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| Lake Ann Pathway Photo by: Audrey Menninga |
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Invasive Species Network News
The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network works directly with over 40 partners in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties. Our mission is to
protect, enhance, and promote northwest Michigan's natural communities through terrestrial invasive plant management and outreach.
In this month's issue you will find information about "An Evening of Conservation" (don't miss it!), an URGENT request for volunteers, spotting giant hogweed and its native look-a-like, and a reminder to check out the gallery at the Boardman River Nature Center. Be sure to check out additional upcoming ISN and partner
events!
Yours in Conservation,
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 Volunteer Opportunities & Upcoming Events
July
Baby's Breath Workbee
When:
Thursday, July 12, 2018 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Where:
Elberta Beach
Baby's Breath Workbee
When:
Saturday,
July 21, 2018 | 10:00am - noon
Where:
Elberta beach
August
When:
Thursday, August 2, 2018 | 10:00am - noon
Where:
Elberta beach
An Evening of Conservation: The Status of Invasive Species
Featuring Nature Change mini-documentaries highlighting Manistee County.
When:
Monday, August 6, 2018 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Where:
The Vogue Theatre Manistee, 383 River St. Manistee, M
Visit our
events page
to add other ISN events to your calendar.
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Don't Miss This!
An Evening of Conservation: The Status of Invasive Species Featuring Nature Change mini-documentaries highlighting Manistee County
Monday, August 6 - 7:00pm-9:00pm
The Vogue Theatre Manistee
Join ISN and local partners for an evening of conservation! A series of mini-documentaries created by Nature Change will be shown in downtown Manistee's Historic Vogue Theatre. Following the films, enjoy a Q&A with a panel of experts who are featured and/or play an important role in regional conservation efforts. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about everything from aquatic invasive species to oak wilt management. Feel free to come prepared with your own questions!
Each attendee will be entered in a drawing at the end of the night. Prizes include: native plants, invasive species fields guides, tee shirts, hats, gift certificates to local businesses, and more!
This event is FREE and refreshments will be available for purchase at the theatre concession stand.
Panel of Experts:
Katie Grzesiak, Coordinator
Jane Perrino, Coordinator
(Benzie, Manistee, and Leelanau)
Benzie Conservation District
Josh Shields, Outreach Forester
Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts
Carolyn Henne, Botanist
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URGENT!
Volunteers Needed!
Please join ISN in the battle against Early Detection and Response species black swallow-wort. Black swallow-wort was found in the Village of Kingsley, Grand Traverse County in June. This report is the first for black swallow-wort in ISN's four-county service area. Early Detection and Response species are those that are not yet established in our region, but heavily impact habitats elsewhere in Michigan
.
ISN is looking for your help! Please follow the
link to sign up as a volunteer.
Tasks could include surveying, handing out information, clipping seed heads, handing out treatment permissions, etc. In the meantime, please keep an eye out for this species and report it to ISN and MISIN.
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Black swallow-wort found in the Village of Kingsley
Photo by: Rebecca Koteskey
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Giant Hogweed and its Native Look-a-like
ISN gets a lot of reports of giant hogweed this time of year, but did you know it has a native cousin that looks similar?
Both of the Carrot Family (Apiaceae), it's no wonder giant hogweed and cow-parsnip are mistaken for one another. Not only do they share similarities in appearance, but they prefer the same growing environments - roadsides, wood edges, ditches, and floodplains. Despite this, cow-parsnip is a native species and serves as a highly important pollen and nectar source for many bees and wasps. Giant hogweed, on the other hand, is highly invasive and easily out-competes nearby vegetation. Additionally, its sap causes chemical burns after the affected area is exposed to sunlight - a major reason for learning proper identification!
Introduced as an ornamental in the early twentieth century and native to Asia, it is now prohibited under Michigan law.
Flowers-
June and July, small and white, head is 8-20 inches across
Height-
Can grow up to 20 feet tall
Leaves-
Alternate, coarsely toothed and deeply lobed, divided into 1-3 large leaflets
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
While still large compared to many other native plants, it is not nearly as tall as giant hogweed. Coming in contact can also result in photo-sensitivity but to a lesser degree. One must break open the plant to be exposed to the sap, whereas, just brushing up against hogweed can cause rashes.
Flowers-
May and June, small and white, head is 2-8 inches across
Height-
Can grow up to 9 feet tall
Leaves-
Leaves divided into 3-5 coarsely toothed, lobed leaflets
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| ISN's Habitat Management Specialist, Fields Ratliff treating giant hogweed in Manistee County. |
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Gallery Open Now Through August
If you missed Jane Kramer's presentation and gallery opening last month you still have a chance to see what all the fuss was about! Put in on your calendar because the exhibit will only be available through the end of August!
Visit artist Jane Kramer's gallery at the Boardman River Nature Center now through August. Jane collects invasive species, turning plant biomass into pulp and paper, and photographs the shadows of endangered plant species.
Boardman River Nature Center Hours: T-F 10am-4pm
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| Gallery at Boardman River Nature Center |
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Go 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
.
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Find ISN on Instagram and Facebook!
Help the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network get seen and heard-follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Social media is a great way to share with our friends and family. Let them know your interest in ISN by following us and liking our pages. The more you get involved with ISN and our social media, the more your friends and family will learn about why and how habitat matters. Sharing posts from our page is also a great way to get others around you to see what ISN is up to and to further educate them on topics such as invasive species and habitat.
Thanks for your support!
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Invasive Species In The News
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