July 2017
Lake Ann Pathway-Mary's Lake
Photo by: Audrey Menninga
Invasive Species Network News

 

We hope your summer is going great! 

July has been full of fun in the sun. Here at ISN we have participated in a Landing Blitz on Crystal Lake and Bear Lake, as well as our Baby's Breath workbees on Elberta beach. 

At the end of July, ISN is hosting one more  Japanese Barberry Dumpster Day- our last of the year. For more information and to pre-register visit our webpage.  Pre-registration required.

If you are looking to get involved with ISN, see our Volunteer Opportunities & Upcoming Events section below or on ISN's website .
In This Edition:
VolOppsvolopps2Volunteer Opportunities & Upcoming Events
  • Japanese Barberry Dumpster Day- Thursday, July 27, 12:00pm-3:00pm | Manistee Conservation District, Bear Lake
  • Japanese Barberry Dumpster Day- Saturday, July 29, 10:00am-2pm | Grand Traverse Conservation District, Traverse City
  • Baby's Breath Workbee- Elberta Public Beach, Thursday, August 3, 9:00am-12:00pm
For more information on all ISN and partner-hosted events, including how to RSVP,  please visit our website .

BB
Elberta Beach Baby's Breath: 
Volunteers wield newly-donated spades, developed after a successful restoration effort on Crystal Lake

With only one workbee remaining (August 3rd) we have many people to thank! Dozens of volunteer hours have been committed to removing invasive baby's breath from Elberta Beach and ISN wants to thank everyone who participated in this summer's efforts to restore a special stretch of beach along Lake Michigan.  

We also want to show extra appreciation to Bruce Baker, from Radius Garden, who donated five "Root Slayer" shovels to ISN! After tackling his own beach restoration project on Crystal Lake, in Benzie County, he developed a spade that would directly target the thick tap roots which baby's breath grows. They have been a great help!
The new shovels have been put to the test this summer - check out how big the Elberta Beach baby's breath plants are getting!
 AISAquatic Invasive Species Week

July 2-8, 2017 marked Aquatic Invasive Species Week. It's always important to remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your water-craft before and after entering a water body. Doing so will help reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species.

It's important to remember that not only motorized water-craft need to be Cleaned, Drained, and Dried! Kayaks, water boards, waders, and other items used while in the water should also be held to the same standard.

ISN hosted a Landing Blitz along with the Benzie Conservation District and Crystal Lake And Watershed Association as well as participated in one held by the Manistee Conservation District on Bear Lake with help from the Benzie Conservation District's Aquatic Invasive Species team.

Thank you to all who participated!

Photo: Jane Perrino, AIS Coordinator Benzie Conservation District

Website
Website Page Under Construction

Heads up, ISN's Aquatic Invasive Species page is under construction. We are expanding the page to include more than just aquatic invasive plant species. 

We have added informational links to zebra/quagga mussels, round goby, rusty crayfish, Eurasian ruffe, sea lamprey, and Asian carp. We will continue to expand this page and add more information to our website as we progress.

Round goby, zebra mussels, Rusty crayfish
Top photo by: U of M Biological Center | Bottom Right Photo:  Wisonsin Dept. of Natural Resources flickr

GBBExpansion
GBBGo Beyond Beauty

For many people, a garden's purpose begins and ends with beauty. However, we believe it is possible to create beautiful spaces that transcend beauty alone. Did you know that many of the plants that are most invasive in local natural areas originally arrived as ornamental garden plants? You can prevent the introduction and spread of invasives by purchasing plants at local nurseries and through landscapers that have committed to not selling high-threat invasive ornamental plants. Additionally, commit to not using invasives in your own landscape. Let's make Northwest Michigan an example of natural beauty, wildlife habitat, healthy waters, and bountiful gardens that inspires across the state of Michigan... and beyond!

We invite all nurseries, landscapers, businesses, organizations, and concerned landowners that are located in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee Counties to participate in Go Beyond Beauty.  Contact us or visit our website for details.





Invasive Species in the News