celery pond

Mark your calendars for events in South Haven and Lawrence in February and in March. A brochure from the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission in Benton Harbor came to the CPA box recently, and we’d like to share the news with you.

• February 28, 2007, 7-9pm, Landscaping for Water Quality , FREE, at the Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence: “Learn about creating landscaping that can protect water quality, capture rainwater, reduce flooding, reduce soil erosion, provide wildlife habitat and enhance property values.” Speaker is Patricia Pennell, program director for Rain Gardens of West Michigan.

• March 12, 2007, 1:30-9pm, Filing the Gaps: Local Government’s Important Role in Environmental Protection, fee $10, includes dinner and materials, at Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence. “Local government is the first line of defense for our environment. Possessing the right tools, resources, and implementation strategies can ensure that the right plans, regulations, and effective coordination mechanisms are in place to protect Michigan’s natural and environmental treasures.” Mark Wyckoff, FAICP, Director of the PLanning & Zoning Center at Michigan State University organized and will present this program. (see website for more complete info, www.swmpc.org)

• March 14, 2007, 6-9pm, Wetlands 101 at Lake Michigan College in South Haven (room 141), Free. “Curious about wetlands? What do they do and why are they important? This workshop will provide a look into Michigan’s wetlands. Discover the basic components and functions of wetlands as well as stewardship and preservation strategies. Learn about the wide variety of valuable plants and animals that call our wetlands their home.” Speakers include: Rob Zbiciak from Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Nate Fuller from the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.

To register for these workshops, check the website mentioned above or call Marcy at (269) 925-1137 x25 or Erin at (269) 657-4030 x5.

Note: “Hosted by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and the Van Buren Conservation District with support from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.”