February  was an exciting month for ISN! We were awarded two grants that will help fund several large, exciting projects. Combined, the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program and the US Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant is providing ISN with more that $195,000. This support will allow us to target large, source populations of baby's breath, invasive phragmites, and Japanese knotweed in Benzie and Manistee counties!

Additionally, ISN is growing! Many of you have already heard about this year's employment opportunities, including a full-time Habitat Management Specialist and part-time Outreach Assistant. We are still accepting applications until March 8th - please spread the word to any folks you feel may be interested and qualified for these positions. You can find more information on our employment page!

As you can see, we have a lot of work ahead of us but are looking forward to getting started! Read on below or visit our website for several upcoming opportunities to learn more about ISN's new projects and the work our partners are doing. 

Yours in Conservation,
 
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Get Involved -  Upcoming Opportunities!

ISN Events

Spring and fall workbee dates are set for 2016! ISN will be hosting garlic mustard and woody invasive pulls in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties. Check out our events page to learn more!



  Partner Events 
Benzie County
Thursday, March 10, 6:00pm-- Successful Planting Presentation

Grand Traverse County  
Thursday, March 10, 5:30pm-- Yoga at the Nature Center
Saturday, March 12, 9:00am-- Healthy Forests - Caring for our Trees!
Saturday, March 12, 10:00am-4:00pm-- Nature Center Saturday Programming
Monday, March 14, 5:00pm-- Date Night at the Nature Center
Wednesday, March 16, 5:00pm-- Planting Bareroot Trees - Seedling Workshop
Saturday, March 26, 10:00am-- Springtime Egg Hunt
Thursday, March 31, 6:00pm-- Night at the Nature Center
Every Tuesday, 10:00am-- Peepers Educational Programming

Other Events
Wednesday, March 2, 8:30am-3:30pm-- CAKE CISMA Herbicide Workshop
Saturday, March 12, 8:00am-- Chainsaw Safety Workshop (Ludington)

See more partner events on our website!
You're Invited!

ISN Partner Meeting
Wednesday, March 9th, 1:00-4:00pm
Boardman River Nature Center

All are welcome at the spring meeting - not just partners! Bring your questions and ideas as we discuss our upcoming projects and the work of other regional conservation organizations. Bring your lunch beforehand for a bit of social time, or explore some of the trails behind the nature center!

Go Beyond Beauty Spring Meeting
Monday, April 4th, 1:00-3:00pm
Boardman River Nature Center

The Go Beyond Beauty Spring Meeting is an opportunity for nursery and landscaping professionals to learn more about this innovative program in northwest Michigan! Completely voluntary and free of cost, participants remove invasive species from stock/projects and in exchange, receive benefits from ISN including business promotion, signage, and educational opportunities. Additionally, we will soon be able to offer to "buy-back" existing invasive stock!

We are also pleased to have Duke Elsner from MSU Extension providing a fascinating presentation on supporting native, beneficial, and beautiful insects by plant selection.

Please note that while this meeting is geared toward folks working in the nursery and landscaping business, all members of the public who are interested in this topic are welcome (and encouraged) to attend the presentation!
Go Beyond Beauty is Growing!
Visit our website to see our new landscaper and nursery participants or to learn more about joining this voluntary program to remove invasive ornamental plants from sales.
231-941-0960                Like us on Facebook              HabitatMatters.org 
Grand Traverse Conservation District
1450 Cass Road
Traverse City, Michigan 49685
231-941-0960