Conservation Fridays

By Barry Conservation District

Welcome to the one and only podcast about preserving the rural charm and great outdoors of Barry County and Southwest Michigan. We chat with locals, experts, and organizations who love forests, waterw... more

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FAQs about Conservation Fridays:

How many episodes does Conservation Fridays have?

The podcast currently has 10 episodes available.

Conservation Fridays episodes:

August 02, 2024 Birds & Sanctuaries with Michigan Audubon's Chad Machinski
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠⁠
Our guest in this episode is Chad Machinski, Conservation Manager at Michigan Audubon. Passionate and dedicated, Chad has been making significant strides in sanctuary stewardship and volunteer engagement since March 2023. With a strong background in botany and ecology, Chad's love for the natural world blossomed during his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Michigan. There, he honed his skills and knowledge about Michigan's diverse ecosystems through hands-on conservation work as a Nichols Arboretum Caretaker. An ISA Certified Arborist, Chad is skilled in plant identification, propagation, integrated pest management, and tree care. Whether he's binoculars in hand, studying birds, or flipping logs in search of reptiles, Chad's commitment to conservation is evident in every aspect of his life. His recent efforts include the revitalization of sanctuaries like Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary in Barry County and the monitoring of Chimney Swifts at the Barry County Courthouse, showcasing his dedication to protecting and understanding the intricate web of life in Michigan's natural habitats. We want to note that Michigan Audubon is a partner of Barry Conservation District.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Michigan Audubon www.michiganaudubon.org
Crossley Bird ID Guides https://crossleybooks.com
Cornell Lab or Ornithology https://www.birds.cornell.edu
Mathaei Botanical Gardens https://mbgna.umich.edu
Otis Farm & Warner Sanctuary https://www.michiganaudubon.org/faq-items/otis-farm-bird-sanctuary/
Swift Night Out in Fri August 23rd https://www.michiganaudubon.org/calendar/swift-night-out-hastings/
Cerulean Warbler Tours in Spring https://www.michiganaudubon.org/go-birding/cerulean-warbler-tours/
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠⁠
More on Conservation Fridays at ⁠https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays⁠
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47min
May 24, 2024 Health & Community with Blue Zones' Catherine Getty
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠
Our guest today is Catherine Getty, a highly experienced and dedicated community leader with a strong background in natural resource development and land use planning. Currently Catherine is a Barry County Commissioner for District 2, which includes Middleville as well as parts of Thornapple and Yankee Springs Townships. In this capacity she serves on the committees of Broadband Expansion, Personnel and Human Services, the Board of Health, Middleville Local Development Finance Authority, Parks and Recreation, and Solid Waste Oversight.Catherine Getty is also Executive Director of Blue Zones Activate Barry County. And it’s this role that we’re especially interested in today. Catherine’s leadership exhibits a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of Barry County residents. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep connection to the local community that make her a vital figure in promoting active and healthy lifestyles. May is Mental Health Month, and we’ve asked her here today to learn more about Blue Zones initiatives as they pertain to the outdoors, health, and wellness. And we should mention that Blue Zones is a sponsor of Outdoor Youth Day 24 – an event we organize – and a partner of Barry Conservation District.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Blue Zones bluezones.com
Activate Barry County bluezones.com/activate-barry-county/
Activate Barry County Facebook facebook.com/BlueZonesActivateBarryCounty/
Modern Farmer article on Farm Stops https://modernfarmer.com/2024/05/is-the-farm-stop-revolution-upon-us/
Ann Arbor's Argus Farm Stop https://www.argusfarmstop.com
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at ⁠barrycd.org/give⁠
More on Conservation Fridays at https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays

...more
58min
May 17, 2024 Watersheds & Macroinvertebrates with LGROW's Matt Bain
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠barrycd.org/give
Today, we are joined by LGROW's Matt Bain.

