The rapidly spreading spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapevines and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple.
If you’ve heard about the movement to plant more native species but wonder why is it important, the following resources will answer your questions!
Dr Todd Barkman, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University,shares his deer repellent recipe with us.
14% of native plants (the keystones) support 90% of butterfly and moth lepidoptera species.
Jan Keys, our Horticulture Chairman, warned us to be aware of Asian Jumping Worms that could be in our gardens. They are lighter in color than familiar earthworms, have a band that goes around their body and they are very, almost hyperactive compared to regular earthworms. Unfortunately, they are incredibly invasive and destructive. They will … Read more
A new resource for finding out what to plant to attract pollinators. What Plants Bees Like Best
The top 5 environmental concerns for 2019 are: Biodiversity Water Deforestation Pollution Climate Change Biodiversity is the complex system of the environment having an impact directly and indirectly on every other thing. In the March report I reported on the stone fly, a seemingly insignificant insect. I reported on that to demonstrate how a small … Read more
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 … Read more
Are you planning a vacation this year? Going to do some hiking?
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
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 … Read more
Tradescantia The Spiderwort, Tradescantia virginiana, a spring blooming plant is considered to be an easy to care for and grow wildflower plant. Its other common name is Widow’s Tears. A herbaceous perennial in the family Commelinaceae, is native to the New World from Southern Canada to Northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Its unusual name … Read more
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 Resources. The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council is working with public … Read more
Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) The iridescent Great Black Wasp is a beneficial insect in spite of its scary appearance being 1-1.5” long. They are nectar and pollen eaters. They gather prey (Katydids, Grasshoppers and Crickets) to feed their immature offspring located in underground nests. Since Great Black Wasps do not have a colony to defend they … Read more
For years I have had a huge problem with deer in my yard. As you are aware, they eat whatever they darn please. Two years ago at Wedel’s Spring Expo there was a booth with two guys from Messina Wildlife Management. I spent quite a bit of time talking with them before I bought their … Read more
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, an invasive species is prevalent in Kalamazoo County. It spreads easily and seems to be incredibly indestructable. The City of Kalamazoo hired Hannah Hudson last summer as the tall grass and weeds inspector. She has a background in natural resources, but had never heard of Japanese knotweed. She quickly learned its … Read more
Milkweed The Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) one variety of milkweed common to Michigan. 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.
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 … Read more
Mason Bee The tiny mason bee is environmentally healthy, simple and fun. Mason bees are extraordinary pollinators. These bees are very efficient, 200-300 females can pollinate an entire acre. They are native to most of North America. There are approximately 150 types of mason bees. According to Judy Beaudette writing on the website, ecolandscaping.org, “They are tunnel-nesting, … Read more
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 … Read more
