NotMISpecies webinars offer help for backyard invasive species problems, and more!
New sessions in the NotMISpecies webinar series will offer an abundance of information, resources and field experiences to help identify and manage invasive species in Michigan.
Supported by Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, the regular, hourlong webinars are designed to keep participants informed of 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.
To register for these upcoming events, click on the title of each session below to go to the registration page.
Tuesday, July 27, at 9 a.m., “Hey, what’s that in my backyard?” offers an introduction to Michigan’s 22 cooperative invasive species management areas and how they can help with problem plants, insects and diseases affecting your landscape. Nick Cassel and Fallon Chabala, representatives of the Michigan Invasive Species Coalition, will explain how CISMAs work and the benefits of partnering with your local CISMA on invasive species issues.
“Fowl play” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15) explores the work of protecting Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas from the threat of invasive species. DNR wildlife biologists Jeremiah Heise from Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area and Zach Cooley from Pointe Mouillee State Game Area share their experiences and techniques for managing and restoring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders to provide prime habitat for waterfowl viewing and hunting.
Thursday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m., “Just do it!” offers an invitation to learn about invasive species management by volunteering for a state park stewardship workday. DNR natural resource stewards Kelsey Dillon and Emily Leslie will share information about the program and its focus on special habitat areas in need of protection. Learn how you can get involved in preserving your favorite places for future generations.
If you are new to the series, it’s easy to catch up on topics including collaborative efforts in invasive carp management, early detection and response for aquatic invasive species, and the threat posed by spotted lanternfly. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents under “Featured 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.
A humble homesteader based in an undisclosed location, Lars Drecker splits his time between tending his little slice of self-sustaining heaven, and bothering his neighbors to do his work for him. This is mainly the fault of a debilitating predilection for fishing, hunting, camping and all other things outdoors. When not engaged in any of the above activities, you can normally find him broken down on the side of the road, in some piece of junk he just “fixed-up.”
