Upcoming events
Annual Meeting
Regenerative Farming 101 with Vanessa Frias of Willowbrook Farms
Vanessa Frias is a first-generation farmer proving that small-scale livestock operations can be a powerful tool for environmental restoration. As the owner of Willowbrook Farms—a Black and Hispanic-owned, 35-acre operation—Vanessa focuses on the intersection of animal husbandry and forest ecology.
Specializing in pasture and forest-raised livestock, Vanessa utilizes regenerative grazing to improve soil microbiology, manage invasive undergrowth, and increase carbon sequestration within her woodlots. Her operation serves as a blueprint for how direct-to-consumer models and nationwide shipping can sustain a farm that prioritizes the land's health over high-input industrial methods. Vanessa is dedicated to demonstrating that regenerative agriculture isn't just a trend, but a scalable necessity for the future of our local food systems.
Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Winter pruning your fruit tree(s) is an important management tool for your fruit production. Different cuts can shorten, thin, or promote new growth in the upcoming season. This workshop will also highlight the two main pruning forms to maximize sunlight. The event will consist of both a lecture and hands on portion. Dress appropriately for the weather!
The event is free, but an RSVP is required on the homepage of our website, branchcd.org. Location details are provided to registrants closer to the date.
"Who's who & what's what?" with USDA-NRCS
Learn about wetland compliance from the USDA-NRCS, USDA-FSA, and EGLE. Bring your questions for the speakers!
RSVP via the form on our homepage.
Annual Meeting
Hear about a case study of responsible timber harvesting in Algansee township, presented by our Farm Bill Biologist Tim Boyd.
Additionally, Christopher Lea (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Colleen Gleason (Ducks Unlimited) will be giving a speech on how to create better wetland habitat, and what programs they have that can help you do that.
Elections for the Board of Directors occur at this meeting. Absentee ballots are available at the BCD office.
