Meridian Conservation Corps

The Meridian Conservation Corps (MCC) is a community program dedicated to the conservation of 1,700 acres of parks and preserves in Meridian Township. This work is done with one full-time staff member, two part-time staff members, and hundreds of MCC volunteers who participate in workdays throughout the year. 

WHAT WE DO

We hold weekly events year-round for community members to volunteer at. All ages and experience levels are welcome, and equipment is provided. Some of the work includes invasive species removal, litter pickup, native seed collection, and native seed sorting.

*Please note that most workdays are held in parks and preserves, but indoor workdays also occur. We are happy to work with you and make accommodations if needed.

Our two most popular programs are Stewardship Saturdays and Weekday Warriors:

  • Stewardship Saturdays
    • Occur every other Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
  • Weekday Warriors
    • Occur every other Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

We also hold educational programs 1-2 times per month. To view all MCC events, visit meridian.mi.us/Calendar.

To sign up for the MCC and to be added to our email list, please complete the following form:

MCC Sign Up Form

For questions, please contact Land Stewardship Coordinator Emma Campbell at ecampbell@meridian.mi.us or 517.853.4614.

2024 MCC Stats

  • 659 hours of stewardship work completed in the Township
  • 348 total members
  • 45 stewardship work days
  • 10 educational events

Read the MCC annual report for more information: 2024 Meridian Conservation Corps Annual Report

Making a Difference with the MCC

With 1600 acres to care for, we need our community to help us achieve our current and future stewardship and land management goals. Many citizens in Meridian Township are already heavily involved in their local park or land preserve, and we want to empower them and equip them with the correct information and resources to create healthy green spaces.

The goal of this program is to allow the community to choose which path of conservation they would like to follow and in what park or preserve. Anything from beautifying the parks through trash pickup to preserving important habitats like vernal pools. The MCC is meant to cultivate a sense of place, meaning, and ownership for citizens in the community and the land that their tax dollars support. Now let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Planting a Native Meridian focuses on native habitat restoration both within and outside natural areas. We have prioritized native plants in our ecologically sensitive parks and preserves, but we also want to offer support and guidance to homeowners who would like to take a native plant journey in their own backyard!

Even a small patch of native plants can be helpful to the local insects and wildlife that have evolved to know these flowers, trees, and shrubs. Whether you would like to participate in workdays planting native transplants, learn about seed collection, start native landscaping, or get to know these wonderful species, we are here to help!

Plants are the most essential part of our food systems, providing benefits such as the air we breathe, cleaner water, and more resilient natural areas. Restoration of these species in our natural areas is of the utmost importance. But don't forget your part as a landowner! Integrating native plants into your yard will create a diverse mosaic and beautiful refuge.

Please utilize our native plant guide below to start your beneficial backyard journey! 

 

The Vernal Pool Patrol is a statewide citizen science program through the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership that introduces folks to the wonderful world of vernal pools and how they can become involved in protecting these special places. Those who would like to become a volunteer vernal pool monitor are required to go through the official training. Please visit the Vernal Pool Patrol Training & Events Webpage to see training dates and register.
The mission of the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership is to increase awareness, understanding and protection of vernal pools through conservation, research & mapping, education & outreach and collaboration.
Please visit the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership Webpage for more information on how to get involved. Stewardship Coordinator, Emma Campbell, is the local coordinator for this area. Contact her at ecampbell@meridian.mi.us for local events and resources.

Check out our Meridian Conservation Corps Merch Store for MCC tees and sweatshirts!

We also have a special Vernal Pool Merch sale going on right now. Wear your support if you think Vernal Pools are Shrimply the Best!