What's New in the Watersheds

On August 4, 2026, there will be a millage renewal request on the ballot in Van Buren County. Van Buren Conservation District is seeking a renewal of slightly less than a tenth of a mill for environmental operations and programs in the county. But before discussing the merits of this renewal request, let's go back in time a decade.

Check out our seasonal newsletters for the latest news and events in the watersheds.

Sixth graders from Paw Paw Middle School got outside the classroom to release about 150 Chinook salmon into the Paw Paw River.

A newly established 135‑acre nature preserve in Van Buren County aims to protect rare oak savanna habitat and more than a mile of Paw Paw River frontage, bolstering biodiversity, water quality, and long‑term conservation in one of southwest Michigan’s most intact ecosystems.

A controversial Indiana law rolling back wetland protections could have ripple effects across state lines -threatening the health of the St. Joseph River, and with it, the Paw Paw River and Lake Michigan, putting ecosystems and taxpayers in southwest Michigan at risk.

Michigan Lakes and Streams is one of Michigan's leading advocates for our rivers, lakes, wetlands and streams. Check out their story on Two Rivers Coalition in the Winter 2024 Riparian Magazine.

A new 350‑acre state game area is coming to the Paw Paw River in Van Buren County, securing vital floodplain forest and river frontage for wildlife habitat, public hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

Two Rivers Coalition is Van Buren Conservation District's Conversationist of the Year 2022!