WHo we are
The Ottawa Conservation District was founded in 1938 by several landowners concerned with soil degradation that resulted from years of negligent land management. Upon formation, the District set forth goals to remediate soil erosion Today, the Ottawa Conservation District continues to meet foundational agriculture goals while also providing services related to other forms of natural resource management and conservation in Ottawa County.
letter from the director
Dear Ottawa Conservation District Community,
As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the strides we have made together in conservation and natural resource management. This year marked another significant chapter in our collective effort to protect and enhance the natural beauty and sustainability of Ottawa County.
I speak for the entire staff when I say the most striking accomplishment this year came from our community When faced with losing our vehicles in a storm, the community rallied around us, allowing us to raise over $6,000 toward securing transportation for the next field season This is the most our District has ever received in donations, and as a grant-funded organization, the generosity and support Ottawa County residents showed was truly inspiring for our entire office.
Through the staff’s renewed energy and the support of our partners local, state, and federal we continued our vital work. From securing $2 million in specific conservation program funding to treating over 19,000 hemlock trees for hemlock woolly adelgid we have had the opportunity to leave a measurable impact on our environment Additionally, we provided over 300 residents with boots-on-the-ground services involving cost share for conservation practices, invasive species management, or technical assistance in managing their private land.
As we look ahead, our focus will remain steadfast on sustainability and collaboration. Whether it’s advancing irrigation efficiency, continuing the fight against invasive species, or empowering the next generation of conservation leaders through educational outreach, we are committed to building a healthier, more sustainable future for Ottawa County
Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and resident who supported our mission this year. Your contributions big and small fuel the work we do and the successes we achieve. I invite you to stay engaged with us as we continue to build on this momentum in the year to come.
Yours Truly,
Natalie Bekins Executive Director
DISTRICT EMPLOYEES
NATALIE BEKINS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ANNALEESE RASANEN BOOKKEEPER
VACANT (NOW HIRING), CTAP COORDINATOR (PREVIOUSLY MAEAP) MORGAN ANDERSON, PRODUCE SAFETY TECHNICIAN
BENJAMIN JORDAN, WATERSHED PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
SARAH BOWMAN, WATERSHED & CONSERVATION SPECIALIST
BENJAMIN SAVOIE, DISTRICT FORESTER
MEGAN BANNINK, RCPP PROJECT MANAGER
TRACEY WEATHERWAX, SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN
MURIELLE GARBARINO WMCISMA COORDINATOR
WILL LATHAM, INVASIVE SPECIES SPECIALIST
BRENDAN CANAVAN, FOREST PEST TECHNICIAN
LAUREN VISSER, FOREST PEST TECHNICIAN
CIERA HOEKSTRA, FOREST PEST TECHNICIAN
SEAN FITZGERALD, FOREST PEST TECHNICIAN
NRCS EMPLOYEES
IBRAHIMA KANE, DISTRICT CONSERVATIONIST
SHARCY RAY, SOIL CONSERVATIONIST
REBECCA AGUILAR
SOIL CONSERVATIONIST
KATIE DROSCHA, CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN
KENDRA ZEMAN, CIVIL ENGINEER
our programs
Native Plant and Tree Fundraisers
Education and Outreach
Events
Critical Dunes Education & Permitting Assistance
Forestry Assistance Program
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Project
Invasive Species Strike Team (WMCISMA)
Watershed Restoration Programs
Michigan Agriculture
Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
Produce Safety
Farmland and Water Quality
Conservation Initiative
our board of directors
Chair, Mathew Hehl
Vice Chair, Becky Huttenga
Treasurer, Douglas Grotenrath
Director, Rivka Hodgkinson
Director, Tim VanDyke
Board Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month
Tree Seedling and Native Plant Sales
We want to thank the community for supporting our native tree seedling and plant sales. The local demand for native trees and plants have grown and we are excited to continue to improve what we offer the community!
The funds from these events help cover important district operations that are not covered by our grants. They also supply highquality, locally grown native plants to the community that provides numerous ecological benefits!
A major part of the work we do include educating the community on a variety of natural resource management topics Throughout the year, OCD staff attend community events, give presentations to people of all ages, host educational workshops, and more. Check out a few of the events we hosted, partnered on, and attended below!
Presentations Given & Community Events Attended
Pollinate Women in Ag Conference
Grand Haven Farmers Markets - Tabled Outreach
Great Lakes EXPO - Tabled Outreach
ValleyHub Annual Meeting- Presented
MIFFS Conference- Presented
Ottawa County Water Forum - Presented & Tabled Outreach
Grand Haven Earth Day Fair - Tabled Outreach
MI Lakes and Streams Association ConferencePresented and Tabled Outreach
West MI Conservation Network MeetingPresented
Ottawa County Farm Bureau Picnic- Presented
Organic Blueberry Marketing Field DayPresented & Tabled
Macatawa Water Festival - Tabled Outreach
OCD Hosted Events
Fall and Spring Native Plant Sales
Coopersville FFA Career Panel
MAEAP Emergency Planning Workshop
Invasives Species Management Demonstration
Workshops (x2!)
