Monroe Conservation District's Catherine Acerboni to be honored

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
Updated ·2 min read

Thirty years ago, Catherine Acerboni volunteered at the Monroe Conservation District’s spring tree sale.

“That got me involved from the get-go. I filled in as an administrative assistant. I was there ever since,” Acerboni said.

Acerboni
Acerboni

Eventually she became the Conservation District's manager, a job she held until retiring Dec. 30.

An open house to honor Acerboni and her career will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. April 21 at the Little Brown Jug in Maybee. Food will be provided. A cash bar will be available.

“We welcome community partners, past board members and long-time customers to come wish her luck in her future endeavors,” Brittany Santure, current conservation specialist, said.

Those unable to attend can send cards until April 21 to the Conservation District office, 1137 S. Telegraph Road, Monroe, MI 48161.

The Monroe Conservation District works with area landowners and with agencies related to the management of soil, water and natural resources.

“We work with the Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), pretty much any (organization focused on) water quality and soil health,” Acerboni said.

During her tenure, the organization went from no staff to a staff of three, and it was able to secure grants.

“That was the big thing, applying for grants,” Acerboni said. “I absolutely loved my job. It was diverse enough that you never knew what you’d be doing from one day to the next. That’s what I liked about. You had to think on your feet. It’s not for the faint of heart.”

Originally from Connecticut, Acerboni came to this area in 1985.

In her retirement, she’s serving on the planning commission for Raisinville Township and on the Friends of the Maybee Branch Library. She enjoys walking her dog and may do some traveling in the future.

Replacing Acerboni at the Conservation District office is Santure, who has worked her way up in the organization since joining about three years ago.

“We knew from the get-go that Brittany wanted to take my place. It was a smooth transition,” Acerboni said.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Conservation District's Catherine Acerboni to be honored