Whether it’s to check out an update on the efforts to conserve Cass County’s plentiful natural resources, to see the operations of a local maple syrup sugarhouse first hand, or just to enjoy a hearty, locally sourced breakfast, the upcoming meeting of the Cass County Conservation District will have a lot to offer the public.

The area conservation agency will host its annual meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at Olson’s Maple Row Sugarhouse, located at 12646 Born St. in Jones. The event is free and open to the public.

Members of the local conservation district meet every year with the public, to deliver yearly reports, to elect new officers and spread awareness of their operations.

The district, which has met in previous years at locations like the Road Commission Office, Lawless Park and Kelsey Lake Farms, decided to hold the meeting this year at the county syrup maker to show off a different side of the county’s agriculture prowess, said conservation district Director Justin Miller.

“It’s an informal kind of meeting,” Miller said. “We’re giving people an attraction to come out and see what we’ve accomplished over the past year.”

The meeting begins with a pancake and sausage breakfast, with food provided by Olson’s, Jake’s Country Meats, Rolling Meadows Farms and other local vendors, Miller said. Following the meal, the organization will deliver a series of annual reports, and give out awards for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Farmer of the Year, Conservationist of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, Miller said.

Several state and local officials have been invited to the event as well. Both state Rep. Aaron Miller and Sen. John Proos are expected to attend that morning as well, the director said.

Following the presentation, representatives with Olson’s will give a presentation on their operations.

“It’s an interesting topic,” Miller said. “And who doesn’t like pancakes, sausage and homemade syrup?”

People interested in attending the event are encouraged to RVSP by Friday, July 9, by calling the district offices at (269) 445-8643, ext. 5.

“Come check us out, and see how you can get involved,” Miller said. “We have a couple new projects on the way, and we’re always looking for volunteers.”