Rain Barrel Workshop
Magic of Transformation: Composting Workshop
HWA Self-Treatment Workshop
HWA Contractor Treatment Workshop
Native Garden Design Workshop
Ottawa Conservation District Annual Meeting
Farming Forward
Native Tree Sale Volunteer Tree Wrapping Day
Agricultural Career Panels - Coopersville High School
Conservation on Tap Speaker Series at Trailpoint Brewing Co and Tanglewood Winery
During January, February, and June 2024, OCD hosted it’s 2nd year of our Conservation on Tap Speaker Series, partnering with TrailPoint Brewing Company to host 3 sessions, These sessions focused on nonpoint source pollutants & water quality, forestry management for climate change, and landscaping for groundwater conservation. Approximately 95 people attended between all three sessions
Now in the winter of ‘24 -’25, Conservation on Tap is partnering with Tanglewood Winery and New Holland Brewery in Holland to host two public speakers sessions Topics covered include prairie strip benefits and home water saving methods. Thank you to everyone who has attended this annual speaker series!
W i n d s t o r m s !
This summer was windy one! After 80mph straight-line winds in June, a tree fell on one of our work trucks, resulting in it being totaled. We were down to two trucks for our 8-9 person field staff during the summer season.
While it was insured, the funds we received were not sufficient to replace it In August, we started a month-long fundraiser, and we raised just over $6,000!
We are still in the hunt for the Ranger’s replacement, but we want to sincerely thank your community for your support! As soon as we purchase a new-to-us vehicle, we will be sure to share a shiny picture with you all!
critical dunes & vegetative assurance
OCD provides a number of resources to Ottawa County residents in regards to Critical Dune Health. If an Ottawa County resident is building within a Critical Dune Area, the District can offer assistance in completing a Vegetation Assurance (VA) during the required permit process with EGLE which entails identifying current vegetation and providing recommendations for replacement vegetation after construction is completed. District staff can provide this service to the public for a fee In 2024 the District completed 9 VA’s
The District can also provide general information on Michigan’s Critical Dunes Programs for schools and organizations can be customized, tailoring length and content to the appropriate audience.
Forestry assista
Ottawa, Allegan, and Barry Counties all share a single District Forester who implements the Forestry Assistance Program (FAP). FAP assists forest landowners in making management decisions for their woods. The program provides on-site assessments and guidance to landowners and forestry professionals. These services are provided year-round at no cost.
In 2024 our District Forester, Ben Savoie, completed 81 site visits covering 3,793 acres of forested land. These visits resulted in $ 756,725 in estimated economic impact from forest activities such as timber harvests, management plans, treatment for tree pests and diseases. Our forester also conducted or presented at 18 outreach events, featured in 41 media occurences, reaching 1176 attendees.
Invasive Species
At Cost work hemlock woolly adelgid program (HWA)
The West Michigan CISMA has worked since 2018 to address hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on private land in West Michigan The technicians spend the winter months surveying and collecting data in preparation for the summer treatment season We work closely with the Mason-Lake Conservation District to address more areas During the 2024 field season, the Technicians treated over 19,836 trees, which was 134,338 inches DBH (diameter at breast height)! This program is funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Thank you to our partners and funders on this project!
Seasonal Strike Team
The West Michigan CISMA has three strike teams that work to address invasive plants on both public and private properties in West Michigan. The three conservation district offices that host a strike team are in Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. These strike teams work under a diverse set of funding streams including state and federal grants, as well as for hire work. This season, the Ottawa strike team surveyed 229 acres and treated 264 sites. These treatments took place over a total of 194 acres and addressed a 16 types of invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, European frog-bit, Phragmites, and Chinese yam. The West Michigan CISMA continued to manage invasive species that are detrimental to watershed health, including Japanese knotweed, Phragmites, and invasive bittersweet under the Sustain Our Great Lakes grant program We want to thank our funders and partners for their continued support
We have grown our fee-for-service program in the last few years. Feefor-service includes projects not funded through grants, either due to the priority of the species or the location, but the landowner is willing to pay for the work. This program aims to provide an at-cost option for landowners to address their invasive species and assist in managing their properties to be healthy and resilient These treatments are available for both terrestrial invasive plants and hemlock woolly adelgid If you want to learn more about this program, please contact Murielle Garbarino at murielle.garbarino@macd.org.
