Curly-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…

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Zebra 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…

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Eurasian 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…

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Baby’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…

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Great 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…

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This 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…

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Save 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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OTG Jr: Haslett Students Make Big Impact at Rose Lake SGA

Between 98 students and 12 chaperones, Haslett schools made a big impact at Rose Lake State Game Area last week. On Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24, elementary students, teachers, and relatives from the Haslett school district came out to Rose Lake SGA for a day of volunteering and conservation education. The sites included…

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2 Days, 300 Hawthorn Seedlings and 480 Lbs. of Garlic Mustard

It has been a productive week for MUCC and our OTG Jr. Program! Despite an OTG Jr. event cancellation due to poor weather on Thursday, May 9th, me, Shaun, Autumn and Morgan still went out to Cass City to complete the tree planting project. After meeting with DNR Wildlife Biologist Tammy Giroux, we drove out…

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