District News & Updates

Join Our Board!

Come January, we will have multiple board positions open for district directors! If you are passionate about conservation and taking care of the natural resources in Eaton County (and are an Eaton County resident), you might be a perfect fit! Board members help guide conservation efforts in the county, and we’re looking for someone to take on the task! If interested or you have any questions, contact ECD’s Executive Director, Sue Spagnuolo, at (517) 543-1512 x5 or sue.spagnuolo@macd.org.

*Please note: Our board meetings will now be held on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm. Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 31 at 6pm. Meetings are open to the public and those interested in joining our board are encouraged to attend to see what we’re all about! Meetings are held in the basement conference room at 551 Courthouse Dr., Charlotte, MI 48813. We hope you will join us!

Invasive Species Monitoring at Crandell Lake

If you see a pontoon on Crandell Lake this Thursday, August 5th, don’t be alarmed! The Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (MM-CISMA) are monitoring for invasive species. Identifying the exotic invasive species that are present in the lake will help CISMA determine how to manage them so the lake can become a healthier system. Want to learn more about how you can help ? Go to MISIN’s website and learn about the free app that provides a mobile solution for the capture of invasive species field observation data. You can play an important role in the early detection and rapid response to new invasive threats by contributing invasive species observations to the MISIN database. The MISIN app was developed by the Applied Spatial Ecology & Technical Services Laboratory at Michigan State University.

Exotic Plant Watch

The best defense against invasive species is prevention and early detection.

The Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch is a component of the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) and a joint program between MSU and EGLE. It began in 2007. Volunteers learn how to identify invasive aquatic plants and several native look-a-likes. Step-by-step methods for collecting and reporting data while in the field, including location data and photographs reduces the probability of an exotic invasive species establishing into a large unmanageable population. Early detection and rapid response is critical to preventing damaging invasions.

The MM-CISMA (Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area), Eaton Conservation District and volunteers will be surveying and identifying aquatic plants. The invasive aquatic plants we are particularly interested in are : Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa), and European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae). We will publish the results when the study is complete.

Invasive plants can drastically change a lake ecosystem by growing into dense mats at the surface outcompeting native plants for space and light, creating poor habitat for juvenile and spawning fish. Heavy plant growth tangles fishing lines, clogs boat props, and impedes access to other recreational activities like swimming and paddling.

If you would like to learn more visit https://www.misin.msu.edu/projects/clmp/

Spotted Lanternfly, Invasive Box Tree Moth and Lymantria dispar

Be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly

MDARD is asking the public to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect with the potential to seriously impact Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources. This insect could damage or kill more than 70 varieties of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees.

Spotted lanternfly causes direct damage by sucking sap from host plants and secretes large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black, sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests, particularly hornets, wasps and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvest.

For additional information on identifying or reporting spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Invasive Box tree moth detected in Michigan greenhouses

Box tree moth caterpillars are green and yellow with white, yellow, and black stripes and black spots. The caterpillars feed only on boxwoods making them easy to spot. Adult box tree moth has two color forms. The most common form has white wings with dark brown borders, while the melanic form has solid brown wings with a white streak or spot on each forewing. Both forms have a distinctive white dot or mark in the middle of each forewing.

To further prevent the introduction of box tree moth into the United States, the USDA- APHIS issued a Federal Order on May 26, 2021, prohibiting the importation of all boxwood (Buxus spp.), Euonymus (Euonymus spp.), and holly (Ilex spp.) plants for planting from Canada at this time. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is working with USDA and Michigan State University to conduct trapping and determine the impact of box tree moth in Michigan. Read the press release below:

Pesticide and Plant Pest Management responds to Lymantria dispar outbreak

Lymantria dispar (formerly referred to as gypsy moth) caterpillars were prevalent this spring in areas across Michigan. In June, these now large caterpillars neared the pupal or cocoon stage with tree defoliation at its peak. This outbreak kept PPPM busy with inquiries from the public who aren’t familiar with these hairy, yellow-faced caterpillars or how to best protect their trees from defoliation. To handle the massive public response, PPPM collaborated with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to quickly develop an educational FAQ document and press release letting the public know the moth feeding season is about to end.

Sentinel Tree Monitoring Program

ECD began participating in MSU Extension’s Eyes on the Forest Sentinel Tree Monitoring Program in Fall of 2020. We first selected a large Maple to be monitored at Bennett Park. This year, we added another tree to our monitoring list, it is a large Bur oak (55″ DBH) that is located at the Old Courthouse Square Museum in Charlotte, MI. The purpose of this program is to keep an eye on trees that are susceptible to invasive forest pests such as Asian long horned beetle (not yet detected in Michigan). Early detection of invasive species is key to eradicating the species and managing it before it spreads. We will continue to monitor our sentinel tree’s and collect data twice per year and enter it into an online database. Thank you to Julie Kimmer at the old courthouse for showing an interest and partnering with us in this monitoring program!

