NotMISpecies Webinar Series
Invasive species pose a threat to Michigan’s environment, economy, and sometimes even human health. What is at stake? What is being done? This webinar series explores how agencies, universities, and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan’s natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program. If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLE/Outreach under “All Webinar Series.”
Upcoming webinars in the series
Invasive insects and diseases, including hemlock woolly adelgid, beech bark and beech leaf disease, are taking a toll on Michigan’s forests. As if this weren’t enough, the changing climate is further stressing trees and may lead to greater impacts by both invasive and native insects and diseases.
Join forest entomologist Erin Biggs and forest pathologist Simeon Wright of the Department of Natural Resources to learn more about these emerging issues, how they are being addressed, and which may have the biggest impact on Michigan’s forests and urban landscapes.
Call your local invasives-busters, of course! Michigan’s cooperative invasive species management areas are here for you, providing guidance and assistance in busting invasive species across the state. Whether it’s harmful plants in a local bird sanctuary, wild parsnip along the North Country Trail or aggressive flowers in a backyard garden, CISMAs are here to help! Join Shikha Singh of Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw CISMA, Zach Peklo of North Country CISMA and Evan Chalmers of Three Shores CISMA to hear about managing invasive species in important places and how these efforts build valuable relationships within communities. You’ll learn who to call when you need invasive species help, and you might even get to see their cool backpack sprayers!
Have you’ve ever landscaped with “clean” fill or gravel and ended up with a weed patch, or purchased mulch that took on a life of its own? If so, you might be interested in Michigan’s new voluntary, invasive-free certification program. Join Vicki Sawicki, program coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources, to learn how she’s building relationships with producers of gravel, fill, mulch, compost and firewood who want to provide clean options for their customers. Invasive plants, insects and even tree diseases can be moved to new places on firewood and landscape materials. Learn more about when and where you can find certified products and how purchasing these can ensure that what you bring home is clean and invasive-free.
Every holiday season, millions of Christmas trees are cut and shipped around the country to become centerpieces for family celebrations – but some come with more than just festive cheer. Spongy moth and balsam woolly adelgid are two invasive Christmas tree pests on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s naughty list. MDARD’s Amber Neils and Lindsay Patrick will discuss the status of these two insects in Michigan, their biology, the risks they pose, and how the department’s Christmas Tree Inspection and Certification Program helps Michigan tree farms spread holiday cheer without the risk of spreading invasive species.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:
Joel Roseberry: RoseberryJ@michigan.gov
Alana Berthold: BertholdA@michigan.gov
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