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 webinar in the series
European frog-bit was first detected in southeast Michigan in 1996 and has since spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan and to some inland lakes. Kevin Kapuscinski, associate professor and assistant director of research at Lake Superior State University's Center for Freshwater Research and Education, has been studying the aquatic invasive plant and its effects on native ecosystems and water quality since 2019. He will share what?s been learned about plant reproduction, removal efforts and impacts based on research in the St. Marys River in the Upper Peninsula.
In 2021, the Michigan Boating Industries Association got on board with state efforts to help boaters understand their role in stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. With help from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, MBIA launched its Boaters Prevent AIS Initiative. Join MBIA?s Amanda Wendecker to learn how an industry push, along with an eye-catching campaign has helped engage thousands of boaters across the state. After registering, you will receive an email from "EGLE Outreach" with a link for you to use to join the webinar.
Invasive knotweeds are a growing problem throughout Michigan. In the Upper Peninsula, a collaborative effort is underway to find the best methods for detecting and managing these aggressive plants. Dorthea Vander Bilt of Michigan Tech Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Sigrid Resh of the Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area and MTU, and Matt Watkeys of Alger Conservation District will share the results of their recent research. The team studied various chemical, manual and integrated control methods on Japanese, Bohemian and giant knotweed species and employed remote sensing to detect and prioritize knotweed populations across the landscape.
The mythic Hydra was a water serpent that sprouted two heads for every one cut off. In a similar fashion, hydrilla - said to be the most invasive aquatic plant in the world - can grow new plants from stem fragments, making it a formidable challenge to control. That challenge now faces Michigan, where hydrilla was recently detected for the first time. Join Billy Keiper from EGLE Water Resources Division to find out why hydrilla is such a threat, how the Michigan Invasive Species Program is working to eradicate it, and what you can do to help identify and report it.
If you?re looking for a successful model for infusing invasive species education in the classroom, Lake Superior State University?s Beth Christiansen has one. ?Invading Classrooms and Communities? brings together students, teachers, natural resource mentors, and staff from LSSU?s Center for Freshwater Research and Education to conduct hands-on research into local invasive species issues. Join Christiansen to learn how this collaboration has fostered local, student-led stewardship projects to raise awareness and inspire action in communities across Northern Michigan.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:
Joel Roseberry:?[email protected]
Alana Berthold:?[email protected]
Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at these events should contact Joel Roseberry at 517-599-9494 at least two?weeks before each event to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation, and/or other assistance.
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