This tour is included in the cost of registration. This full-day tour will take participants to five distinct locations for an up-close look at conservation in Michigan and includes lunch.
Stop 1: Mast Young PlantsIn the morning, buses will depart the hotel at 8:00 a.m. for
Mast Young Plants, a five-acre-plus commercial greenhouse that grows more than 1,500 varieties of annuals, perennials, and cut flowers, such as mums, asters, geraniums, and more, which are shipped to retailers throughout the country. This tour is a unique opportunity to learn from their production manager how production at this scale is accomplished. There will also be a self-guided tour of their demonstration gardens. You will learn from conservation district and greenhouse staff about the steps it took for this farm to become verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, a state program run through local conservation districts. They will share how stormwater runoff, nutrients, and drain wastewater are managed by the greenhouse to minimize pollution.
Stop 2: Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm MarketThe next stop will be the
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market, a fourth-generation farm that is a bustling agritourism business with a market, concert stage, playground, animals, gift shop, bakery, kitchen, and brewery. Sweet and tart cherries, apples, asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees are all grown on the farm. We will do a round-robin tour, with visits throughout the farm to learn about their varied fruit production systems from owners Suanne and Stephanie. The tour will also include a visit to the local creek that runs through the farm to learn about watershed restoration efforts from the
Kent Conservation District staff who have worked with the farm for decades.
Stop 3: Lunch at Schwallier's Country BasketLunch will be enjoyed at
Schwallier's Country Basket on land known as “The Ridge,” and a great area to grow tree fruits. A family-owned business, the sixth generation of farmers operating it are currently adapting to meet new economic and climate-related challenges. The market has grown from a roadside stand to a destination. During the fall season, the farm includes a bakery, restaurant, and agri-tainment area complete with a corn maze and apple cannons. Discover how this family farm has adapted through the years. Lunch and a covered wagon tour through the orchards will be provided.
Stop 4: Plainsong FarmAfter lunch, participants will visit
Plainsong Farm, a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MEAEP) verified farm located in northern Kent County, working to foster a sustainable and community-driven food system. Sitting on 12 acres, the farm specializes in mixed vegetable production and aims to make fresh produce more accessible to those in need throughout our area. In collaboration with the Kent Conservation District, Plainsong Farm is a previous NACD Urban and Community Conservation Grant recipient, working to promote conservation practices on farms while addressing community needs such as food insecurity and lack of access to healthy foods. See how our farm grows and distributes produce to the community, while enhancing soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall human health and wellness.
Stop 5: Cannonsburg State Game AreaThe final stop of the tour before heading back to the hotel will be the
Cannonsburg State Game Area. The Kent Conservation District has been working closely with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and Friends of Cannonsburg State Game Area, leading up to being awarded a DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant in 2021. This DNR program funds restoration on state lands throughout the state to address habitat degradation, wildlife management, and hunting opportunities. In response to neighboring concerns regarding invasive species encroachment into logged red pine stands, Kent Conservation District worked to control bittersweet vine from invading these newly disturbed areas. This project also allowed the Kent Conservation District to protect, enhance, and expand a remnant oak savanna containing wild lupine, hairy puccoon, and birdsfoot violet, among several other native species found in that natural community.
The Kent Conservation District’s accomplishments, in coordination with the local Muskegon DNR office, are as follows: seven acres of oak savanna restored, 25 pounds of native grass and forb seed spread, 1,500 native plant plugs installed, 11.8 acres of logged red pine managed for invasive and undesirable woody species, and two acres of shrub carr wetlands protected. In anticipation of an upcoming prescribed fire on 188 acres of state game area land, the Kent Conservation District has been fulfilling the crucial first step of mechanical and chemical preparation to allow the burn to be most successful. The district is excited to be part of the ongoing restoration efforts planned for Cannonsburg State Game Area.
Tour participants will be walking and standing, including in uncovered areas, during the visits to these locations. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, long pants, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
