Posts Tagged ‘on the water consumers energy foundation planet grant’
Non Native Phragmites
MSU’s aquatic field guide describes non-native phragmites is a “stout, colonial, perennial grass ranging in height from 1.8-3.9 m (6-13 ft). Inflorescence a dense branched cluster on the bearded axis at the end of each stem; becoming open and feathery at maturity. Stems dull yellowish; usually covered by the leaf sheath. This invasive species habitat…
Read MoreOregon Grape
The invasive species Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub that may reach 4 to 6 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width. This shrub has large, pinnately compound leaves with 9 to 13 spiny leaflets. The shrub is multi-stemmed and the bark is corky. Fragrant, yellow flowers appear in winter. Small, black…
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 MoreMichigan Water Issues
The Great Lakes are a force to reckon with when it comes to freshwater. According to the United States, Environmental Protection Agency, “The Great Lakes hold 20 percent of the world’s freshwater and 84 percent of the drinkable freshwater in North America.” With this bountiful natural resource at our fingertips comes great responsibility, opportunities, and…
Read MoreOTW: Review of the 2019 field season
On the Water which is funded by Consumers Energy has only been an implemented program for four months. In that short amount of time, this program has shown that it is committed to giving volunteers opportunities to give back to their local watersheds while bringing education and awareness during the event. These one-time events can…
Read MoreFlint River Clean-up
This past Saturday, October 12th On the Water which is funded by Consumer Energy and the U of M Flint’s Wildlife Club partnered to clean up the Flint River on the U of M Flint campus. Three volunteers braved the chilly temperatures to come to help out their local river. In two short hours, 100lbs…
Read MoreAnother successful event for On the Water!
This past Saturday On the Water which is funded by Consumers Energy teamed up with the City of Charlotte, and Eaton Conservation District for the 16th Annual Charlotte River Conservation Day. Over 35 volunteers came out to clean up their local river and to help maintain the rain garden. Between 150 and 200lbs of trash…
Read MoreOTW: 16th Annual Charlotte River Conservation Day
The small town of Charlotte is located in the Battle Creek Watershed, this watershed covers 196,750 acres/307 square miles in northern Calhoun, southeastern Barry, and southern Eaton counties. Land use consists primarily of agriculture followed with forestland, wetland, and urban/rural/non-farm. Since the main land use is agriculture non-point source population is the main concern in…
Read MoreStewardship Day at Shiawassee River State Game Area this weekend
There are 63 major watersheds and 267 sub watersheds in the state of Michigan. The Shiawassee River watershed is a sub-watershed of the Saginaw Bay Basin. It is located in central Michigan southwest of Saginaw. It connects with several other river systems, including the Flint River, Cass River and Titabawassee River and flows northeast into…
Read MoreOTW event updates from around the state
The On the Water, program funded by Consumers Energy Foundation has been quite busy lately! On Saturday, September 7th ten volunteers came out to Lake Lansing Park South to help clean up the beach and the surrounding areas after labor day activities. In total 5 bags of trash and recyclables were picked up which came…
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