September 2016
Invasive Species Network News

 

Introducing the ISN Tool Library!
ISN is happy to announce our improved Tool Library program. If you are interested in using a weed wrench to remove woody invasive shrubs from your property, or collecting data using a GPS unit, please fill out this simple form to reserve the tools you need. This program is open to the public, and the tools are available for 1 week periods with a $50 refundable deposit. 

Fall is a great time to tackle the invasive woody shrubs on your property, and a weed wrench is an easy alternative to herbicide treatment. Read this how-to article to make sure a weed wrench is right for your invasive species removal project, and then make your reservation using the link above.

Speaking of removing woody shrubs, ISN hosted four workbees in September, including two workshops, to educate landowners on invasive species identification and management. It was a great opportunity, and folks enjoyed getting experience removing unwanted woody plants, including autumn olive, barberry, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and buckthorn.  Participants watched an herbicide demonstration and got their hands dirty while yanking out autumn olive plants with weed wrenches. Thank you to all who took part, including Suz McLaughlin who catered such delicious food for after our hard work.  

As always, please contact ISN if you have any questions regarding identification, treatment, or upcoming events. You can also report plant sightings to the  Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) at any time. 

Yours in Conservation,

Highlights
The ISN Crew surveyed Betsie Lake for Hydrilla



Does it seem like Japanese knotweed grows right before your eyes? 
Watch this time-lapse  to see just how quickly the tiniest sprouts can grow into giant plants. 
 
A big "Thank You" to our 
Fall Workbee Volunteers! 

Here's some photos  of our crew at work removing woody shrubs.


How do invasive species get here?


  
Watch this video to learn how to stop the spread and protect our natural areas!


Did you know there is a public forum on invasive species?
 The Michigan Invasive Species Coalition is now offering a community to discuss the topics important to you. Register and talk directly with invasive species professionals throughout the state of Michigan!
Volunteer Opportunities
and Events
Partner Events in October
Education Series: Farms of Benzie -Apples
When: Friday, October 1
Where: Benzie County
 
Crystal Lake Fall Walkabout
When: Friday, October 7
Where: Benzie County
 
Animal Evidence at Houdek Dunes
When: Saturday, October 8th 10:00 am
Where: Houdek Dunes
Leelanau Conservancy
 
Stream Monitoring Training
When: Saturday, October 8, 2pm
Where: Manistee Conservation District
 
Stream Monitoring Lab Event
When: Tuesday, October 25, 5:30pm
Where: Manistee Conservation District
 
Stream Monitoring Lab Event
When: Wednesday, October 26, 5:30pm
Where: Manistee Conservation District
 
Pollinator Workshop
When: Friday, October 28
Where: Benzie County
 
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Field Collection Event
When: Saturday, October 15, 9:00am, District Office
Where: Benzie County

Benzie Conservation District Annual Meeting
When: November 17, 4-6pm
Where: Stormcloud Brewing, Frankfort

We've been hard at work beautifying  Go Beyond Beauty!  

New branding, new resources, and revamped 
participant  benefits are in the works! 

Looking ahead
Emily and Miriam are expanding the reach of  Go Beyond Beauty  by inviting r etail and wholesale nurseries, landscapers, garden clubs, lake and neighborhood associations, municipalities, and concerned individuals who buy, sell, distribute or install any kind of landscaping or gardens to participate in this voluntary program. 

What's in it for you
In exchange for their pledge to not sell high-threat invasive plants, participants receive a wide variety of benefits, including a beautiful participant sign to display at your business with pride, staff  training  and educational resources for your customers and clients, and free online advertising. We want to reward you for joining the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network in protecting Michigan's natural beauty!

Register Today!
You can find more information about Go Beyond Beauty on our website, or send a shout to Emily Cook at ecook@gtcd.org 


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