Highland Conservancy

A TIME TO PLANT by Katheryn Krupa

 
Alas, after eight years of treating our three stately ash trees up north, I am sad to say I am losing the battle against emerald ash borer.  I had faithfully drenched each tree every spring with a product called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub that contains imidacloprid.  My neighbors' trees had all died but I was delighted mine were protected - until this year.  I noticed one of the ash trees showed significant die back and created a massive amount of seeds - exactly what happened to the other trees on our street before they died.  Nasty ash borer!  Alas, I could not afford the expensive injections suggested by my local tree company who charged over $700 to treat my trees previously.  Instead of these beautiful canopy trees, we are planting red and white pines.  As I drove home last weekend, I noticed the highway was lined with dead and dying trees.  These were not just ash trees but also included maple, pine and what appeared to be populars.  Our native trees are under attack because folks move firewood infested with insects like the emerald ash borer for which they have no defense.  (The newest invader is the Asian Longhorned beetle currently found in New York, Ohio and Massachusetts, and Chicago).  Our twin lakes in Iosco county were first hit when a thoughtless person ignored the DNR warnings and did just that and the ash borer quickly spread from yard to yard and into nearby forests. So as you go up north this fall, please do not bring firewood!

HIGHLAND HEY DAYS 5K RACE A SUCCESS

 
Over 50 runners turned out for the Highland Conservancy’s 5K Cross Country Race held during Highland Hey Days this year.  This race was sponsored by the Highland Conservancy and Highland Feed and featured a stunningly beautiful cross-country course.  Despite the rain, a variety of people and even dogs enjoyed a successful run as part of Highland’s weekend of festivities. Prizes awarded were $50 for first place, $25 for second and $10 for third. What a great way to challenge yourself, enjoy the beauty of Highland and get some great exercise too! If you weren’t able to make it, you can preregister for next year at www.highlandconservancy.org/pages/5k_registration/  or mark your calendar for next September, typically the second week into the month.  Stay tuned to our website for more details:  www.highlandconservancy.org