
Do you live in the West Grand or Walker area?
Would you like to inspire others to build habitat?

If yes to all the above, your yard may be an ideal candidate for a tour stop on this year's Native Plant Yard Tour. And fun fact, we LIKE yards that are a mix of native AND non-native traditional gardens. Having both in the same landscape shows newbies you can get started with natives by simply adding to your existing gardens.

KCD is partnering with Kind Hearts Bloom on this single day, self-guided event we expect to hold on a Saturday in July or early August. It will showcase up to 10 residential yards on the west side. Registrants tour the stops at their own pace and visit with the owners to get inspired and learn.

If this sounds interesting, and you would like to be considered as a tour host, please complete our interest form.
https://forms.gle/iQ9zZYFVr8HapnuJ6

04/24/2026

Come join us at Speciation Cellars for this years Native Niche Saturday, May 16th from 2-6pm. There will be native plants for sale, food, and educational materials available to the public.

04/23/2026

Bumblebees are kind of amazing!

They use something called “buzz pollination” (basically vibrating flowers!) to shake loose tons of pollen—helping plants grow while feeding their young. Pretty cool, right? Not only does this serve to provide food for the bumblebee larvae, but buzz pollination is also an incredibly effective mode of pollination for plants!

But native bumblebees in Michigan are in trouble due to many factors, including loss of habitat, pesticides, pathogens, invasive species, and climate change. You can help by providing native plant sources of nectar and pollen for bumblebees to visit. Want to help? One of the easiest ways is planting native flowers

Check Our Browse and Buy Native Plant Sale
May 30, 2026 | 10am–3pm

Preorders are open through May 1, 2026
Browse what’s available: https://www.kentconservation.org/category/all-products

04/22/2026

Missed our Tree Sale on April 18 and Earth Day? No worries—we’ve got you covered!

Tomorrow only, all remaining native trees and shrubs are 50% OFF!

Stop by between 8 AM – 1 PM at
3200 Eagle Park Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI

It’s the perfect chance to add a few native plants to your landscape and support a healthier environment. We’d love to see you there!