What is a conservation district?

Michigan has 75 conservation districts. We are a local unit of state government, overseen by a board of directors elected by Oakland County residents, which is why our meetings are public and our records are open.

Conservation districts teach about soil health, run backyard habitat classes, and connect you to state and federal conservation programs.

Three people, one large county

A small staff serves 1.3 million residents.

Alec Smith at an NRCS Forest Field Day event

Alec Smith

District Administrator

I serve as the District Administrator for the Oakland Conservation District. I focus on building partnerships, developing conservation programs, and helping residents protect local natural resources.

I have a background in environmental management, community outreach, and program development, all rooted in a passion for sustainable land and water practices across Oakland County.

Madelyn Swan standing in the woods in front of a large mature tree

Madelyn Swan

Resource Conservationist

You may have met me at one of our events, or on a visit to your farm for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). I bring my education in Anthropology and love for local history to our Backyard Habitat Certification Program.

Or, you may have seen me at one of Oakland County's parks or preserves, appreciating the unique natural communities and rare species we are so privileged to protect.

Headshot of Brian Roberts with a volcano in the background.

Brian Roberts

Resource Conservationist

I work with landowners to connect them to federal programs and protect the natural resources found around Oakland County.

I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's in Environmental and Sustainability Studies in 2024 and began my Master's at the University of Michigan for Ecosystem Science and Management the same year. I use my education to improve soil health and water quality in Oakland County.

A few of the people we work with

USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceMichigan Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentMichigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and EnergyMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesOakland County ParksOakland County Water ResourcesOakland County Invasive Species PartnershipMichigan State University ExtensionGrow PontiacOakland County Farm BureauBlue Heron Headwaters ConservancyNorth Oakland Wild Ones