Sue Spagnuolo and Julie Kimmer in front of the Sentinel Tree

Stay safe this summer: tips for identifying and avoiding harmful algal blooms

If you or your family are living near or visiting Michigan waters in summer or fall months it is important to be aware of the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs).

HABs form due to a rapid overgrowth or bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes, rivers and ponds. Unfortunately, some cyanobacteria produce toxins, called cyanotoxins, that can be present in cyanobacterial blooms, which at higher levels can be harmful to people and animals.

HABs usually occur in Michigan May through October, most commonly in August and September. The occurrence of cyanobacteria and their toxins has been confirmed in lakes across Michigan in previous years, and elevated toxin levels have been documented in a small percentage of Michigan lakes. During 2020, 61 HABs in 35 Michigan counties were reported to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Before entering any body of water, its important to examine it for signs of HABs. You can also check EGLE’s BeachGuard system to see if there are any water quality advisories. If you may have had contact with or swallowed water with a HAB and feel sick, call your doctor or Poison Control at 800-222-1222. If symptoms are severe, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.

Read the full article on MWSP and review the HAB Picture Guide to learn how to identify potential HAB.

Sunfield Agricultural Plastic Film Recycling Pilot Program

The Sunfield Recycling Center has recently launched a pilot program to accept agricultural film plastics for recycling! The types of ag film plastic that will be accepted are as follows:

• Bale wrap
• Silage/grain bags
• Bunker Cover/Tarp
• Drip Tape
• Clear Pallet/Stretch Wrap
• Bin Liners
• Pallet Covers
• Greenhouse Film

Please visit Eaton County’s website to learn how to make an appointment and for more information.

The Agricultural Plastic Film Recycling Pilot Program is a partnership of Eaton County Department of Resource Recovery, Michigan Recycling Coalition, & Michigan Farm Bureau.

Annual Friends of Eaton County Parks Fundraiser

September 26th, 2021 – That’s the day to mark on your calendar to attend the annual Friends of Eaton County Parks Fundraiser. The fundraiser is a Sunday evening dinner at Sanctuary Spirits in Grand Ledge. As usual, the food will be great, the spirits greater and plenty of door prizes and good friends. Tickets are $50 per person – or consider a sponsorship in larger amounts. Go to https://friendsec.ticketspice.com/friends-of-eaton-county-parks-annual-fundraiser

OR

for sponsorships you may use Paypal and designate: friends.ecparks@gmail.com

Please join the Friends in this essential fundraising effort.

MSU Extension – Conservation Stewards Program

Enrollment now open! MSU Extension is offering the virtual Conservation Stewards Program, a 10-week in-depth course about Michigan’s unique ecosystems. Explore the foundations of conservation in Michigan, discover terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and grow your understanding about the natural communities that make our state so special.Its designed for anyone that has a passion for Michigan’s natural resources and an interest in conservation. Learn more about this program and register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/

Friends of Eaton County Parks Charity Golf Outing

The Friends of Eaton County Parks is holding a charity golf outing on August 31 at Centennial Acres Golf Course, managed by PGA pro John Nagel. Details of the event are available here. Special features have been included recently, according to Friends Chair Kat Webber. Kicking off the event at the First Tee ceremonial opening drives will be Honorary Grand Marshall’s including Commission Chair Jeremy Whittum, Parks Commission Chair Sarah Ferguson, State Representives Angela Witwer and Sarah Lightner, plus 2019 Michigan Sheriff of the Year Tom Reich. Webber will MC the brief program.

Another unique feature will provide I-Phone team photos with Smokey Bear and cardboard cutout of Tiger Woods. The 18 hole scramble registration opens at 8 a.m. and play begins at 9:00 a.m. PGA pro Nagel will provide an all-you-can eat BBQ throughout play. Prizes will be offered for men, women and senior teams, plus skill contests. All prizes will be awarded with mailed certificates. Sponsorship opportunities can be found at the “link”, which appears to be very popular with personal and business interests.

Eaton County manages 10 parks including Lincoln Brick and Fitzgerald in Grand Ledge, Fox at Potterville, Charlotte sites of Duane Tirrell and Optimist Youth, Bellevue’s Dyer Kiln, Butler Ramp and Keehne Environmental complete the roster. The Conservatory facility is located at Fox Memorial. Vermontville is the home of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail connecting to Nashville, Lowell, Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan. The newest Park is Crandell Lake, on M-50 between Eaton Rapids and Charlotte, 425 acres, 167 acre Lake.