Berrien County Drain Commissioner

10/20/2026

Please keep the storm drains clean! Grass & leaves will clog the pipes and could cause flooding. Rake it away from that area!

Help keep our neighborhoods clean and protect local waterways by keeping leaves and grass clippings out of the streets.

When leaves and yard waste are left in the road, they can wash into storm drains, clog pipes, and cause street flooding. Do your part by avoiding raking or blowing leaves into the street and keeping storm drains clear.

Let’s work together to prevent flooding, protect our stormwater system, and keep our local waterways clean!

Learn more by scanning the QR code or visiting www.letskeepitblue.org

10/06/2026

Fall is here!
Help protect our local waterways this autumn by keeping leaves and grass clippings out of the streets and storm drains. When yard waste washes into storm drains, it can clog pipes, contribute to street flooding, and carry excess nutrients into our local waterways.

Fall is also a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover to help reduce stormwater runoff. If you're fertilizing your lawn, only apply fertilizer when a soil test shows it's needed to prevent excess nutrients from entering our waterways.

Let’s work together to protect our stormwater system and keep our neighborhoods and waterways clean.

Learn more by scanning the QR code or visiting www.letskeepitblue.org

10/02/2026

Registration is now open for the award-winning Introduction to Lakes Online course from Michigan State University Extension! Offered once a year, this six-week online class is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of inland lakes including lakefront property owners, concerned residents, local leaders, and decision-makers. 🌊 🐟

Led by MSU Extension experts and state agency professionals, the course explores a variety of topics, including lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law, and community engagement.

The 2027 program begins January 26 and runs through March 19. The registration deadline is January 29, 2027.

Ready to dive in? Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.

10/02/2026

New Weight restrictions on local Berrien County bridges have been announced. Check to see if your route is affected!

09/28/2026

Looking for better plant choices near the water?

A new MSU Extension article highlights alternatives to several invasive plant species, including aquatic and lakeside plants that can affect Michigan waters. Earlier this summer, water hyacinth and water lettuce became prohibited from sale in Michigan. Both can form dense mats, block sunlight, reduce water flow, and negatively affect other aquatic species.

The article also points to alternatives for purple loosestrife, an invasive aquatic perennial that can take over lakeside habitats and replace native species. Suggested alternatives include plants such as swamp loosestrife, Missouri ironweed, marsh blazing star, queen of the prairie, pickerelweed, American white waterlily, water shield, pond-lilies, and floating pondweed.

Whether you manage a water garden, shoreline planting, or lakeside landscape, choosing lower-risk alternatives is one way to help protect Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Read the full MSU Extension article here: https://msu-prod.dotcmscloud.com/news/alternatives-to-newly-restricted-invasive-plant-species

09/28/2026

COMING UP - our last event for 2026!

📆: Saturday, October 3

⏰: 8AM-12PM

📍: Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center - 3200 Chamberlain Rd., Buchanan (NOT the landfill entrance)

ACCEPTED ITEMS AT THIS EVENT (IN ORDER):
✅ Foam/Polystyrene
✅ Household Hazardous Waste
✅ Documents for On-Site Shredding
✅ Electronics (some fees apply)

Click the link for more information! 👉 https://bit.ly/3JzlFcG

09/17/2026

Your voice can help build a stronger housing future for Michigan and we want to hear from you through the Michigan Statewide Housing Survey.

By taking the survey, you can share what’s working, what’s challenging, and what your community needs most. Your feedback will help shape the Michigan Statewide Housing Plan 2.0 and housing in the state for years to come.

Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4oziOGf

09/16/2026

09/14/2026

31 million gallons of raw, untreated sewage leak from failing septic systems into Michigan surface & groundwater yearly. Learn how to maintain your system and about where to find help if you need it!

For SepticSmart Week, learn more about Michigan’s Septic Replacement Loan Program and a free webinar for homeowners.

09/14/2026

🚨 Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed in Berrien County

Spotted lanternfly has officially been confirmed in Berrien County near Niles. As an invasive species, it’s important for our community to know what to look for and how we can help slow its spread.

🪰 See it. Squish it. Help stop the spread!

Want to learn more about what spotted lanternfly looks like, where to find it, and what to do if you spot one? Check out our latest blog post:

👉 www.berriencd.org/news/spotted-lanternfly-confirmed-in-berrien-county-what-you-need-to-know