Washtenaw County’s conserved farmland to be spotlighted in upcoming tour

In celebration of 25 years of protecting farmland and natural areas, the Washtenaw Conservation Collective will host tours of three Washtenaw County farms on Saturday, Oct. 4. During this free event, the public will be offered behind-the-scenes access to conserved farms in Webster, Scio, and Lodi townships. 

“A lot has happened in 25 years with farm easements protecting private property,” says Matthew Bertrand, park planner with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. “So we are inviting the public to visit these farms that will always be farms and a part of our community’s food system. You can meet landowners and learn about land relationships and our local food system. It’s really a celebration of all that we’ve accomplished.”

The Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program has permanently protected 17,500 acres of farmland thanks to the county’s conservation millage, which was renewed last year, and collaborative efforts among local organizations. The Washtenaw Conservation Collective includes Legacy Land Conservancy, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Huron River Watershed Council, River Raisin Watershed Council, the Ann Arbor Greenbelt, Washtenaw County Conservation District, and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Tour participants can experience and learn about community-supported agriculture, vegetable production, and forest management at Brines Farm in Webster Township; cattle farming and woodland preservation at Vestergaard Farm in Scio Township; and dairy production and regenerative grazing at Annie G’s Dairy in Lodi Township. There will be samples and snacks.

“Each resident should be proud of what we’ve achieved,” Bertrand says. “These tours are a chance to see the impact of conservation millage dollars. This community invests $8.5 million a year.”

RSVP is required and there’s currently a waitlist, which you can join here.

“We hope to offer more tours like this in the future because there is definitely a strong demand for understanding and connecting to our local food system,” Bertrand says.