Watershed Restoration programs
TheOCDWatershedRestoration Programsarefundedprimarilyby Section319NonpointSourcegrants fromtheMichiganDepartmentof Environment,GreatLakes,andEnergy (EGLE).Theseprogramsarededicated toreducingnonpointsource pollutants(suchasnutrients, sediment,andE.coli)levelswithin locallyimpairedwatersheds.Thisis accomplishedbyprovidingtechnical &financialassistanceforagricultural bestmanagementpracticesand failingsepticsystemreplacements. OCDstaffcurrentlyworkswithinthe SandCreek,CrockeryCreek,Pigeon River,RushCreek,BassRiver,andDeer CreekWatersheds,allofwhichare indicatedinthemaptotheright OCD alsopartnerswiththeODCNetwork andProjectClaritytoprovide technicalandfinancialassistanceto farmersintheMacatawaWatershed.
On May 14th, 2024, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved awarding the Ottawa Conservation District a $995,465 contract for a Water Quality Monitoring Initiative in collaboration with the Ottawa County Water Resource Commissioner’s office. Through this Initiative, OCD Watershed Staff, with the help of the ODC Network, will conduct water quality sampling, habitat surveys, and land surveys throughout all Ottawa County watersheds between 2024 – 2029 These monitoring efforts will help us better understand the concentrations, effects, and potential sources of nonpoint source pollutants and identify priority areas for future pollutant reduction efforts
Agricultural programs
Farmland and water quality conservation initiative
The Ottawa Conservation District completed it’s 3rd year of the Farmland & Water Quality Conservation Initiative Funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the initiative provides technical and financial assistance to producers to address local natural resource concerns throughout Ottawa County and neighboring portions of Allegan, Kent, Newaygo, and Muskegon Counties.
The program is focused on achieving three major goals within the project area:
1) protecting surface and groundwater quality
2) improving habitat for fish and wildlife
3) preserving manageable farmlands that can help conserve groundwater resources
To do so, Conservation District and NRCS staff work one-on-one with agricultural producers to create unique conservation plans tailored to their farming operation This planning process is free and cost-share funding is available to implement conservation practices Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who own or rent agricultural land are eligible for this program.
Livestock 0
2024 has been a successful year of project implementation. Overall, practices have been implemented on 2,826 acres and 14,239 feet of private farmland and forestland throughout the project area. This has amounted to over $200,000 reimbursed to private landowners to help install practices in 2024
OCD staff focused heavily on irrigation equipment upgrades and management this year to help improve groundwater conservation. We were featured in a short news story on Wood TV, highlighting irrigation uniformity resources available and staff conducted free irrigation uniformity tests for 3 separate farms.
Practices Implemented in 2024: Cover Crops, Grassed Waterway, Livestock Pipeline system, Conservation Cover, Brush Management, Fencing, Residue and Tillage Management, Pasture planting, Irrigation sprinkler nozzle upgrades.
Agricultural programs
Michigan Agriculture environmental assurance program (MAEAP)
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. MAEAP's mission is to develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in costeffective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations
In the 2024 fiscal year, 50 risk assessments were completed in Ottawa County and 19 Farms were verified in multiple systems, covering a total of 6,227 acres. In total, 154 Risk Reduction Practices were implemented. This year, $3,000 in financial assistance was provided for one above ground fuel transfer pads, water tests, and spill kit supplies to help offset costs associated with MAEAP verification.
Cultivating Resilience
While a Cultivating Resilience Field Day was not hosted in 2024, the Ottawa & Allegan Conservation Districts partnered with the ODC Network and a number of other partners to plan for our first indoor Winter Cultivating Resilience Conference! In 2023, the farm field day was brought indoors due to severe storms, and we received feedback to keep it inside. The team has been working hard to bring in regional experts and local farmers to highlight the benefits of regenerative agriculture to the land and to pocketbooks!
The Winter Conference will be held on Thursday, February 6th at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville Topics to be presented include cover crop diversity, prairie strip implementation, irrigation efficiency, and farmland succession We will host follow-up field days highlighting topics discussed at the conference throughout summer 2025. Learn more about this event at ottawacd.org/cultivatingresilience/.
Similar to the MAEAP program, Produce Safety Technicians provide on-farm technical assistance and education Morgan Anderson, our Produce Safety Technician, helps growers navigate produce safety standards and tailor solutions based on their food safety goals and needs. She also aids in preparing growers for future inspections and assist with food safety plan development. All services provided are available to any & all produce growers and are free, voluntary, confidential and non-regulatory.
While Morgan is housed in the Ottawa Conservation District, she services Ottawa and Kent counties (as well 7 other counties to the east). Morgan is a safe space to think about your operations produce safety needs and goals, and cost-share is available!
