April Environmental Report written by Denise Clegg My husband has often said he didn’t go to college to be a grass farmer. However, much of his leisure time is spent taking care of the lawn. The perfect lawn is not a priority in retirement. So, I’m hoping that I can impart some wisdom from the …
Consequences of Seemingly Harmless Activity
Are you planning a vacation this year? Going to do some hiking? Have you seen the signs for leave no trace. “Please take nothing but photos leave nothing but footprints,” they say. Or, “pack it in pack it out.” You get the idea. According to information in an m-live article rock stacking is causing environmental …
We’re Losing Monarch Butterflies Fast- Here’s Why
It’s not too late to save them, but it’s a question of whether we make the effort, scientists say. 6 MINUTE READBY CARRIE ARNOLD PUBLISHED DECEMBER 21, 2018 https://apple.news/Aa1Z3g8Y4SQW33KAhsvQI9Q
Nov 2018 Environmental Report
GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY OUR ENVIRONMENT “Just north of South Haven, MI, you will find one of the state’s unique natural treasures. The Nature Conservancy’s Ross Coastal Plain Marsh is 1,449 acres of beauty and is home to a stunning variety of habitats, plants, and wildlife. The diversity of life found at Ross can …
Sept 2018 Environmental Report
Enbridge Settlement Funding Research on Control of Aquatic Invasive Species A project begun this year in the Fort Custer Recreation Area (FCRA) is a three year research project into control of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It is a multi-pronged approach to control AIS in the FCRA, developed and implemented by the Michigan Department of Natural …
PFAS Contamination in Kalamazoo County
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of over 3,000 man made chemicals that began being produced in the mid 1900s. PFAS are extremely stable chemical compounds. They have many industrial applications such as firefighting foam, waterproofing, and insecticides. As you can see their applications would possibly lead to widespread ground applications and potential …
Dormant Pruning Advice
The Right Tools for the Job Have you done your dormant pruning yet? Have you found that your tools are not working as well as they should? They aren’t the right tools if it takes a lot of your energy to get the job done or if the cuts are not clean. Below is some …
Michigan Native Plants – Milkweed
Milkweed The Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) one variety of milkweed common to Michigan. Common milkweed For more information on this and other Milkweed plants, please go to Milk Weed Sources in Michigan as compiled by Murray Cooper, KGC Horticulture Chair.
Invasive Plant – Swallow-wort
Black and Pale Swallow-worts Cynanchum louiseae ( Vincetoxicum nigrum) and Cynanchum rossicum ( Vincetoxicum rossicum) Plant Threatens Michigan Monarchs Swallow-wort can be confused with Milkweed by Monarch butterflies because their seed pods are similar. This Michigan decorative garden plant, brought to the United States during the 19th century, has affected how Monarchs develop. For more …
Beneficial Insects – Braconid Wasp
Braconid Wasp Tomato hornworm covered with white cocoons of Braconid Wasp Photo Taken by Amy Nelson at Crispe House, Plainwell, MI. While gardening at Crispe House this week we came across a Tomato Hornworm in the vegetable garden near the back of the house next to the drive way. I found the Tomato Hornworm pictured to …
