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 2nd,
and at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary on Tuesday, October 13th.
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.
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
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