
Our Environmental Journey
Our Story
A governmental subdivision of the State of Michigan and a public body corporate and politic, exercising public powers, as outlined in Conservation District Law, Act 463 of 1998.
Established in 1946, in response to soil conservation concerns, agriculture leaders and other landholders of Kalamazoo County established the Kalamazoo Conservation District through county referendum. Forming the District enabled the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a local technical agent to assist private landowners in solving natural resource concerns.
We're also your neighbors, helping fellow Michiganders protect and improve land and water resources - so our environment and communities can be cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger place to live, work and grow.
Functioning to make available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of local landowners with conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.
Our work is guided and informed by our beliefs and dedication to:
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Commitment – we are dedicated to the citizens and natural resources of Kalamazoo County.
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Inclusiveness – we respect people, value diversity, and are committed to equality.
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Integrity – we are dedicated to openness, honesty, and hard work.
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Participation – we value and recognize the contribution of board members, employees, and volunteers within our organization and communities.
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Science – we are dedicated to the pursuit and application of knowledge and the understanding of the natural world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.
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Service – we strive to provide excellent assistance to all county residents.
Meet Our Dedicated Team

Chandra Kinney
Kalamazoo Conservation District Manager

Di'Shun Melbert
USDA-NRCS District Conservationist

James Benjamin
MAEAP & Regenerative Agriculture Technician

Michael Marinez
Conservation Stewardship Technician (KCD/USDA-NRCS)

Celina Robinson
USDA-NRCS Soil Conservationist

Lucy Gregersen
USDA-NRCS Soil Scientist

Allison Marshall
CTAI Conservationist
(BCD/KCD/USDA-NRCS)

Sara Huetteman
BCK-CISMA Coordinator
(Housed in Barry CD)

Patrick Gordon
Regional Produce Safety Technician
(Housed in Berrien CD)

Ben Savoie
Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) Forester
(Housed in Barry CD)
Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The Kalamazoo Conservation District is governed by a locally elected, five-member Board of Directors. The Directors make decisions regarding the District’s programs and activities, hire qualified staff to run district operations and lend vital expertise to advance local conservation services to the Kalamazoo County community.

Board Chair
Edward Cagney
Ed is a cash crop farmer growing corn, soybeans, wheat, seed corn, green beans and more. In 2018 Ed received the Master Farmer award by Michigan Farmers. Ed has served on the board since 2005 and is heavily involved in other boards involved in advancing agriculture and conservation related practices such as our local Farm Bureau.

Board Vice Chair
Tricia Keala
Tricia is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional who is passionate about protecting our natural resources. She is a Michigan native working with local municipalities in the advancement of their parks, property development and asset management.

Board Treasurer/Secritary
Andrew Fern
Andrew is a Project Manager at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories pursuing a B.S. in Forestry at MSU. He is an active steward in our community volunteering with the Kalamazoo Paddle Club, the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Michigan Waterways Steward and MDOT highway cleanups.

Board Director
Lynn Coville
Lynn grew up on a dairy farm in Climax amd worked for 31 years at Globe Construction. He now farms 100 acres of corn and soybeans. Lynn is a member of the Pavilion Township Planning Commission, a deacon at his church, and a board member on the Battle Creek Farm Bureau.

Board Director
Sandra Bliesener
Sandy is the President of O’Boyle, Cowell, Blalock & Associates, Inc. (OCBA) and aLEED Accredited Professional. She received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Kansas State University and is a licensed Landscape Architect. Sandy has been a designer and project manager at OCBA since 1993 and currently serves on several boards and committees for the City of Parchment, Kalamazoo County, and the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo.

Associate Director
This Could be YOU!
Looking for NEW Associate Director to join the Kalamazoo Conservation District Team.
