Highland Conservancy

Stewardship in Action by Katheryn Krupa

A wonderful mix of families, adults, teens and children came out on Sunday, October 16th to plant trees along White Lake Road near Eagle Road in Highland as part of the Faith in Action initiative at Highland United Methodist Church.  Working with Jim Lloyd, President of the Highland Conservancy, Mary Lloyd of the Highland Beautification Committee, and many dedicated individuals from the church and community, we were able to plant white pine, red pine and other evergreen trees.  Several years ago the area had become degraded when a developer bulldozed the area, sold off all the top soil and left the land to be overgrown with invasive weeds such as spotted knapweed, which makes the ground toxic to native growth. 

Everyone pitched in digging holes, spreading organic mulch and planting trees to help in the effort to regenerate a healthy ecosystem in the area.  Several people wondered why someone would strip off all the top soil and then leave the land covered in stone and sand, unable to sustain plants and animals that formerly flourished there?  Good question!  [But that is a fight for another day].  Kid's Church teacher Mary Lloyd helped the children learn the importance of planting a variety of trees and how we need to be good stewards of our planet.  She showed them how to plant the trees and then we got to work.

Finally, we returned to re-mulch and spread woodchips around the evergreens that were planted several years ago in the same area.  The only down note was that of the 2,500 acorns that we planted in 2009, less then 5% managed to sprout and grow into young saplings.  (The biggest problem again has been the spotted knapweed that prevent the oaks from getting enough sunlight or nutrients to get a foothold.)  The best news was that this time around, we planted much larger trees that Jim Lloyd had carefully nurtured and raised in large pots, allowing them to grow into 2 to 3 foot trees.  Thanks to Jim and Mary for all their ongoing work mowing, weeding, watering and tending of the area.

A special thanks to all who turned out to make a difference!

LET THAT TURTLE GO by Katheryn Krupa

One of the most disturbing things I hear on a regular basis at my school goes something like this..."Guess what Mrs. Krupa?"  What?  "I found a turtle and my parents said I could keep it."  Oh really, so what are you feeding it?  "Oh, I don't know. I gave it some ants and bugs but it wouldn't eat them.  What do turtles eat?"  Honey, you really should let it go, it's a wild creature.  They don't do well in captivity.  A week later, So did you let that turtle go?  "No, I still have it.  I'm feeding it dead worms."  But is it eating them?  "No, but my Dad said I can keep it."  PLEASE let it go, it's fall and it needs to find a good place to go to sleep for the winter.  Another week later... So I hope the turtle is free now?  "Nope, it died (said very matter of factly).  It wouldn't eat."

This drives me crazy!  I talk to all my classes about the importance of leaving wildlife alone.  Turtles, snakes, frogs, walking sticks, a praying mantis...no matter what it is just let it go where you found it.  I know, I know, even I as a child had painted turtles we kept for a few days but my mother was smart enough to insist we let them go free.  The one pet she gave in on was a baby alligator I got to keep for a month but of course it refused to eat and died and I felt eternally guilty!  Wild animals just do not make good pets.  Period.

Worse yet to an animal lover like me is hearing about all the abandoned kittens mewing under houses or the dozens of cats roaming a neighborhood.  Get your animals neutered now!  Okay, I will keep working away bit by bit on my students at my school but I hope you will do your own part and teach your children to just let those critters go.  As for the cats?  Rescue them and take them to a shelter.  Now I'll get off my soapbox for today.

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!

Frog and Toad Survey Jumps off in Highland by Katheryn Krupa

 

This spring, volunteers from the Highland Conservancy will again be conducting a frog and toad survey at different sites throughout Highland, including Highland Oaks. Michigan is home to several rare and endangered frogs and we will be listening carefully to see if we can locate some of these in our area. Amphibians such as frogs are indicator species.  That is, they can indicate the health or decline of our natural environment.  This survey is part of Michigan's annual frog and toad survey established in 1988 by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Thousands of volunteers will be crouching in mucky swamps and meandering through woodlands to identify calls from Michigan's 13 different native species of frogs and toads. 

Lori Sargent, the survey coordinator, reports that frogs and toads are ecologically important because they control insects and feed other wildlife. "And because amphibians are sensitive to environmental quality, they provide an early-warning system for declining ecosystem health", she said.

“They’re a first response to problems in the water,” Sargent said. “And this is a group of species that have been around since the dinosaurs. They’re pretty resilient, so if we’re seeing a decline now, it could be serious.”