Matt is an Aquatic Specialist at the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC), stationed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a deep-seated passion for aquatic ecosystems, Matthew has dedicated the past four years to studying and safeguarding the health of rivers and streams within the lower Grand River Organization of watersheds. He holds a Master of Science degree in Biology with a specialization in Aquatic Ecology from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where his research focused on aquatic macroinvertebrate ecology and taxonomy.As an Aquatic Specialist, Matthew's primary role involves conducting macroinvertebrate sampling throughout the lower Grand River watershed. This sampling is critical for monitoring water quality, as different macroinvertebrate groups exhibit varying tolerances to pollution, providing valuable insights into the health of the river system. In addition to his fieldwork, Matthew is actively involved in education and community outreach efforts, collaborating on grant writing and sharing his expertise to raise awareness about the importance of preserving aquatic biodiversity.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds https://www.lgrow.org

Email Matt Bain at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) https://micorps.net
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at barrycd.org/give
More on Conservation Fridays at https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays
...more
51min
May 03, 2024 Outdoors & Wellness with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' Jameson Hibbs & Jeffery Peterson
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠barrycd.org/give
Today, we are joined by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' Jeffrey Petersen and Jameson Hibbs.
Jameson is a Chapter Coordinator for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Throughout his life, he has developed a deep passion for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities and conservation. He spent sixteen years as a county parks director with two different departments in Indiana where he learned the vital role that recreation and the outdoors attributes to both mental and physical wellbeing.
Jeffrey is the board chair for the Michigan chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. He was born and raised in Shelby near the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and two teenage boys. While Jeffrey has a long-time love for fly-fishing, fly-tying, and backpacking, he came to hunting as an adult out of a desire to eat locally and sustainably. As a pastor in his professional life, he values the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual renewal that public lands, waters, and wildlife provide for people regardless of what pursuits get them outdoors.
In this episode we discuss outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, and their benefits for mental health and physical wellness.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
BHA https://www.backcountryhunters.org
BHA Podcast & Blast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backcountry-hunters-anglers-podcast-blast-with-hal/id1259582449
Meateater https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-meateater-podcast/id960902903
Hatchet https://www.amazon.com/dp/1416936475?nodl=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_bks_t2cna_apin_dp_72PJ59FZ78H782KZVZDY&starsLeft=1&dplnkId=ae94ee34-8ede-458b-a39a-08e7ba32577a
My Side of the Mountain
Where the Red Fern Grows https://www.amazon.com/dp/0440412676?nodl=1&cspi=0ce475a240509762ba67e6e3881c0055a12216dda09f8eca7a769db529c62e22a0ccf7249935ef23dbc46094d035c0fb5bc566befa411197c4fe8b6e11d9e226&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_bks_apin_dp_N2CSJ6TTC2JWB0RVGH8W&dplnkId=4d90399d-0286-4934-aa48-51b5f93790ec
Raising a Wild Child: An Inside Perspective of a Neurodivergent Mind and How to Parent Those Who Cannot Be Parented https://www.amazon.com/dp/1805412663?nodl=1&cspi=b093cc02bf4a3d8ade99f06e85e852ed085a2e40124703af85967c03f483b11569d8a9ddf1b55c3915ac28514c5792ef9758f57fe778ec566230cee441edabd9&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_bks_apin_dp_6YRB67SEBKPEAKN5FWPJ&dplnkId=c5c0b729-831f-43d5-8815-4f7a4727b147
Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars: Fun Projects, Skills, and Adventures for Outdoor Kids https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593448979?nodl=1&cspi=3b6339b034443d9347ab7e28f3ee4f040499c24b9899e23db2facba9a8212d0a284003f5172c0be938b32355b57381c71f4720f01208f786ab133f3cfd8fab41&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_bks_apin_dp_96XJ40Y2BV5H4KFNBSXJ_2&dplnkId=03823898-006c-459e-a94c-22b75084d302
Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970969/
BHA R3 Initiative https://www.backcountryhunters.org/r3_the_why
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at barrycd.org/give
More on Conservation Fridays at https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays
...more
52min
