Our real estate agents love the easy access to nature in Livingston County. The Nature Center is a wonderful place to spend time in the great outdoors and learn about the
The Nature Center is a wonderful place to spend time in the great outdoors and learn about the preservation of land, water, and wildlife. Learn about this resource this spring on our blog. preservation of land, water, and wildlife. Here's a closer look at this amazing county resource.

About the Livingston Conservation District

The Livingston Conservation District acts as a conduit between local residents and federal- and state-funded programs offered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Initiatives are available in areas such as landscape conservation, on-farm energy, agricultural management, and environmental quality. LCD shares staff and technicians with Ingham County, where the USDA-NRCS offices are located.

One of the important projects LCD is involved with is the Portage Creek Advisory Committee. Founded by the Huron River Watershed Council, the committee unites four different counties to create a guidebook advising residents and businesses on how to reduce pollution and improve long-term protection of Portage Creek.

On the lighter side, LCD conducts a number of activities and events to raise funds and promote awareness of their organization. Events have included a Spring Tree Sale, LCD Field Day, Children's Poster Contest, and Farmer's Day. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at various locations around the county.

Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center

One of LCD's major responsibilities is operating and maintaining the Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center, located at 9585 Roberts Rd. in Iosco Township. The center encompasses 70 acres of land where visitors can participate in outdoor activities while getting first-hand education about forest stand productivity, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and aesthetic values. 

LCD is constantly using wise business practices to improve the center, so there's a good chance you'll see something new on each visit. A network of trails is available for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter, and there is a catch-and-release fishing pond near the front entrance. Hours are daylight to dark, seven days a week, and admission is free.

Project WILD

Project WILD is an innovative program designed to develop awareness of conservation in K-12 students. By emphasizing the value of wildlife, Project WILD believes this knowledge will help students become responsible citizens of our planet.

Tools used by Project WILD include balanced curriculum materials and professional training workshops. Instruction is aimed at fostering awareness of and commitment to environmental issues. Ultimately, students become better equipped to make informed decisions and act responsibly. LCD staff members are available to visit local classrooms to share the Project WILD initiative.

Volunteer Opportunities

LCD always welcomes interested individuals who want to volunteer their time to the cause. Available opportunities include:

• Help with LCD Field Day and other promotional events
  
  
• Packaging and sorting of tree seedlings during the Spring Tree Sale
  
  
• General maintenance at the Nature Center, including trash pick-up and spreading bark chips along the trails

Does Livingston County sound like the place you would love to call home? Contact us at Griffith Realty for help with all your real estate needs.