About Us

Since 1949, we've been empowering Missaukee County landowners to become confident stewards through hands-on education and free technical assistance.

Learn about the history of Conservation Districts!

focus areas

Our Natural Resource Priorities

Based on our 2024 Public Community Needs Assessment

Invasive Species Control

Surface Waters Protection & Management

Forest Health & Loss of Diversity

Lack of Forest Management

Loss of Farmland & Agriculture Conversion

our story

Founded by Farmers, Driven by Community

In 1949, a group of local farmers came together with a simple belief: caring for the land means caring for our community's future. They founded Missaukee Conservation District to help neighbors protect soil and water resources through meaningful partnerships.

Michigan’s Conservation Districts are special purpose local units of state government that utilize state, federal and private sector resources to solve today’s conservation issues.

Conservation Districts provide linkages between land managers and a host of conservation service providers. From day one, we were neighbors helping neighbors - and that ethos has never changed.

Growing Beyond Soil

Conservation Districts support citizens managing their private lands for a cleaner, healthier Michigan. We provide the public a point of access in their communities when questions arise on how to manage natural resources.

We are funded through:

  • Our annual native plant sales

  • Plat book and tree sales

  • State Operations grant

  • Community member donations

  • Other grants

  • And a millage passed in 2014, renewed in 2018 and again in 2024.

Looking Forward:

The Jamieson Nature Education Center

We've evolved from a soil conservation district into a comprehensive natural resource hub that empowers you to understand how soil, water, forests, and wildlife all work together on your property.

Over the decades, we've helped many Missaukee community members like you discover conservation possibilities.

Our 80-acre Jamieson Nature Education Center represents our future. It will be a central hub for expanding outdoor education and community gatherings while serving as a living demonstration of conservation practices in action.

We're building a community where you feel confident trying new approaches that benefit both your land and your life.

Our Programs

Since 2018, we've reached over 2,600 community members through education programs, helped 70+ volunteers monitor watershed health, and supported 52 farms across four counties with conservation practices.

Site Visits & Assistance

We can help you manage challenges with your farm, forest, water, soil and invasive species.

Education & Outreach

Learn by doing, connect with neighbors, and discover just how much change you can create.

Financial Support

We help connect you with funding opportunities and affordable solutions.

Meet Our Team

Our team includes both Missaukee Conservation District staff and our trusted partners from NRCS and NCCISMA who work closely with us to serve our community.

Together, we bring you comprehensive conservation expertise right here in Missaukee County.

Dani Hamilton

District Manager

Over 15 years of administrative experience, passionate about helping others and promoting healthy environments throughout our community.

Erin Horton

Conservation Outreach Coordinator

Education Specialist with teaching experience across the country and a passion for nature, bringing Spanish and Multicultural Education expertise to local conservation.

Lucas Santure

MAEAP/CTAP Technician

Fish and Wildlife Management graduate helping farmers implement environmentally friendly practices while pursuing his passion for the outdoors.

Ellie DeMarse

Administrative Assistant

Botanist and former park ranger with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, now calling Merritt farm her home and helping with local conservation efforts.

Hannah Lopinski

Watershed Technician

Rangeland Biology and Watershed Management graduate currently expanding her knowledge at MSU, passionate about fishing and waterway protection.

Ryleigh Cooper

CTAI Soil Conservationist

Environmental Studies graduate pursuing her Master's in Forestry, dedicated to helping landowners achieve their conservation goals.

Jeff Fewless

NRCS District Conservationist

Certified conservation planner assisting landowners with expert technical guidance to address resource concerns.

Sierra Gross

NRCS Soil Conservationist

Natural Resources graduate providing both technical and financial assistance to address landowner resource concerns.

Zach Peklo

NCCISMA Program Coordinator

Natural Resource Management graduate specializing in habitat restoration and invasive species control.

Michael Ramsey

NCCISMA Public Engagement Specialist

Experienced in delivering informative content to audiences of all ages across Northern Michigan.

Emily Fredricks

NCCISMA Invasive Species Technician

Environmental Studies graduate with hands-on experience in terrestrial and aquatic invasive species management.

What makes us different?

Award-Winning Team

Six-person collaborative team with multiple specialists under one roof so you get immediate solutions. Recognized as Michigan's top conservation district in 2024. We work alongside conservation partners to strengthen community impact.

Truly Local & Accessible

We live in the community we serve. Stand-alone office in downtown Lake City right here in Missaukee County .

Voluntary Partnership

We guide you without judgment. Long-term relationship building with no-cost technical assistance for as long as you need us.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on, interactive workshops with take-home components. You learn by doing, not just listening.

Comprehensive Expertise

From soil health to invasive species, water quality to forest management - our team covers it all so you get complete solutions.

Passionate Community

When kids recognize our staff on Halloween night and workshop attendees become lifelong friends, we know we're doing something right.

Meet Our Board

They are elected for 4-year terms by fellow Missaukee County residents at our Annual Meetings. These are the folks who make the official decisions about how we serve our community. Our Associate Directors are community members who want to stay involved and share their expertise. They join our board meetings to offer their insights and help guide our work, though they don't vote on official business matters.

