News & Events
Learn about Ottawa County farmland preservation, succession
planning at 2024 Great Lakes Expo
Presentation: 9 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Valent Trade Show Stage, Great Lakes Expo
Land Linking: The Third Leg of the Farmland Protection Stool
Join MiFarmLink Coordinator and active farmer Jill Dohner and Ottawa County Agriculture and Economic Resources Coordinator Becky Huttenga for Land Linking: The Third Leg of the Farmland Protection Stool. This session focuses on land linking, offering valuable insights for farmers looking to transition their land or find the perfect match for their next farming venture.
Discuss farmland preservation, succession planning anytime during the Expo at Booth #70
Can’t make the presentation? Swing by anytime at Booth #70 in the Farm Market Hall area anytime during the Expo (which runs from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, and 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dec. 12) to chat with Becky Huttenga and Kent County Community Development Coordinator Haley Stichman about:
- The Purchase of Development Rights program, which protects farmland through a transferable conservation easement
- Land Transfer Navigator program, a joint American Farmland Trust-USDA resource for succession planning
About the Expo
The largest show of its kind, this year’s Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo runs Dec. 10-12 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The Expo offers extensive education programs on a range of topics for produce growers and farm marketers. Additionally, the event offers greenhouse sessions.
Learn More & RegisterUpcoming Events, Seminars & Training
SAVE THE DATE
Cultivating Resilience
FEBRUARY 6, 2025
Join the Ottawa Conservation District, Allegan Conservation District, and the ODC Network on Feb. 6, 2025 for Cultivating Resilience! This annual agriculture-focused conference showcases both common and emerging practices that promote soil health, improve water quality, and offers producers practical conservation knowledge that they can use to evaluate and enhance their operations.
This event serves as a MAEAP Phase 1 Educational Event. RUP credits are usually available for those who need them. For more information, visit ottawacd.org/cultivatingresilience
Archived Seminars & Training
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Citizen Planner Ottawa County Classroom Program (2023)
Citizen Planner Ottawa County Classroom Program
Mondays, Sept. 11 - Oct. 16, 2023 | 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Ottawa County will be hosting MSU Extension's Citizen Planner Training in September and October. The training is tailored for new local board members, as well as individuals with an interest in planning and zoning practices.
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MSUE Planner Training: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(2023)
MSUE Planner Training: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a process that adds depth and data to any community planning or economic development project. By understanding CPTED concepts and making changes to the built environment, a community will be better positioned to minimize crime incidents while improving quality of life for all.
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Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems (2023)
MSUE Citizen Planner Training: Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy Systems
Nearly every jurisdiction in Michigan will be approached about a solar installation within the next five years. Are you prepared? This training aims to provide communities with perspective and strategy for how to plan for and regulate solar energy systems. Presenters facilitated discussions on why we need to plan and zone for widespread deployment of solar energy systems. Participants learned about successful examples so they can lead an informed conversation in their own community.
This event counted toward continued education credits for the MSUE Master Citizen Planner Program. Learn more about the Master Citizen Planner Program by clicking here.
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Planning & Zoning Fundamentals (2021)
Each year, the Department hosts a free Planning and Zoning Fundamentals training where attendees learn the roles and responsibilities to help them more effectively serve on a Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals.
Click on the links below to view recordings of 2021's virtual trainings:
- February 16, 2021 – “Understanding Your Role as a Planning Commissioner”
- February 18, 2021 – “The Essentials of Being a Zoning Board of Appeals Member”
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Ian Lockwood Series (2018)
Ian Lockwood PE, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable transportation and urban design, came to Ottawa County in March 2018 for a series of events that were both informational and inspiring. Videos of Ian’s time in Ottawa County can be viewed HERE.
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Strong Towns Workshop (2017)
Chuck Marohn, nationally acclaimed speaker and president of the non-profit organization, Strong Towns, came to Ottawa County in May 2017 and explored issues related to development patterns, infrastructure, financial resiliency, and quality placemaking practices in local communities. The goal of this all-day workshop was to open up new ways of thinking about development by examining both new and old-but-forgotten concepts. Learn more about Strong Towns HERE.
- Understanding Hydraulic Fracturing: A Three-Part Educational Series (2014)