Unfortunately, frogs are declining.  TV actor and spokesperson Jeff Corwin has reported on the mass decline of worldwide amphibian populations recently.  In tropical areas, frogs are being killed off by a fungus, with entire species being wiped out as this menace has relentlessly spread from pool to pool.  From the rocky streams of coastal Australia to the jungles of South America, and even to the American West, the world's frogs are vanishing at alarming rates. Frogs and their relatives have thrived on earth for more than 360 million years, but now they're under serious threat. Experts believe that as many as one-third to one-half of the planet's 6,000 amphibian species are in danger of disappearing — victims of one of the most significant mass extinctions since the dinosaurs.  

Here in Michigan, the DNR and local conservation groups are working hard to collect and analyze data to better understand and protect these animals locally.  To take part in Highland's frog and toad survey or for more info, call Ron at: 248-887-7125.  To find out more on the global work to protect these amphibians, visit:

http://www.amphibianark.org/

 

Michigan Conservation Stewards Program by Bindu Bhakta

 

Michigan State University Extension is offering the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program in Oakland County starting in February.  This intensive 10-week program consists of nine Monday evening classes (6-9 pm) and three Saturday field sessions (9-4 pm) from February 26 through April 25, 2011.  Monday evening sessions are held at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford.  Saturday sessions will be held at the MSU Tollgate Education Center, Indian Springs Metropark, and Independence Oaks County Park, February 26 - April 25, 2011.

Are you looking for a great opportunity to learn about conservation and natural science and assume leadership roles through volunteering your time, knowledge, and skills in conservation management in your community?  Individuals who take part in the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) can learn how to effectively take part in informed, scientifically based conservation and resource management and work to sustain healthy ecosystems across Michigan.

Michigan State University Extension and its partners are offering this volunteer training and leadership program designed for individuals who are interested in natural resource conservation and ecosystem management, natural history, outdoor recreation, natural areas, the region’s environmental issues and challenges, and strategies to help restore and conserve ecosystems in Oakland County.
  
Topics will include Conservation Heritage, Ecological Foundations, Making Choices to Manage Natural Resources, and Managing Forestlands, Grasslands, Wetlands, and Lake and Stream Ecosystems.  There will also be a volunteer expo highlighting conservation opportunities available in southeastern Michigan.  The series of classes, led by experts in various fields of conservation and natural resources, will include lectures, interactive learning and field experiences.  The registration fee is $275 per participant.

You can obtain a brochure and an application packet online at http://www.oakgov.com/msu/ or call (248) 858-0887 to request an application by mail. The deadline to submit applications is February 4, 2011.  Email bhaktabi@anr.msu.edu for more information.

The Importance of Protecting Old Growth Habitat by Katheryn Krupa

 

My sister and I got into a lively discussion while driving alongside the Thunder Bay River last weekend.  I was lamenting the loss of old growth forests and the cathedral like quality of the trees and mossy undergrowth found in these rare climax habitats.  I was also complaining about the logging done this year in the Mackinaw State Forest surrounding Avery Lake near Lewiston (which is a sister lake to Highland's jewel Dunham Lake due to its vast expanse of treed, pristine shoreline).  My sister insisted that if nature had its way, our Michigan forests would be regularly burned down with fire.  True! Yet I countered that because humans have so messed up the natural process that created our woodlands, we can no longer sit back and wait for nature to shape the environment.  The biggest disappointment to me is the DNRE policy of planting vast stands of red pine, creating a forest monoculture devoid of the diversity of plants and trees that our wildlife need to survive.  I contend that we need to return our state forests to a more natural blend of oak, hickory, maple, birch, pine and other native trees that would provide a wide and varied habitat for our birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.  It would take centuries to achieve the old growth forest that I pine for (sorry, couldn't help it).  Even so, this is the direction we need to move in.  Our beautiful land should be used for more than just growing plots for the state's timber trade.  For more information, visit this link to an article on the importance of old growth forests: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=old-growth-forests-help-combat-climate-change or this link www.mackinawforest.org

Green Energy an Excellent Alternative by Katheryn Krupa

 
Recently, the Spinal Column did an in depth analysis of local zoning ordinances with respect to the use of alternative energy throughout our area: They did an excellent job reporting on different companies that are gearing up to use alternative energy sources (such as the Ford plant) and looking at how various municipalities are dealing with regulations in this area. With costs continually rising, it is exciting to know that individuals and local institutions are starting to consider greener solutions. I was delighted to see there already are schools in Huron Valley such as Oxbow Community School that are already using solar panels (and Milford High which is in the process). Surprisingly, solar panels can be used to offset energy costs even in our part of the country. You don't have to live in sunny California. They are also very effective in Michigan. I think that legislators in Michigan should consider offering more incentives for individuals and companies to install solar panels and wind turbines. I hope Highland Township will consider going green and consider taking a leadership role in using alternative energy sources.

