The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) was established in 1948, it supports residents and landowners in conserving and managing natural resources in Washtenaw County. In collaboration with federal, state, and local programs, the WCCD developed plans for over 5,500 acres in 2021 and implemented 957 risk reduction practices from 2017 to 2021 through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The WWCD takes a team-based approach, cross-training staff to efficiently serve federal agencies (NRCS, FSA) and state agencies (MDARD, EGLE, DNR). 

Megan Phillips Goldenberg, Climate Smart Farms Specialist 

Paul Buzzard, Conservation Technician

Anna Cone, Conservation Technician

The University of Michigan, including the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), is a leading research university with robust project management capabilities. Researchers Shelie Miller and Shannon Brines bring extensive experience working with producers and landowners. Miller, a UM sub-award PI on multiple grants, led an NSF Career grant - Creation of a Predictive and Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment Tool which developed tools to assess the impact of converting cropland to alternative uses and created educational materials for producers. Brines has contributed to several USDA NIFA grants, including Examining Disparities in Food Access and Enhancing the Food Security of Underserved Populations in Michigan. He was research staff on a UM Graham Institute grant Southeast Michigan Sustainable Livestock Working Group to Increase Supply-Chain Capacity, and the currently active UM sub-award of a USDA NIFA AFRI grant - FACT: Fusing Satellite and Drone Data with GIS to Create New Analytical Decision Support Tools for Varying Farm Types.   

Shelie Miller, Principal Investigator   

Shannon Brines, Research Computer Specialist  

Rohit Kumar, Postdoctoral Researcher

Carbon Yield increases the use of regenerative agriculture by providing farmers with new revenue streams, technical tools, and a supportive community to transform their lands into resilient carbon sinks. Their platform leverages farm data to ensure a successful, low-risk transition, which enhances both profit and sustainability. Carbon Yield was founded as a carbon offset project development firm, they identify market gaps and offer meaningful incentives, including carbon revenue, cover crop offtake agreements, financing, and simplified reporting. By integrating soil health and climate into farm management, they help farmers boost profitability while driving positive climate impacts. 

Claire Pluard, Co-Founder, COO

Vivian Powell, Data Analyst 

Madalene Andoe-Leggett, Agriculture Project Manager 

The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) has successfully built an affordable, decentralized measurement system that combines field data accuracy with the scalability of geospatial models - it is now accessible to everyone. TSIP is a neutral, science-led nonprofit founded for the public interest. On the mobile application they created, the provided field kit enables technicians with a quick sampling design and soil sampling tools (augers) with linked location pins and results on their mobile devices. 

Kelsey Jensen, Associate Director

Morgan McClure, Associate Data Scientist

Taste the Local Difference is Michigan’s leading local food marketing and media company. They lead statewide outreach and education campaigns to promote the value of local food, while their team of marketing professionals helps food and farming businesses develop effective marketing strategies. TLD also offers free consumer education and tools to connect buyers with their statewide network of over 2,000 food and farming partners. 

Christina Marbury, Marketing Director 

Tricia Phelps, CEO

Emily Row, Director of Communications  

Claire Butler, Content Specialist

Casey Cafego, Marketing Specialist

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) supports the Michigan Climate Smart Farms project by providing education, technical assistance, and resources to farmers. They offer training on sustainable practices, help farmers access funding and grants, and connect them with conservation districts for guidance. MACD also advocates for policies that support climate-smart farming and helps farmers monitor the impact of their practices.

Jerry Miller, President

Rivka Hodgkinson, Executive Director

The Environmental Stewardship Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture administers diverse programs that promote a safe and healthy environment, sustainable natural resources, and a strong agricultural and forestry economy. MDARD oversees the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), an industry-led partnership focused on pollution prevention. MAEAP integrates training, risk assessment, technical assistance, conservation practice support, engineering, cost-share, and agency verification to support farmers and landowners with sustainable practices. 

Shelby Burlew, MAEAP Verifier

Josh Appleby, MAEAP Verifier

Dylan Arnett, MAEP Verifier

Megan DeLeeuw, Soil, Water & Climate Manager

Erik Palm, Soil Conservationist 

The Michigan Farm Bureau is a statewide organization that represents the interests of Michigan farmers and promotes the agricultural industry. It advocates for policies that support farmers, rural communities, and the agricultural economy. The MFB supports Michigan Climate Smart Farms Program (MCSFP) by advocating for policies that promote sustainable practices like carbon sequestration and soil health improvement, while also ensuring farmers’ profitability through voluntary, incentive-based programs. 

Tess Van Gorder, Conservation & Regulatory Relations Specialist

The Monroe Conservation District (MCD) provides technical assistance to farmers, homeowners, educators, businesses, and government agencies through agricultural planning, workshops, plant sales, wildlife habitat and forestry support, and erosion control. MCD administers the county’s MAEAP program, supports Farm Bill Program delivery, and led the 2019 “Soil Testing to Reduce Agriculture’s Nutrient Delivery in WLEB” (STRAND) program, which provided over $240,000 in cost-share for conservation practices. With strong ties to local farmers, Monroe Conservation District’s MAEAP Technician and Conservation Specialist will assist growers during the research and pilot phases of MCSFP.  

Deanna Wagner, District Manager 

Jackson Cenusa, Conservation Specialist

Levi Couch, Conservation Technician 

Lenawee Conservation District (LCD)

The Lenawee Conservation District (LCD) is dedicated to protecting soil and water resources through education and technical assistance, promoting harmony between urban and rural areas for a healthy environment. LCD manages the MAEAP program for Lenawee County, aids in delivering Farm Bill Programs, and has participated in “Soil Testing to Reduce Agriculture’s Nutrient Delivery in WLEB” (STRAND) and other cost-share programs. With strong connections to the local farming community, Lenawee County has two MAEAP technicians and one Conservation Specialist to support growers during the research and pilot phases of MCSFP.   

Brooke Bollwahn, District Manager

Keeley Pape, Conservation Specialist

Allegra Baird, Conservation Specialist

Keep Growing Detroit’s mission is to promote a food sovereign city where most of the fruits and vegetables consumed by Detroiters are grown locally. They empower beginner gardeners to become community leaders and food entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable change in the food system. KGD operates nationally recognized programs, including the Garden Resource Program, supporting over 2,000 urban gardens and farms, and Grown in Detroit, offering urban growers low-barrier opportunities to sell their produce. KGD also runs a 1.38-acre urban farm and teaching facility in Detroit’s Eastern Market District. 

Tephirah Rushdan, Co-Director of Education & Capacity Building

Danielle Daguio, Development and Engagement Coordinator

Washtenaw County, specifically the Washtenaw Resiliency Office, has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and is actively engaged in a planning process with all county sectors. A key strategy in reaching this goal includes preserving working farms, agricultural soils, and natural areas. The organizations involved in this proposal are essential partners in these efforts moving forward. Washtenaw County will provide in-kind support and contribute to long-term planning to ensure sustainability efforts are achieved. 

Beth Gibbons, Resilience Officer

Wonderful Tiny Farm is a small family farm that sells fresh items including flowers, vegetables, and herbs to local residents of Washtenaw, Ingham, and Livingston counties in Michigan. They engage in Michigan Climate Smart Farms practices that aim to reduce their impact on climate change. Tammy McClellan has been involved in the MMRV and marketing meetings, as well as participating in the advisory committee. Additionally, she volunteered her employee to work part-time with WCCD as part of the MCSFP team.