Plus, some great educational programs, too!
Treatment season for many invasive species is underway across the state, and the NotMISpecies webinar series is focusing on common questions about control and management. Whether you are thinking about tackling invasives on your land or wondering about the best ways to control phragmites or invasive aquatic plants, you’ll find expert advice in these upcoming sessions.
The series is also taking time to showcase the array of Department of Natural Resources educational programs. While DNR interpreters and educators continue to enhance visitors’ experiences at parks and in the classroom, they now offer a wide selection of online and virtual programs that incorporate invasive species information into broader natural resources education.
Supported by the Michigan Invasive Species program, the monthly, hourlong webinars are designed to keep people informed about available programs, current research and emerging issues in the state and the Great Lakes region. Question and answer sessions and links to resources help attendees get the most out of each presentation.
“Not in My Backyard! Managing Invasives with Help from CISMAs” (9 a.m. Wednesday, July 27) demonstrates how you can control invasive plants in your landscape. Vicki Sawicki of North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and Elise Desjarlais of Lake to Lake CISMA will share identification tips and treatment tricks for common invasives including garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and several invasive shrubs. Learn the importance of monitoring, re-treating and restoring beneficial vegetation after invasive species removal and how to get additional resources from your local CISMA.
Once you know what invasive phragmites looks like, it seems to be everywhere along Michigan’s roadsides and shorelines, until you reach the Upper Peninsula. Yooper Troopers: Lessons Learned Controlling Phragmites in Michigan’s U.P. (9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22) explores how a peninsula-wide collaborative effort has kept this invader in check. Join Nick Cassel, Executive Director of the U.P. Resource Conservation and Development Council, to learn how partners in the U.P. Phragmites Coalition are working together to find and control infestations, and how their work can help you, regardless of where you are in the state.
The Department of Natural Resources’ education team connects Michiganders to the outdoors in many ways – providing a natural network for invasive species information. There’s a Lamprey in my Classroom! Infusing Invasive Species Education into Statewide Programs (9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6) showcases the work of DNR educators across the state from visitor centers and campground programs to live virtual classroom sessions. Whether you’re an educator, a parent or someone who enjoys learning, Tracy Page, DNR aquatic education coordinator, will explain how to take advantage of these programs no matter where you are.
Anyone who has wondered about what can – or can’t – be done about aquatic invasive species will gain helpful information from Treat Me Right! Rules, Regulations and Best Practices for Controlling Aquatic Invasive Species in Michigan’s Inland Lakes (9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10). Eric Calabro, Environmental Quality Analyst with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will explain state regulations and options for physical and mechanical aquatic invasive species control. Find out when a permit is needed, what to consider when choosing a control method, and best management practices to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
The webinar series takes a break in August and December.
If you’re looking to fill the void, take some time to catch up on topics you might have missed, including the latest information on didymo in Michigan, the threat posed by spotted lanternfly, and boating hygiene to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.
Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLE/Outreach/not-mi-species-webinar-series.
Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