For the full article, visit: http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/1editorialbody.lasso?-response=%2f1editorialbody.lasso&-token.folder=2010-10-13&-token.story=74773.113117&-token.disearea=5&-nothing&-token.disearea=6

GYPSY MOTH DEFOLIATION by Katheryn Krupa

Due to an early and warm spring, it has been a troublesome year for gypsy moth and tent caterpillars up north.  As you head through the state to Traverse City, Glen Arbor, Grayling or Gaylord you may notice huge stands of the trees almost totally devoid of their leaves.  Over the fourth, we visited a friend’s cottage and marveled at the thousands of gypsy moth caterpillars we found crawling the trunks of nearly every tree on their lakefront. The critters first appeared in the United States in the 1860s after an amateur entomologist who settled outside Boston brought them from France.  He was conducting an experiment on trees near his house when some of the larvae escaped, and they have been an ongoing problem ever since.  If you are interested in more information on controlling them at your cottage or home, visit: http://www.gypsymothalert.com/control.html

Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer by Katheryn Krupa

Treated versus untreated ash trees

For the past five years I've been conducting a science experiment on the ash trees in my yard up north - ever since the Emerald Ash borer hitched a ride on someone's firewood up to our haven on Londo Lake near West Branch.  My hypothesis was: If I treat my towering canopy of ash trees faithfully, then they will continue to provide beauty and shade to our cottage.  Up until this year, I knew our lake was in a quarantined area, but I almost didn't believe that my expensive yearly treatments to our ash trees were worth it.  That is until this year!  This spring, I drove up to open up the cottage on an unusually warm weekend.  I faithfully bought 5 containers of Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Control (Imidacloprid) at the local hardware store, which I planned to use to drench my huge trees.  Then the moment of truth arrived as I swung past Londo Lakes Party store and turned down Woodland to get to the cottage.  Immediately I was shocked at all the dying ash trees peppering yard after yard.  Oh oh.  Most had only a few leaves and clearly this year the ash borer had finally reached our lake.  What would I find at the cottage?  Would our stately old ash trees still be alive?  I turned the last corner and spied the cottage.  Surrounded by dead and dying ash trees were my three faithful friends - healthy and thriving with a thick canopy of lush green leaves.  Halleluiah!  I immediately treated my ash trees, thankful that (for now at least) those leafy sentinels would grace my yard for yet another season.  For more info, visit this site:  www.emeraldashborer.info

Unwanted Visitors taking up residence in State Parks by Lindsay Ross

Japanese Knotweed Infestation

Visitors to Michigan state parks or recreation areas are invited to participate in a new Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) initiative to find the first outbreaks of unwanted invasive plants.  Early detection will aid in rapid response control measures aimed at eliminating the invasive plants before they become widely established.

This summer, three invasive plants -- Japanese knotweed, black swallow-wort and garlic mustard -- are being targeted for EDRR by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.  Japanese knotweed and black swallow-wort are not widely established in the state, and while garlic mustard is widespread in southern Michigan, it is still uncommon in the Northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula state parks.

Invasive plants crowd out native species and change the ecology of natural areas. Complex food webs are simplified as areas are taken over by a single plant species.  Forest regeneration is often negatively impacted and recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, may also be lost or compromised.  Even park pathways and buildings can be damaged by invasive plants.

Most invasive species are introduced to new areas by humans.  Park visitors can help prevent the spread of invasive plants by cleaning your boots/shoes, clothes, car and trailer tires or other equipment before entering or leaving a park.

“We hope that everyone will keep an eye out for these invaders and report their locations,” said Ray Fahlsing, DNRE state park stewardship unit manager.  “Finding the first pioneering plants and responding rapidly with control measures will prevent damage to park natural resources in the most effective way.”

By reporting Japanese knotweed, black swallow-wort and garlic mustard sightings, you can help protect the natural resources that offer public recreation and educational opportunities.

Possible sightings can be reported at any state park by filling out the Unwanted Plants Detection Card, by marking the location of the detected plants on a park visitor map, or by recording the GPS coordinates.  You can turn in the cards, maps or recorded information at any state park, e-mail the information to DNR-RecreationFeedback@michigan.gov with “Unwanted Plants” in the subject line, fax it to 517-373-4625, or mail it to DNRE-Recreation Division, Attention: EDRR, P.O. Box 30257, Lansing, MI 48909-7757.  Sightings can also be reported at www.MISIN.msu.edu.

For more information about getting involved in the EDRR initiative, including how to identify invasive plants, visit the DNRE website at www.michigan.gov/dnr-parkstewardship.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations.