NCEC is a small grassroots organization with a big mission, “to foster and educated active and collaborative community dedicated to protecting, respecting and promoting a sustainable natural world.”
With Newaygo County’s thirteen distinct natural communities and thousands of acres of public lands, many outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to this area. Our hope is to involve both permanent residence and curious visitors in understanding, protecting and enjoying this area.
A Snapshot of What We Do:
- Youth Environmental Stewardship-NCEC has initiated programs that engage our youth in learning about and taking action in caring for our natural world. From seasonal outdoor youth & family workshops, to coordinating the Michigan Green Schools Program for Newaygo County, fostering opportunities and mentorship for our future generations of environmental leaders.
- Healthy Habitats Program-NCEC is the only local organization that recruits and trains volunteers to help restore over 1000+ acres of beautiful and rare native habitats owned or managed by Michigan Nature Association and Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
- Pollinator Pathways Initiative-NEC aligns with PPI’s goal of expanding and connecting the corridors of pollinator habitats on protected lands through community participation in planting native plants on properties. These PPI installation models include “Food Forest & Pollinator Pathway Garden” at TrueNorth Community Services, and the beautiful pollinator garden at Henning County Park, a collaboration with Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.
- Vernal Pool Patrol: A “Citizen Scientist” program-NCEC provides annual presentations, trainings and vernal pool hikes. Important Vernal Pool information is collected about these under researched and unprotected “Coral Reefs of the Forest”, which is entered into the Michigan Natural Features Inventory database.
- Conservation Stewards Program-NCEC has been instrumental in bringing this Certification program to Newaygo County for two years in a row. We are appreciative of these organizations for making this possible: Fremont Area Community Foundation, Newaygo Conservation District, Newaygo Invasive Plants Project, Little River Band of Odawa Indians, MSU Extension, and Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
Activities & Events All Year Long: Some of the 20 community events provided for free:
- Native Plant Seed Balls & Winter Seed Sowing: Prep for casting seeds on your property or starting plants for your garden!
- Bark & Buds, Winter Tree ID Hike – guided by Rod Denning, Conservation District Forester
- Prescribed Burn Safety & Fireline Basics: Stuart Goldman of the Michigan Nature Association, safe fire management for habitats
- Fall Native Plant Magic – The why & how of growing your native plant garden in the fall is so very important!
- Fall Native Plant Seed Collecting – At FACF Tall Grass Prairie Installation, gather seeds and sow them at our winter workshops
- Make It & Take It Herbicide Dauber Workshop – Help eradicate invasive woody shrubs on your property & in our habitats
We Are Busy!
NCEC engages in Habitat Restoration Workdays each month, We also provide outreach and networking at community “tabling” events. We’d love you have you join us!
West Michigan Conservation Network 