April 05, 2024 Wildflowers & Wildfires with Dan Zay of USDA NRCS
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠barrycd.org/give
In this episode we are honored to welcome Dan Zay to our podcast. Dan is the State Resource Conservationist at the Michigan Natural Resources Conservation Service-USDA, based in Grand Ledge, Michigan. With over a decade of experience in environmental conservation and project management, Dan brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion. His role involves managing the Ecological Sciences Section within the Michigan NRCS, where he provides leadership for the largest Wetland Compliance program in the nation. Dan's work focuses on training and technology transfer to support sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts across Michigan. His extensive background includes serving as a State Biologist, where he played a pivotal role in coordinating biological aspects of NRCS conservation programs and wetland compliance under the Farm Bill. With a passion for preserving natural habitats and wildlife, Dan's contributions to environmental conservation are truly commendable. Join us as we delve into his experiences, insights, and vision for the future of conservation in Michigan.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
CRP https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/crp-conservation-reserve-program
Dr. Doug Tallamy's Nature's Best Hope https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/Resources/Natures-Best-Hope
Praire Strips https://www.kbs.msu.edu/2022/08/prairie-strips-frontiers-in-ecology/
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at barrycd.org/give
More on Conservation Fridays at https://www.barrycd.org/conservation-fridays
...more
52min
March 15, 2024 Aquatic Ecosystems & Fish Health with Addie Myers of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠
In this episode we learn about fisheries, aquatic organism habitat, fisheries ecology, and fish conservation in Southwest Michigan.
Our guest is Adeline “Addie” (Dutton) Myers, a dedicated fisheries biologist serving as part of the Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Addie holds a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University. Addie has researched endangered Pallid Sturgeon in the upper Missouri and lower Yellowstone Rivers, where she worked on estimating population abundance, quantifying diet overlap, and building qualitative food webs to better understand species relationships and food limitations.With Michigan’s DNR, Addie oversees fisheries management in both inland and Great Lakes waters across 24 counties in Southwest Michigan. This includes managing fish populations, assessing aquatic connectivity, and addressing conservation concerns related to freshwater mussels and habitat preservation. She is responsible for reviewing permits that impact waterways within the public trust doctrine, ensuring that conservation efforts are upheld and future generations can enjoy Michigan's world-class fisheries.Addie also serves as the chairperson for The Coldwater Resources Steering Committee, a group tasked with providing input, advice, and recommendations to the DNR on Michigan’s coldwater fisheries resources. Addie is deeply committed to engaging with youth and the public to foster an appreciation for nature and conservation. She organizes educational programs such as walleye pond events, where local elementary school students get hands-on experience with fish and aquatic life. Addie's passion for conservation and dedication to community engagement make her a valuable asset to the fisheries management efforts in Michigan.Outside of her professional responsibilities, she’s a passionate hunter, and avid angler.
FMI: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/fisheries/units/s-michigan
>> Passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact in your community? Consider volunteering with your local Conservation District! By joining forces with your local conservation professionals, you'll support efforts in natural resource management that safeguard our communities. Whether it's tree wrapping, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, or educational outreach, there are countless ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural areas. Join our dedicated team of volunteers today and be part of the solution for a greener, healthier future! To volunteer with Barry Conservation District, sign up at barrycd.org/give
...more
48min
March 01, 2024 Farms & Thriving with Christine Charles of Michigan State University Extension
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠
In this episode we learn about farming, ecological sustainability, and profitability. There are many valuable resources in this podcast and hyperlinked below.
