Invasive Species Network News
May 2019

 

We hear it's nearly summer but it certainly doesn't feel that way! Regardless, field season continues with garlic mustard work being completed throughout our service area and plans being made for Japanese knotweed treatments. 

On a different note, ISN is pleased to formally announce Koffi Kpachavi who is the new Executive Director at the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD). GTCD serves as ISN's fiduciary and home office so it is exciting to have a new team member on board. A brief bio can be found in this month's enews or you can see more background information on GTCD's website.

Continue reading for an update on ISN's spring restoration efforts, a breakdown of upcoming baby's breath workbees, and a highlight on May's Partner of the Month - the Leelanau Conservancy. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with your invasive species questions/reports. Reports can also be made directly to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network . 

Yours in Conservation,
In this Issue:
Execdirec
Grand Traverse Conservation District's  New Executive Director

The Grand Traverse Conservation District, ISN's fiduciary, has hired a new executive director, Koffi Kpachavi. Koffi has been a leader in the non-profit sector for over 25 years.  Much of his career has been with the YMCA, leading camps and youth programs in various parts of the country: Camps Mason, Ockanickon, Matollionequay in New Jersey, Camp Colman in Washington State, Camp Loma Mar in California and Camp Echo in Michigan. Most recently he has worked at TrueNorth Community Services in Fremont, Michigan.  Koffi holds a BA in English and French literature from the University of Lome in West Africa.

Koffi and his wife Teresa have three boys: Arnaud, Ian and Yannick.  When he is not working, he is passionate about environmental issues and is involved in Agriculture. He is the founder and former president of the Fremont Area Bee Club. He is also an enology enthusiast with a focus on geology and wine-grape growing around the world. He co-leads educational sessions in France and the US. Koffi and Teresa own and operate a small hobby farm following sustainable practices in Fremont. Koffi who is a life-long learner enjoys reading, running and has coached High School Track/Cross Country.

isnevents
ISN Events

June 7         Japanese barberry Trade-up Day - Grand Traverse County | 2-6pm
                  *Registration required
June 8        Baby's Breath Workbee at Elberta Beach - Benzie County | 9:30am
June 20      Baby's Breath Workbee at Elberta Beach - Benzie County | 9:30am
June 22      Japanese Barberry Trade-up Day - Benzie County | 2-6pm
                   *Registration required


Partner Events

June 1         Improving Your Property's Habitat - Leelanau County | 10am
June 5         Invasive Species at Arcadia Dunes  - Benzie County | 10am
June 8        Betsie River Clean Sweep - Benzie County | 8:30am
June 17      Native Gardens Tour and Workbee - Grand Traverse County | 5pm
June 21      ISEA 30th Anniversary Celebration - Leelanau County | 4pm
June 28      Farm Work Day at Misty Acres - Manistee County | 10am

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Join us this summer!
restore
Spring Restoration Projects

This spring provided several opportunities for ISN to get involved in restoration efforts with partners, primarily in the form of planting trees. Both Magoon Creek Natural Area in Manistee County and Killingsworth Park in Grand Traverse County served as the beneficiaries of more than 400 trees and shrubs. 
Magoon Creek tree-planting crew, Spring 2019. Photo: Fields Ratliff

Young trees at Killingsworth Park. Photo: Audrey Menninga
partnerofthemonth
May Partner of the Month
The Leelanau Conservancy

Founded in 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy assists in coordinating and hosting invasive species training days, monitoring the Lake Michigan shoreline in Leelanau County for new infestations of baby's breath, blue lyme grass, and other invasive species. They also treat a variety of infestations on their own protected nature preserves. Visit their website for more information!
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