MSU Extension Conservation Connections - July 2021 - Oakland County ...
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MSU Extension Conservation Connections
July 2021
Detroiter Djenaba Ali was looking for inexpensive activities for her and her children to enjoy
together. Recently divorced with five children, she balked when a friend invited her
camping, thinking it was too expensive.
“They told me, ‘We got you a tent. Just pay $25. Just come up with a sleeping bag. If you
don’t have that we got that too,” Ali told Planet Detroit. “It was really inexpensive and
convenient.”
Expense and inconvenience have prevented many urban BIPOC residents from enjoying
camping and other outdoor activities that could be beneficial to their health, according to
author Richard Louv. His book “The Nature Principle” explores how various ethnic or
cultural groups relate to nature.
“The need for nature is universal, but equal access to nature is not,” Louv told Planet
Detroit. “Or, even if it is available, what if people do not feel welcome? These questions
deserve far more inquiry and action.”
When Ali and her children — ages 18, 15, and five-year-old triplets — joined other Black and
Brown families camping for the first time, they wanted to help other BIPOC members feel
welcome.
Read the rest of the story on the Planet Detroit website: https://planetdetroit.org/2021/04/
black-to-the-land-coalition-connects-detroits-bipoc-communities-with-the-outdoors/
Conservation Stewards help protect and restore Michigan’s natural areas and ecosystems.They teach others about ecosystems and natural communities, help remove invasive species, build trails, collect data used in making management decisions, and work with naturalists, biologists, and land managers to preserve public land. The Conservation Stewards Program will help you gain the skills to lead or contribute to land stewardship efforts in your local area. Upon completion of specified program requirements, the option to become an MSU Extension Conservation Stewards Volunteer is available after the program concludes. The Conservation Stewards Program is a 10-week course consisting of virtual classes on Wednesday evenings. Participants will be offered self-guided field sessions with direction from local partners. ENROLLING for FOUR LOCAL AREAS: St. Clair County Oakland County Washtenaw County Capital Area (Ingham, Clinton, Eaton Counties) PROGRAM TOPICS Foundations of Conservation: Heritage, Ecology & Society and Conservation Terrestrial, Wetland, and Aquatic Ecosystems Natural Communities of Michigan COURSE FEE Early Bird Registration: $75 (deadline August 18) Regular Registration: $95 (Aug. 19 — Sept 1) Additional coursework is completed online. For specific dates, times, and contact information, visit: canr.msu.edu/csp (Financial assistance is available)
Invasive European frog-bit found in Novi ponds European frog-bit, an invasive aquatic plant, has been found in 17 stormwater ponds, wetlands and drains in the Novi area. While the plant is established along Michigan’s east coast, it has only been found in a small number of inland bodies of water, making this Oakland County detection a significant discovery. A closeup of European frog-bit stems and leaves atop the water, featuring two white, three-petaled flowers with yellow centers. The plant, which resembles miniature water lilies, can be moved from one body of water to another when its small seeds or plant fragments attach to wildlife, boats or recreational gear. To prevent widespread infestation, it is important to identify and manage infested areas. Read more in a Michigan Department of Natural Resources bulletin: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/2e4fe19 The Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is leading European frog-bit management efforts in the Novi area and is seeking permission from people to survey waters on their properties. We are hoping to reach homeowner associations, businesses and individual residents with ponds, detention basins or wetlands on their properties,” said Erica Clites, Oakland County CISMA director. “The survey focuses on the plants in the water and usually takes about 15 to 45 minutes.” Through support from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, these surveys are free to landowners in the project area, which includes Farmington, Farmington Hills, Lyon Township, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, and parts of Commerce, Milford and West Bloomfield townships. Anyone interested in arranging a survey can contact Emily Messick at EMessick@sixriversrlc.org or 248-660-0240.
What can you do to manage gypsy moths in your landscape? Much of Michigan‘s Lower Peninsula is experiencing an outbreak of gypsy moth, an exotic pest. Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of oaks, aspen and many other kinds of trees. Gypsy moth caterpillars feed mostly in the evening. They often spend the day resting on the sides of buildings or on outdoor items. Michigan State University Extension receives frequent inquiries about gypsy moth identification, impacts and management options for landscape trees. Our first recommendation is to ensure the insect is correctly identified. There are many insects that feed on trees but there is only one gypsy moth! Read more: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-can-you-do-to-manage-gypsy-moths-in-your- landscape You can find a comprehensive list of resources on gypsy moths linked throughout this article at the MSU Integrated Pest Management website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ ipm/Invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/. Edited and compiled by: Bindu Bhakta, Extension Educator, Michigan State University Extension - Community, Food and Environment Institute - Bldg 26E, 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341 Tel: 248.858.5198 FAX: 248.858.1477 / Cathy Morris, Account Clerk, Clerical Support 248.858.1639 MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.
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