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State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference
State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference
June 26, 2025, 10 AM-4 PM
Adrian Tobias Center in Adrian, Michigan
Hosted by the University of Michigan Water Center in partnership with the State of Michigan's Quality of Life agencies – the Department of Natural Resources (DNR); the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) – the conference features speakers discussing topics related to phosphorus management in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Excessive phosphorus causes harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.
The annual State of the Western Lake Erie Basin conference brings together conservation districts, watershed councils, local and state government officials, agricultural organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations, and community members.
This event, which is open to the public, is a forum for networking, discussion, and updates on phosphorus management in Michigan's portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin.
Center For Excellence
Center For Excellence
August 13, 2025
Save the date for the 29th Center for Excellence Field Day.
Featured Topic:25 years of tillage trials-Impacts on Soil Carbon and Soil Health from the Kellogg Biological Center.
This event is free, registration through the link below or by calling (517) 263-7400 X5.
Save the Date: WCCD MAEAP Field Day
Save the Date: WCCD MAEAP Field Day
September 5, 2025
Save the date for Washtenaw Conservation Districts MAEAP Field Day this September 5, 2025. Join fellow local producers and colleagues for expert presentations.
This event is free, registration coming soon.
Be on the Watch: Coffee and Conservation
Be on the Watch: Coffee and Conservation
More Dates To Be Announced
Keep an eye out for Coffee and Conservation events in your county hosted by the Farmer-Led Conservation Group, Monroe, Lenawee, and Washtenaw Conservation Districts. This is an informal event where farmers have the chance to connect with other farmers in their county.
Past Events
Coffee and Conservation: SHIP Information Meeting
Coffee and Conservation: SHIP Information Meeting
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Join us for a cup of joe and conversation with Lenawee County farmers.
Come to network with peers, and learn about the new SHIP program.
Details
When: March 4, 10AM-12PM
Where: Lenawee Extension Office, 1040 S Winter St, Adrian MI
SHIP Information Meeting
SHIP Information Meeting
Saturday February 22, 2025
Join us for a cup of joe and conversation with Lenawee County farmers.
Come to network with peers, and learn about the new SHIP program.
Details
When: Feburary 22, 10AM-12PM
Where: M&R Investments LLC, 13216 White Pine Hwy, Morenci MI
Center For Excellence 2025 Crops Day!
Center For Excellence 2025 Crops Day!
Friday, January 3, 2025
Attendees joined The Center For Excellence's 28th annual Crops Day! The purpose of the Center for Excellence winter meeting (Crops Day) is to share results from the 2024 field trials which were demonstrated during our summer field day this past August. Topics will include soil health, phosphorus, soybean trails, and conservation district funding updates. CCA and RUP credits were available.
Cider and Conservation
Cider and Conservation
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024
Farmer-led Discussion
Attendees were able to network and talk with local farmers and producers on various conservation topics.
Tasty Treats
Attendees enjoyed fresh cider, local coffee, warm donuts, and other savory fall favorites.
Tour & U-Pick
Attendees enjoyed a private hayride tour of the orchard and cider mill, a classic autumn experience.
Coffee and Conservation
Coffee and Conservation
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024
Join us for a cup of joe and conversation with Lenawee County farmers.
Come to network with peers, hear about conservation opportunities, and participate in a fun watershed game. Breakfast is included, so please register for free below.
Details
When: September 25, 2024, 9-11 AM
Where: Shugar Creek Restaurant, 104 S Main St, Onsted, MI 49265
Washtenaw County Conservation District Field Day
Washtenaw County Conservation District Field Day
Friday, September 13, 2024 | Saline, MI
Join Washtenaw County Conservation District for their Annual Washtenaw Field Day event on September 13th! Register today to secure your spot at this FREE event. Join fellow local producers and colleagues for expert presentations, demonstrations, and farmer panel discussions.
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
Tile monitoring to reduce nutrient loss
Cover Cropping to improve soil health, nutrient cycling, and suppress weeds
Drone Demonstration for precision applications
2024 State of the Lake
2024 State of the Lake
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | Adrian, MI
As concerns surrounding the health of Lake Erie continue, stakeholders from diverse sectors were invited to a public meeting aimed at addressing the intricate relationship between the lake's well-being and land-use, including agricultural practices. Scheduled for 3 dates in September, these gatherings promised to foster dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving to preserve the integrity of Lake Erie while supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
Monroe County Field Day
Monroe County Field Day
Thursday, September 5, 2024 | Monroe, MI
The Monroe County Agriculture Advisory Council, Monroe Conservation District, MCCC, hosted the 2024 Farmer Field Day! This event was held on-campus at the MCCC Student Ag Farm on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 from 9:30am - 3:00pm.
