Invasive Species
European water-clover
European water-clover(EWC) is an aquatic fern that can be located on “slow-moving waters like oxbow lakes, floodplains of major rivers, stream banks, flood channels, ditches, man-made fishponds, clay-pits, gravel pits, pig pastures, rice fields, hemp- and flax-steeping places, and water bodies polluted with heavy metals (Ahmad et al. 2010; Strat 2012; Schneider-Binder 2014). It had…
Read MoreYellow Floating Heart
The next aquatic invasive species up this week is the Yellow Floating Heart plant! This invasive perennial aquatic plant is found in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and lakes. The flowers are bright yellow with five petals, located above the surface of the water and the leaves are circular or heart-shaped and are alternately arranged on the…
Read MoreCurly-leaf pondweed
This week’s invasive species that is going to be highlighted is Curly-leaf pondweed. Curly-leaf pondweed originated from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia and has spread to most of the US by the late 1970s. The state of Michigan states, “Curly-leafed pondweed is currently found in inland lakes of 34 counties in Michigan, distributed both in…
Read MoreZebra Mussels
For the most part, Michigan citizens know and are aware that this invasive species Zebra Mussels are alive and well established in the Great Lakes Region. “This small freshwater mollusk originated in the Black, Caspian, and Azov seas region of the former Soviet Union. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the construction of…
Read MoreEurasian Watermilfoil
One of the most known aquatic invasive species Eurasian Watermilfoil is present in almost every state in the US. It was discovered in the states in the 1940s and has been spreading ever since. According to the Michigan Invasive Species, “Eurasian watermilfoil inhabits water bodies ranging from fresh to brackish. Areas that have been disturbed…
Read MoreBaby’s Breath
At first glance, you might recognize Baby’s Breath, its the little white flower that is usually used as a filler flower in bouquets at special events. Very few people know the true negative impact this small flower has had on the dunes regions in the Great Lakes Region particularly along Lake Michigan. The origin of…
Read MoreGreat Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species
There are quite a few invasive species that call the Great Lakes their home, here are some of the top aquatic ones to look out for next time you are on the water…. Zebra Mussel Zebra Mussels get their name by the black stripe that is on the back of their shells, these mussels can…
Read MoreThis Fall, Keep an Eye Out for Japanese Stiltgrass
At MUCC, we combine education, advocacy and on-the-ground work to conserve and protect our natural resources. Speaking to all who read this blog, our rich natural resources are under a constant threat from invasive species. As stewards of our land, it is our job to become educated about these invasive species and take appropriate action…
Read MoreMUCC & Huron Pines team-up to survey invasive species and erosion sites on Eagle Creek
There is never a dull moment while being a Huron Pines AmeriCorps (HPA) member. There are countless opportunities almost every week to branch out to new parts of the state and try something you have never done before. Shelby Bauer (Huron Pines Stewardship Team Lead) and Sarah Topp (Huron Pines AmeriCorps Coordinator) reached out to…
Read MoreSave Our Trees – Stop the Spread of Invasive Species!
The state of Michigan has 19.3 million acres of forested land that covers 53% of the state. As stated in Michigan’s terrestrial invasive species management plan, 96,000 jobs and over $20 million dollars is added to Michigan economy through forest-based industries and tourism/recreation. Forests are tremendously beneficial to all Michiganders. Which is why the threat…
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