Because Produce Safety Risk Assessment are a holistic overview of your farm, Morgan has attended 59 training opportunities! She gains field experience by having completed 65 farm visits, initiating Produce Safety Certification with 7 farms in the region, resulting in 109 risk reduction practices and $1,500 dollars in cost-share dollars. Morgan’s service area comprises 9 counties in west Michigan, so she puts a lot of time into getting out to various community events and farmers markets to learn more about the communities and the growers of the area. In 2024, she went to 128 relationship-building events. Morgan is always learning from and with producers and partners, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Natural resource conservation service
NRCS, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agency, assists farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to ensure the sustainability of agricultural productions and the protection of natural resources.
Amount of cost-share spent in 2024: $26,730 00
Amount of cost-share allocated in 2024: $314,127 00
Conservation Applied in 2024:
Farmland Easement Secured - 155 acres
Cover Crops- 1,577 acres
Residue and Tillage Management - 173 acres
Composting Facilities - 1
Forest Management Plan & Management - 20 acres
Heavy Use Protection Area - 1
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan - 1
Conservation Stewardship Program - 423 acres, includes Pollinator habitat planting, monarch plantings, and filter strip installation
Soil Conservationist
Grand Haven Service Center
My name is Rebecca Aguilar and I’m a Soil Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) here at the Grand Haven field office. I have worked here since January 2024. Prior to working for the NRCS, I attended Grand Valley State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management and a master’s degree in Biology During my time at school, I was able to participate in two research studies One study examined longterm vegetation changes in response to changing climates in northern Alaska. The other examined vegetation response to prescribed burn and girdling treatments in a degraded oak savanna ecosystem in Michigan. I also have worked and volunteered at few local greenhouses including Grand Valley’s campus greenhouse, Kraker Greenhouses, and Walters Gardens In my role at the NRCS, I mainly assist farmers that are interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These programs provide free, voluntary, and confidential technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns on their property. I’m excited to continue helping farmers with natural resource concerns and learning more about the diverse operations that we have in Ottawa county
“There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.” Good Oak, A Sand County Almanac.
We want to say how grateful we are for the volunteers that helped us at our Annual Tree Sale and Native Plant Sales
We're thankful that everyone who has donated their time, money and resources to help us maintain, improve, and preserve the natural resources here in Ottawa County.
2024 Annual Meeting
We had a fantastic Annual Meeting on March 12th, 2024. We had an open-house style, so folks who voted for the open Board seat were able to come and go as they like and chat with program staff. We had approximately 60 people in attendance at this year’s event at Spring Meadow Nursery
We also want to once again congratulate our 2024 Ottawa Conservation District Partner of the YearAmanda Buday at Grand Valley State University. Also, the Producer(s) of the Year - The Morren Bros from Morren Crops & Cattle. Thank you for your conservation work!
2025 announcements
We have an exciting year ahead of us! We want to share with you a few District announcements for the new year.
SANDY JONES AIMEE BECKHAM LORENZ LIM PAUL SANDERS
Register now! Our Cultivating Resilience “Field Day“ has now transformed into a winter, indoors conference for future years. We have a great lineup of speakers and breakout sessions, and this FREE event includes breakfast and lunch and attendees can earn up to 4 RUP credits. Learn more at ottawacd.org/cultivatingresilience/
Save the Date! Our 2025 Annual Meeting will be hosted at District 5 Schoolhouse in Zeeland on March 11th, 2025. This is also an election year for two of our Board Director seats. The District is accepting Nominating Petitions from prospective candidates until January 10th, 2025. Absentee voting will begin on January 24th, and in-person voting will also occur at the Annual Meeting on March 11th, 2025. All ballots will be counted at the Annual Meeting and the Board Director winners will be announced at the end of the Annual Meeting.
The Ottawa Conservation District is a non-partisan, local unit of State government with a locally elected board of 5 directors who oversee District operations and provide guidance to District programs and goals. All Ottawa County residents over the age of 18 are eligible to vote in the OCD Board Director Election. Learn more about how you can vote in the upcoming election at ottawacd.org/annualmeeting/.
get involved
Our board meetings take place on the Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM at 1 St. Grand Haven, MI 49417. These meeti open to the public. All public meetings accessible in person or via zoom. Virtu invitations to our meetings are availab website.
On our website (www ottawacd org) or page, you will find information on upco volunteer events and educational work offer a variety of activities for individua or organizations. Check out our websit 2021 Conservation Needs Assessment a years strategic plan or to sign up to rec quarterly e-newsletter.
Interested in donating to help fund co work in Ottawa County? Visit our webs ottawacd org/donate/ (or scan the code make a charitable donation today! Che be made out to Ottawa Conservation D Ferris St , Grand Haven, 49417
Scan to donate today!