Understanding Algae Blooms: State of the Science
Understanding Algae Blooms: State of the Science
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
The 2024 Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science Conference highlighted current scientific knowledge related to algal blooms.
The auduence included academic researchers, state and federal agencies and the agricultural community interested in the latest algal bloom science and technology. Members of the academic research community, state and federal agencies and the agricultural community were especially encouraged to attend.
Research and outreach leaders presented findings from recent studies and identify important areas of uncertainty.
Regenerative Agriculture Field Tour
Regenerative Agriculture Field Tour
Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
Hosted by the Western Lake Erie Basin Advisory Group, this tour offered the chance to see effective farming techniques in action that enhance soil health, protect water quality, and produce high-quality, nutrient-dense food. An immersive field tour took place in the Upper Maumee watershed as you explore firsthand the impact of sustainable farming practices on vegetable, grain, and livestock production. Attendees learned directly from farmers who are successfully implementing these practices and from renowned soil health expert Ray Archuleta.
Time: 12 - 12:30 pm
Freshwater Science: Investigating Hypoxia Dynamics in Lake Erie
Freshwater Science: Investigating Hypoxia Dynamics in Lake Erie
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024
Harmful algal blooms and hypoxic zones, or areas with low oxygen, are leading environmental problems in Lake Erie, adversely affecting water quality and fish habitat. Despite their importance, the characteristics and long-term variability of the hypoxic zones in the lake remain poorly understood.
Dr. Fasong Yuan of Cleveland State University is leading multifaceted research to shed light on the dynamics and long-term changes in the lake’s hypoxic zones to help inform policy makers, stakeholders, and resource managers. Researchers are gathering in-situ sensor timeseries data to characterize both nearshore and offshore hypoxic systems, employing stable isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon to offer a quantitative understanding of oxygen-consuming organic matter in hypoxic waters, and analyzing surface sediments and sediment cores to yield insights into long-term evolution of hypoxia dynamics across the transition zone between hypoxia and normoxia, or areas with normal oxygen level, in central Lake Erie off the coast of Cleveland.
Center for Excellence Field Day
Center for Excellence Field Day
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Webinar: Applying for FY24 Nonpoint Source Program Watershed Planning Grants
Webinar: Applying for FY24 Nonpoint Source Program Watershed Planning Grants
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
EGLE's Nonpoint Source (NPS) program staff described the FY 2024 NPS program funding for watershed planning projects. The grant application schedule, program priorities, eligibility criteria, application requirements, tips for successful applications, will all be discussed, and NPS staff will also answer your questions. This webinar was intended for watershed groups, conservation organizations, municipal environmental coordinators, drain commissioners and any others interested in applying for a nonpoint source grant to develop or update watershed management plans to restore and protect watersheds and enhance water quality.
PROGRAM QUESTIONS:
Bob Sweet: SweetR@Michigan.gov
Coffee and Conservation
Coffee and Conservation
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Join us for a cup of joe and conversation with Washtenaw County farmers. Sit down with us and talk about topics related to land use.
WLEB FLG Annual Meeting and Farm Tour
WLEB FLG Annual Meeting and Farm Tour
Thursday, July 25, 2024 | Palymra, MI
The Western Lake Erie Basin Farmer-Led Conversation Group met for the Annual Meeting and Farm Tour on at Jim & Laurie Isley's Sunrise Farms.
We heard presentations from Michigan Corn, MDARD, EGLE's Great Lakes Coordination Program, EGLE's Nonpoint Source Program, MSU IWE, and JLW CISMA. This event provided 1 RUP credit.
This event was free thanks to the support of the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation. Register below!
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 | Tipton, MI
The Legacy Land Conservancy hosted a free "Lunch and Learn" about land protection in Lenawee County.
Over lunch attendees learned about the work Legacy is doing to protect land in Lenawee County, and meet some of our staff. They shared details about exciting upcoming projects, including their newest nature preserve, Iron Creek.
Cover Crop Boot Camp
Cover Crop Boot Camp
February 7-8, 2024 | Lansing, MI
The first Cover Crop Boot Camp was brought to you by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the Michigan Soybean Committee and the Michigan Pork Producers Association. The Cover Crop Boot Camp was a deep dive into innovative cover crop use, with topics including cover crop blends, precision technology, integrating livestock, seed production and more!
