July 20, 2009
Free Water Testing

The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program and Michigan State University Extension provides state wide, free water screening for private drinking water wells at Ag Expo and the Upper Peninsula State Fair.  Samples are screened for nitrates, nitrites and triazine pesticides.  Contact us in early July to get your sample bottle and instructions. Learn how to prepare your well water sample by clicking the links below.

Well Water Testing Instructions
Well Water Testing Form

Food for Thought
Watch the following video
"The Story of Stuff"

Check your
UV index here
Monitor the UV index and keep your skin healthy

Mercury Thermometer Exchange
Bring in your old mercury thermometer and we will exchange it for a digital thermometer free of charge. Limit 2 please.
 

Assembling the compost bin
I can catch that butterfly!	Weeding Columbine
Missaukee  Conservation District would like to recognize the following donors:
Missaukee County Commissioners Road Commission Sheriff Department
Cadillac Area Health Coalition
Master Gardeners
Harvestore
Voelker Implement Sales, Inc.
Ellens Equipment
Landscape Image & Design Studio
Little River Ranch
Vanderwal Farms
Lake City Redi-mix
Missaukee Area Community Foundation
Wildflower Association of Michigan
Dutchman Tree Farms
B. G. Trees
Jessica Davidson
Gordon Food Service
Missaukee MSU Extension
Heather Dexter & Wexford Missaukee ISD
Al Kushion & McBain High School
Matt Brown - Eagle Scout Project
Quinn Mobile Saw Works, LLC
Hydrolake
Wal-Mart
Meijer
Tim Lequier
Jim Williams
MGSP Ameri-Corps Program
Missaukee Conservation District Directors and Volunteers who have graciously given their time and labor while sharing in a vision of a cleaner, healthier place to live

The N.E.W.
Missaukee Fitness Trail

& Native Gardens

Summer of 2009 will be very exciting for the trail. An extension is planned. Native seeds were started by students at McBain Public and Northern Michigan Christian for garden expansions. This was made possible by a grant through Wild Ones from the Lorrie Otto Foundation "Seeds for Education Fund". Also, bring your GPS because two geocaching sites are in place.

Michigan Works! Earn and Learn Summer Program is partnering with us this summer. They have cleaned up the trail, cut out spotted knapweed, placed wood chips and put up "You are Here" maps on the first extension, will plant the native plants that were started by seeds, weeded the gardens, and much more. They are a hardworking crew and much appreciated.

A weatherproof box is placed outside the northeast entrance to the building. It contains trail guides and maps for you to use at your convenience.

The N.E.W. (Nature's Exciting Wonders) Missaukee Fitness Trail & Native Gardens, located at Missaukee County Offices north of Lake City at 6180 W. Sanborn Road (building known as the Health Department) is a Missaukee County treasure for all to enjoy.

Interpretive markers have been placed throughout the trail for viewing interpretation with an accompanying brochure explaining the various markers being developed. Plant description markers have been placed. Future plans include markers for exercise enhancement. Benches have been interspersed for resting and peaceful enjoyment of the area.   

Dozens of people donated their time to implement a public trail at the Missaukee County Offices for many reasons. They have included the betterment of the community and spending time outdoors. Whatever the reason, this trail matches many moods including: curiosity, serenity, fun, relaxation, health, well-being.

Area businesses are also supporting this project. They have donated the use of heavy equipment for tree removal and trail completion. Without their help, this project would not be ready for your use. We owe many thanks to Voelker  Implement Sales Inc., Harvestore, Ellens Equipment, and Hydrolake Leasing, as well as Missaukee County Road Commission for their generosity.

Volunteers are always appreciated. Give our office a call at 231.839.7193 and let us know how you'd like to help!