Invasive Species Program in October at Lake Bluff:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TO: All Media

FROM: NW Michigan Invasive Species Network CONTACT: Emily Cook

c/o Grand Traverse Conservation District Invasive Species Network Outreach Specialist

1450 Cass Rd (231) 941- 0960 ext.20

Traverse City, MI 49685 ecook@gtcd.org

DATE: September 17, 2015

Leelanau and Manistee County Fall Invasive Species Removal

The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network is hosting two fall workbees in October! Join us at Clay Cliffs Natural Area on Friday, October 2^nd, and at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary on Tuesday, October 13^th. We will be targeting invasive woody plants, primarily Japanese barberry, and glossy/common buckthorn, and we need your helping hands! Join ISN and our partners, the Leelanau Conservancy and Michigan Audubon, for a fun afternoon—or two!—of helping out our native habitats by removing these invaders. Come dressed for the weather, and bring garden gloves and any hand-tools that might make removing young shrubs easier. If your back isn’t treating you well, come anyway! Some participants will remove fruits from shrubs to prevent spread, eliminating back strain.

Many invasive woody species were introduced as ornamental plants and have since escaped cultivation. Japanese barberry, common and glossy buckthorn, and autumn olive are good examples of non-native, invasive plants that leaf-out early and then keep their leaves well into fall. These leaves form dense thickets which shade out any surrounding native plants; some even change soil chemistry, making it difficult for native plants and wildlife to thrive. Because of this, ISN has classified these species among our top priority invasives! However, many of the top priority invasive woody plants are still sold as ornamentals. Check out our Go Beyond Beauty program at www.habitatmatters.org. Nursery and landscaper participants have pledged to remove these species from their stock; many sell native species. These businesses are great resources when planning your own garden!

Habitat matters for people, for wildlife, and for northwest Michigan. Join ISN and its partners, as we spend the afternoon exploring some of northern Michigan’s beautiful natural areas in search of barberry and other invasive woody plants. Snacks will be provided to refuel after our hard work!

Event Details:

Clay Cliffs Fall Invasive Species Workbee
When: Fri, Oct 2, 2 – 4pm,
Where: Clay Cliffs Natural Area, 4755 N. Manitou Trl. Leland, MI, Leelanau County
Description: Join us for an orientation and work bee at Clay Cliffs Natural Area to find and remove invasive woody plants like Japanese barberry. Refreshments will be provided following the event.

Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary Invasive Species Workbee

When: Tues, Oct 13, 1-3pm

Where: Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, 2890 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee County

Description: Join us for an orientation and work bee at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary to find and remove invasive woody plants like Japanese barberry. Refreshments will be provided following the event.

About the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species NetworkThe Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) is a collaboration of over 40 highly motivated and respected organizations in the region. It was established in 2005 as a cooperative weed management area through the U.S. Forest Service. ISN’s mission is to protect, enhance, and promote northwest Michigan's natural communities through terrestrial invasive plant management and outreach. Its service area includes Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau, and Grand Traverse counties. More information can be found at HabitatMatters.org