June 2017
Invasive Species Network News

 
 
June is National Great Outdoors Month, so get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer!

Another busy month is in the books. ISN partnered with the  Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to remove invasive baby's breath on Elberta Beach, we held our Japanese knotweed community workshop in Manistee, and hosted a partner ID and GPS training event. 

As the summer continues, join us at additional events! If you are looking to get involved with ISN, see our Volunteer Opportunities & Upcoming Events section below or on ISN's website.

Yours in conservation,

In This Edition:
VolOppsvolopps2Volunteer Opportunities & Upcoming Events
  • Landing Blitz on Crystal Lake -  Saturday, July 1, 12:00 - 3:00pm
  • Baby's Breath Workbee-  Elberta Public Beach, Thursday, July 6, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Baby's Breath Workbee- Elberta Public Beach, Saturday, July 15, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • 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 .

Natoutdoor

National Great Outdoors Month was first created as a week-long celebration of our great outdoors under former President Clinton in 1998. It grew under both the Bush and Obama administrations to expand to a full, month-long celebration. Not only are we celebrating the natural world and all of its benefits, but also the economic advantages.

I hope you take time this month, and every month, to appreciate nature and realize that habitat matters. 

Trail system at the Boardman River Nature Center

Pollinators
Pollinators and Terrestrial Invasive Species

Invasive species affect both pollinator species and the plants they pollinate by disrupting the structure and function of the ecosystem.

Native plant species and pollinator species have evolved together to support the needs of one another. The introduction of invasive plant species has disrupted this delicate balance. Native pollinators
Honey Bee collecting nectar from invasive Autumn Olive. Photo by: Rebecca Koteskey
may have adaptions which allow them to pollinate native plant species. Some of the invasive plant species have floral structures that are inaccessible to the native pollinators. The pollinators still visit the invasive plant which provides pollination for the plant, but the pollinator may not have been able to reach the nectar of the flower.  There is also threat of reduced native plant diversity due to pollinators visiting the invasive species. The invasive plants crowd out the natives and give nothing in return to the ecosystem. Native plant species provide habitat for caterpillars/butterflies and other insects which support birds and other wildlife.

Plant diseases can also be transferred from non-native species to native species through the pollinators who are seeking nectar, as well as hybrids being created through genetic mixing.

A more specific example is Garlic mustard which out-competes many native forest species such as toothworts. Toothworts are a primary food source for the native North American West Virginia White Butterfly. The garlic mustard emits a toxic chemical that affect the butterfly's eggs, preventing them from hatching once the eggs are laid on the plant. This causes a reduction in the native pollinator species while not affecting the invasive plant. 

West Virginia White Butterfly visiting garlic mustard. 
Photo by: Kerrie Kyde

Train
June Event Recaps

Elberta Beach Baby's Breath
Three of six baby's breath workbees have been completed on Elberta Beach this summer. Our hardworking volunteers arrive with their sleeves rolled-up to tackle this beach invader which is no easy task - baby's breath has a tap root that can grow up to 12 feet deep! Thank you to everyone who participates as well as local businesses who provide discounts to volunteers - Stormcloud Brewing, Crescent Bakery, and The Cabbage Shed.

Jon Throop, from the Regional Land Conservancy, demonstrates proper baby's breath removal.
Photo by: Emily Cook

Japanese Knotweed Training
On June 3rd, ISN hosted a Japanese Knotweed Community Training in Manistee County-we spent the morning learning about the origin of knotweed, identification, and methods for controlling it. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Habitat Management Specialist Fields Ratliff demonstrating cut-stump treatment. 
Photo by: Katie Grzesiak


AmeriCorps ID/GPS Training
On June 5th, ISN hosted an AmericCorps ID/GPS Training event at the Boardman River Nature Center. The event started indoors with a presentation which included training on ISN's Top 20 invasive species, basic GPS use, and mapping using MISIN protocols. Later in the day we took to the outdoors to continue with hands-on training. While in the field the group learned how to use their GPS to navigate to a point, estimate area/density, and more.

Emily Cook, ISN's Outreach Specialist presenting at the AmeriCorps ID/GPS Training Event

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