Welcome to Our
Barn Raising Campaign!
Current Use & Issues...
The district barn is the hub of our conservation district. It is the location for our annual spring tree sale and fall native plant sale. It is where we store the trailer and supplies for our American Beach Grass shoreline preservation program, and all of our tools and agricultural equipment for the MAEAP program. But, our tree and plant sales are growing and more space is needed for supplies as our conservation programs for Charlevoix County landowners and residents expand and grow. In addition, a recent inspection found that the foundation is cracked and crumbling and the frame is rotting, making the barn unrestorable.
Next Steps...
We have been approved by the city to construct a new and slightly larger building in place of the existing barn. The District is seeking help with funding the project through grants, in-kind assistance and donations. There are several ways to donate to this campaign. One is simply scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the "donate" button, or by sending a check made out to, Charlevoix C.D. to The Charlevoix Conservation District, 303 North St., Boyne City, MI. 49712. For additional questions about this project, or to speak to a district staff or board member, please call 231-582-6193 or email, charlevoixcd@macd.org. Thank You!
Future Uses...
Although we will be sad to see our old barn go, a new space would allow for more uses, not only by the district staff and plant sale participants, but also the community. In addition to storage for equipment, supplies and plant fundraising sales, the new space would have an optional heat source, allowing for year-round workshop use. A potential overhang would add more space for plant sales to be held outside. More space and optional heat provides year-round use for larger, messier classroom size outdoor workshops that our current (and increasingly popular) community room can't house. Examples of these types of workshops (but not limited to) include: wreath-making with Garden Clubs, Construction type workshops (ie: Bird/Bat houses), Scout group projects, Painting and other crafts, and nature based environmental education classes. Lastly, the outdoor space would also compliment the Annual Summer Garden Party, and community room rental events such as graduation parties and other community needs.
Just some of the current uses for our barn...
A Vision of What We Hope to Build...
Just one of many ideas, but something slightly larger than what we currently have, with an overhang, enough space for storage and a small classroom/workshop area with an option to heat year-round. Running water would be a plus for tree sales and multi-purpose use, but an updated space for all our conservation needs is ideal. We look forward to working with everyone who would like to see our conservation dreams come true for Charlevoix County!