We are honored to be joined by Christine Charles, a dedicated professional with an extensive background in sustainable agriculture, ecological farming, and soil health. Nearly 2 years ago, Christine began in the role of Extension Educator for Field Crops and Regenerative Agriculture at Michigan State University Extension. Christine works with farmers, educators, researchers, and organizational partners to promote and enhance regenerative practices in agriculture, such as enhancing soil health and climate resilience while maintaining focus on profitability. She also serves on KBS’ Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Stakeholder Advisory Committee.Her varied background includes positions in soil science research at Ohio State University and Purdue University, working as a Student Soil Trainee at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and with the U.S. Forest Service. During her time in graduate school, she co-instructed several courses in Geographic Information Systems, Soil Sciences, Wildland Fire Management, and Ecological Engineering and Science. Each role has demonstrated her comprehensive understanding of soil health, conservation practices, and sustainable farming.
FMI Resources that Christine mentions during our conversation include the following...
Fieldprint Platform from Field to Market (“an assessment framework to measure the environmental impacts of commodity crop production and identify opportunities for continuous improvement”): ⁠https://fieldtomarket.org/our-programs/fieldprint-platform/⁠
The Midwest Cover Crop Council (MCCC) Cover Crop Decision Tool: ⁠https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/selector-tools/⁠
MSU Extension Newsletter Sign-ups: ⁠https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001hQ_goXPHameUV47Zc6efPHRLzHSQpo7PSbT9QFWAJ0HyZLIh8i8AfjofxJw1jUavmH7ViCxM0KMwKnu2DnVUywTXOluIluTFW72_vwi8awTLe2dZ6eBPwENF3LxRq60itrz1ozQXMyFr57ObouAkMEaHSf5_r4Wm⁠
Sign-up for Virtual Breakfast 2024! Free field crop updates every Thursday morning from March to September: ⁠https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/field-crops-virtual-breakfast-sessions-are-back-for-growing-season⁠
SARE Cover Crop Economics Bulletin: ⁠https://www.sare.org/resources/cover-crop-economics/⁠
Soil Health Nexus Resources and Toolbox: ⁠https://soilhealthnexus.org/resources/
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50min
February 03, 2024 Place & Community with Michelle Skedgell of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠
In this episode our guest is MICHELLE SKEDGELL. Michelle has been the Executive Director of PIERCE CEDAR CREEK INSTITUTE for 22 years. For those who don’t know PCCI is a nature center, it’s also an environmental education center as well as a biological field station – that is to say, a destination of learning, research, and natural resource management – on 850 acres of Michigan outdoors.
FMI PCCI ⁠https://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/⁠
FMI BCD Tree Sale ⁠http://barrycd.org/trees⁠
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45min
January 19, 2024 Water and Public Health with David Comeau of Barry Eaton District Health Department
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠⁠
In this episode our guest is David Comeau, Water Protection Team Supervisor of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department in Hastings, Michigan. His perspective on water quality and public health is informed by his background in natural resource conservation.
We discuss David's background, his experience as a father of an organ donation recipient, his journey into conservation, work with Barry Conservation District, and his role now with BEDHD.
We also talk about public health in general, what challenges there are in public health for Barry and Eaton Counties as well as Southwest Michigan, programs for septic systems and e. coli, as well as what the average person can do and why they should care.
This episode will help people understand the relationship between water quality and personal health as well as resources that the local health department can provide in order to help benefit community health.
FMI re. water and public health:
⁠⁠https://barryeatonhealth.org/⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://www.michigan.gov/egle⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://www.barrycd.org/⁠⁠
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37min
January 07, 2024 Native Plants & Recycling with Rachel Frantz of Barry County Recycles
More Resource Links Below...
Volunteer with Barry Conservation District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠barrycd.org/give⁠⁠⁠
In this episode we talk with host Rachel Frantz. and Jamie Lewis Hedges chat with locals, experts, and groups in natural resources for folks who love forests, waterways, and wildlife. In today's episode Rachel is speaking on her other role as the Recycling Coordinator for the county and how conservation and recycling converge.
FMI re. Recycling in Barry County ⁠https://www.barrycounty.org/barrycountyrecycles/⁠
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46min

FAQs about Conservation Fridays:

How many episodes does Conservation Fridays have?

The podcast currently has 10 episodes available.