Susan Schwager

Board Chair

35-year community member and retired Chemical Bank employee, serving on our board since 2011 and volunteering throughout the county.

Paul Sawin

Vice Chair

Born and raised in Missaukee County, previously raised Belted Galloway cattle, currently, grows hybrid Bearded Iris and brings hands-on farming conservation experience to our board.

Janis Ransom

Treasurer

Retired after 37 years with EGLE Air Quality Division, now volunteers with tree sales, our Wild Child summer programs, numerous other district and community events.

Sue Nyce

Director

Retired special education teacher living on the Manistee River, serves on conservation committees statewide and earned her Conservation Steward certificate.

Barb Iverson

Director

Passionate about recycling awareness and protecting native plants and the healthy insect populations that depend on them. Barb also earned her Conservation Steward certificate. 

Chris Iverson

Associate Director

Chris retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 30 years and now keeps over 50 bee hives while managing his 50-acre forest in Pioneer Township.

Ingrid Herweyer

Associate Director

Ingrid retired after 40 years of teaching high school special education in McBain and elementary education in Sparta. Her deep respect for conservation principles and desire to protect our natural resources for future generations inspired her to join our board.

Eric Bradley

Associate Director

New to Missaukee County as of October 2024, Eric lives on the Manistee River with his wife. Growing up on a Michigan dairy farm instilled his belief in protecting our state's resources for future generations.

Mary Jane Emery

Associate Director

A Missaukee County native who grew up on a local farm, Mary Jane retired after 38 years of state service. An avid bicyclist, kayaker, and hiker, she's volunteered on various Conservation District programs and has a deep commitment to protecting our natural resources.

Board Meetings & Governance

We believe in open, transparent governance that serves our community. All board meetings are open to the public, and we encourage residents to attend and participate in discussions about conservation priorities in Missaukee County.

Board Meeting Schedule

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM

Where: Meeting Room, 101 S. Main Street, Lake City, MI 49651

Who can attend: All meetings are open to the public.

Annual Meeting: November 6, 2025 (Location: Timber Wolf Lake Camp, 4909 N. Morey Rd, Lake City at 6:00 PM)

Upcoming FY25 meetings:

  • November 18, 2025

  • December 16, 2025

  • January 20, 2026

  • February 17, 2026

  • March 17, 2026

  • April 21, 2026

  • May 19, 2026

  • June 16, 2026

  • July 21, 2026

  • August 18, 2026

  • September 15, 2026

Land Committee Meetings

Our Land Committee meets monthly to discuss management of the 80-acre Jamieson Nature Education Center.

These meetings may include a board quorum and are also open to the public.

2025 Land Committee Schedule:

  • ​October 1, 2025

  • November 5, 2025

  • December 3, 2025

  • January 7, 2026

  • February 4, 2026

  • March 4, 2026

  • April 1, 2026

  • May 6, 2026

  • June 3, 2026

  • July 1, 2026

  • August 5, 2026

  • September 2, 2026

How to Get Involved

Meeting Documents & Reports

Meeting Minutes: Available 8 days after each meeting. Contact [email protected] to request recent copies.

Annual Reports: See what we accomplished together this past year - from conservation projects completed to community members reached through education programs.

Business Plans: Discover our goals and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, including new programs, community initiatives, and conservation projects planned for Missaukee County.

Audit Reports: Review our independently audited financial statements showing how community funds are used to support conservation programs and services (required by state law every two years).

Legal Information

Freedom of Information Act: Review our FOIA Procedures & Guidelines

Equal Opportunity: All programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Questions about board meetings or governance? Call us at (231) 839-7193 or email [email protected].

We're here to help you stay informed and get involved in conservation decisions that affect our community.

INTRODUCING

The Simple Backyard Conservation Course

Learn how to transform your outdoor space into a thriving wildlife habitat.

Simple changes in how you maintain your yard or outdoor space can have a meaningful environmental impact right at home. There is no cost for the course because we believe conservation should be accessible to everyone!

Here's what you get:

Get the exact conservation strategies that have helped hundreds of neighbors create real environmental change right from their own yards straight to your inbox.

You'll learn how to:

  • Support fireflies, pollinators and other beneficial insects with a simple lawn care change that actually saves you work.

  • Capture rainwater naturally using materials you probably already have at home.

  • Create pollinator pit stops that bring bees and butterflies to your space without expensive landscaping.

  • Fix common erosion problems with techniques that work in real-world conditions.

  • Build conservation confidence through quick wins that show immediate results.

  • Connect with nature in ways that benefit both wildlife and your family.

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join hands-on conservation work that makes a visible difference in our community.

Attend

Join your neighbors at our various upcoming conservation workshops and events.

Partner

Connect your business or organization with conservation-minded residents while supporting meaningful local work.

Donate

Make conservation accessible for everyone. Ensure free expert help for all neighbors regardless of income.