Benzie Conservation District: Environmental Stewards

Vacationers at the CSA may remember an event held here back in June by the Benzie Conservation District (CD). This important organization, based in downtown Beulah, works to protect natural resources in Benzie County and educate the public on how they can do their part to keep our beloved forests and waterways beautiful. Their close connection with the land we use and enjoy is shared by many at the CSA; one of these nature-lovers (and CSA member) Jane Perrino, works at Benzie CD as their development coordinator.

In Jane’s words, the mission of the Benzie Conservation District is “to ensure that every participant in our natural resources in Benzie - whether they're here for a day, week, or lifetime - has the information to be the best stewards of what they're interacting with.” The organization shares this information through educational events, literature such as booklets and their newsletters, and hands-on volunteer opportunities. The CSA is especially valuable in their mission due to its tight-knit community and location at the heart of the lakes. Both organizations were founded with a “boots on the ground” determination to do what they set out to accomplish, whether that be vacationing or conservation.

Despite being one of the smaller conservation groups in Michigan, Benzie CD’s effect is powerful. They organize two stream monitoring data collections in May and October as well as several beach-and-river cleanups during the summer. Volunteers should expect to get up close with nature and work as a team to reduce the impact of human activity in Benzie County. River cleanup specifically targets the Platte River and the Betsie River. These are great volunteer opportunities for anyone who seeks to improve their environment in a concrete, observable way.

Benzie CD collects data from the public every five years to see how people are using the resources available to them as well as gauge the issues most pressing to residents of the area. In their most recent survey, they received over 300 responses, identifying water quality and environmental education as issues the public felt were important. It only makes sense for water quality to be notable - Benzie County is home to over 17 named lakes. Between October 2023 and September 2024, Benzie CD monitored seven lakes and twenty-seven stream sites with the help of their staff and volunteers.

While their numbers are impressive, the truly remarkable quality of Benzie CD is their connection to the community. The lakes and rivers they protect are the same waters their children swim in; this kind of closeness with the earth allows them to serve their community and environment with love and commitment. They work alongside the community, guiding and educating through their various programs and events.

“We’re excited to bring like-minded, interested people together because we all encourage each other to be the best stewards of the landscape just by sharing that passion,” Jane says. If her words resonate with you, be sure to keep an eye out for volunteer or donation opportunities. Over 15% of Benzie Conservation District’s funding comes from donations, helping sustain the organization’s efforts to protect and serve the rivers, lakes, and land of Benzie County.