2023 Events
2023 Events
Michigan's Inaugural State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference
Michigan's Inaugural State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | Adrian, MI
EGLE and its partners hosted Michigan’s inaugural State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference, where featured speakers discussed topics related to phosphorus management in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Attendees also heard about updates to Michigan’s 2023 Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie. The Western Lake Erie Basin Science Panel shared their findings and recommendations for the Domestic Action Plan and participated in a panel to answer questions from conference attendees.
This event, which was open to the public, was a forum for networking, discussion, and updates on phosphorus management in Michigan's portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin. Attendees included Conservation Districts, watershed councils, local and state government officials, agricultural organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations, and community members.
Field Day: Sustainable Cropping Systems for the Future
Field Day: Sustainable Cropping Systems for the Future
Friday, September 15, 2023 | Hickory Corners, MI
What could a more sustainable rowcrop system look like?
Five-crop rotation, cover crops, precision decisions, no-till & residue management
But can this be profitable?
The dirty details: how do we do it?
Precision farm management & prairie strips
Fine-tuning conservation practices (crop diversity, double cropping, etc.)
Tools at Twilight: Soil & Water Management Field Day & Demonstrations
Tools at Twilight: Soil & Water Management Field Day & Demonstrations
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 | Monroe, MI
Attendees expanded their knowledge and awareness of topics like strip tillage, cover crop timing, and field drainage through demonstrations and education from extension specialists and growers who have integrated improved farming methods into their operations. The pros and cons of different management practices were discussed and seen in action.
Agenda:
Conservation Tillage: Matt Burkholder, Burkholder Healthy Farms and Dan Brainard, Michigan State University
Drainage: Ehsan Ghane, Michigan State University
Cover Crops: Madelyn Celovsky, Michigan State University and Matt Burkholder, Burkholder Healthy Farms
This event is supported with partial funding from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.
2023 Nutrient Management Field Day
2023 Nutrient Management Field Day
Thursday, August 17th, 2023 | Waldron, MI
The 2023 Nutrient Management Field Day was hosted by Jay and Kelli Williams on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at Stoney Ridge Farms. Michigan State University Extension, Hillsdale Conservation District, Hillsdale County Farm Bureau, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NCRC) partnered to present the field day.
This year's the event featured Mitchell Hora as the keynote speaker. Mitchell Hora is a seventh-generation farmer and the founder of Continuum. Mitchell has built their footprints to 40 states and 50 countries, launching the first soil health data tool TopSoil in 2020. In the afternoon, there was be a farm safety and grain bin rescue demonstration.
Washtenaw County Conservation District Field Day
Washtenaw County Conservation District Field Day
Thursday August 10, 2023 | Saline, MI
Washtenaw County Conservation District hosted an amazing Field Day at Noble Organics Farm located at 6760 Noble Rd. Saline, MI 48176. Four expert speakers spoke at this event. There was also be a weed zapper demonstration by Pond Hill Sales.
This event is supported with partial funding from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.
Center for Excellence Field Day
Center for Excellence Field Day
Wednesday August 9, 2023 | Clayton, MI
The Center for Excellence Field Day, was hosted by Lenawee County District at Bakerlads Farm. The field day offered a variety of speakers and presenters that included topics such as soybeans, phosphorous management, new crop data, and singulation.
This event is supported with partial funding from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.
WLEB FLG Annual Meeting and Farm Tour
WLEB FLG Annual Meeting and Farm Tour
Thursday July 20, 2023 | Tipton, MI
The Western Lake Erie Basin Farmer-Led Watershed Conversation Group met for the Annual Meeting and Farm Tour on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Heath and Bob Platt's Paragon Farms.
FEATURED Presentations from:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service Staff
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Staff
Michigan State University - Institute for Water Research
MI Climate Smart Farm Project
This event is possible through the support of the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.
Conservation Technology Information Center's Conservation in Action Tour
Conservation Technology Information Center's Conservation in Action Tour
July 10- July 11, 2023 | Frankenmuth, MI
2023's tour theme, Experiencing Conservation in Supply Chains, helped connect the circle from farmer to consumer. At this event, perspectives of farmers, input suppliers, and processors to dig deep into sustainable, climate-smart food production.
Frankenmuth Michigan was the perfect place for this tour—farmers around “Little Bavaria” produce not only corn, soybeans and dairy, but also potatoes, sugar beets, dry beans and more. Beyond the crops, there’s the people: every year, the CTIC Conservation in Action Tour brings a wide variety of attendees from different backgrounds and experiences.
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