Three Simple Rules In Life

 

I found this as a posting on Face Book. I am using it as my Screen Saver. I am going to post it everywhere.

With these three simple rules and the people that I am working with to eradicate Phragmites in Oakland County, we will succeed.

What is important enough for you to go after it? To ask the questions, to get the answers? Step forward! It gets lonely, stagnant and boring if you stay in the same place.

I am going in for back surgery, tomorrow. That is the reason I have been so inconsistent with the postings to the blog. Test.... appointments..... more tests and now the Big Day. Don't give up on me... I will continue to inform you of how we are proceeding with the Phragmite issue.

2013 is almost here, it will be the year we hit the ground running... what are you going after?

Phragmites Forum, November 26 , 2012 Grosse Pointe Shores, MI

For those of you who are following this blog who reside in St. Clair Counties and or along Lake St. Clair shoreline, here is a workshop you might be interested in. 

Phragmites Forum November 26th in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

“Controlling Invasive Phragmites on the Lake St. Clair Shoreline” will be held at 7:00 p.m. on November 26 in the Council Chamber of the Grosse Pointe Shores Municipal Building, 795 Lake Shore Rd. The event is free and open to the public.”

To read an online article about the event go to:

http://grossepointe.patch.com/articles/bledsoe-to-host-forum-on-controlling-phragmites.

More to follow about Phragmites and its removal. 

Happy Thanksgiving

                                                       Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!


In October, my husband and I stopped at the Circle B Turkey Ranch in Mancelona, Michigan. We have been buying turkeys here for years. We know they are free range and lovingly cared for birds.

We purchased our frozen turkey and as we were getting ready to leave, the turkeys were let out of the barn for the day.. . I will let you finish the story.

                                                       Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Water- "The Taken for Granted" Resource and our Candidates

The abundance of water, that the Midwest and Michigan is so dearly blessed to have can not be taken for granted. There are several great websites to explore explaining the threats to the Great Lakes and Michigan's great resource: WATER. 

For more information contact: 

  Michigan Sea Grant

      517 353-5508

Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay

      231 935-1514

Tip of the Mit Watershed Council

      231 347-1181

Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Inc. 

      989 257-3583

To you, the reading audience, I continually have tried to inform you about our natural resources that are imploding before our eyes. Water misuse, declining bird and insect populations, land mismanagement and the Phragmite infestation in Michigan wetlands. Like our aging infrastructure,which is necessary so for our pampered lives, water is taken for granted... the clean water we drink and bathe in, the electricity that runs our world and endless supply of food it offers to us.  The systems to protect our precious water are aging and as a country we are not addressing them. Just like how we turn our heads when environmental issues are brought to out attention, Phragmites are destroying our wetlands and they need to be controlled, Asian Carp DNA has been found  in the Great Lakes, so how did that happen, let's do another study?  the infrastructure is in need of repair.

Doesn't that sound like a lot of jobs that could be created? Millions to be spent to save our country, support families and recreate America. Yet we spend MILLIONS to elect a president. Millions that could be used in refurbishing the services and helping to restore our country's natural resources, feed the hungry, save people' homes.  It happens every four years. I can say I am actually ashamed that our candidates are not smarter and wiser and could actually see through this political mess. That would be someone I would be happy to vote for. After viewing this video created by Penn State University, please vote. Don't stop there, get involved with an issue that is near and dear to your heart. Don't let The United States of America implode. God Bless America! God Bless You!

Catching up.....

I came home energized from the presentation at with the Southern Michigan Beautification Council on Thursday, September 20, 2012.  After the presentation, I talked to several people who are just as concerned about Phragmite destruction to our wetlands as I am. Just as frustrated with the lack of concern and response by the people in charge, or who you would think is in charge and would be more concerned and aggressively acting to stop it and eradicate it. There was much discussion of loosing our beaches, wetlands and waterways. Loss of aquatic animals, the quality of our water and the huge fire hazard that it can present to homes, commercial buildings and roadways was discussed also.

This very week I learned a few positive things about Phragmites and I am working on getting more information

1. There is a woman in Oxford, MI, Deanne Bednar. She actually harvests Phragmites and uses them as building material. Visit her website, Straw bale studio for more information. 
2. Use Cut Phragmite plants for mulch on trail ways. It is sturdy and durable.

I am meeting with two individuals on the western part of the state October 14th. They have been successful in their communities to remove Phragmites. I will report on that later. 

Until next time, celebrate the fall weather and colors. 

Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan

Thursday, September 20, 2012 I am the Keynote Speaker at the Fall Quarterly Meeting for the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan. My topic: Invasive Plant Species Control and Replacing Invasive Plant Species with Native Plants.

One of the key Purposes of  Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan  is:

• Restore, Preserve and Enhance the beauty of Southeastern Michigan. 

One of the Goals of BCSEM is: 

• develop a sense of civic pride and citizen responsibility. 

These items are the basis of my presentation. I hope to challenge the Councils to become as passionate as I am about removing the invasive destructive Phragmite australis from our area and to help restore the native plant populations. "To Own" the challenge and develop through education in their communities a civic pride and citizen responsibility to go forward and shift their attack to the numerous local invasive and alien ornamental plants. Then to help Restore the native communities of plants, shrubs and trees that support their insect, bird and animal populations.  

I am being joined by Ron Cousineau and Mike West from Upper Long Lake and Patrick Nagy from the Village of Wolverine Lake who are speaking on non-chemical alternatives to Phragmite control. These gentlemen have had various levels of success with removing Phragmites with out chemicals.

                                                             Spreading the word!          

"Birmingham In Stitches"

'Feed Me' Parking meter 

I am not always out looking for Phragmites, or attending seminars that keep me updated with the latest information on Phragmite removal or another invasive and how it is impacting our environment. Sometimes, I need to feed my creative soul.  I am a knitter. Taught by my grandmother, I have been knitting for over 50 years. It gives me joy and is less expensive than therapy.... though that can be debated. I do have an awful lot of yarn, buttons and various embellishments in my stash. Doesn't everybody?

 "Birmingham in Stitches" was an event that I participated in on Saturday, September 15th. Yarn bombing as it is called originated in May 2004 in Den Helder, Netherlands. Various interpretations have been cited throughout Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States just to mention a few places.Women in Fargo, North Dakota, were yarn bombing this weekend also, according to my daughter, Julie, who lives there.

My son, Bill, sent to me pictures of  a Yarn Bombing that was taking place in Anderson Park, Redmond Washington this last winter. It was really the first I had ever heard about it, so when the Knitting Room in Birmingham Michigan mentioned that they were part of a project for the downtown Birmingham area, I was in. I committed to knitting two parking meter post covers.

Margaret and Cathy

Clown Lamp post cover

Melanie and Me with her Pom Pom
Meter post cover.

When Saturday arrived, 10 ladies from the Knitting Room arrived early and started to install all the beautiful and very creative pieces on Merrill Street. Curiosity abounded from the Saturday morning pedestrian traffic, including the four-legged variety.

Beautiful Garbage Can

Connie working on a meter post

Pom Pom Meter post

Left Back Row: Julie, Bernie, Connie, Connie, Melanie, Pam
Front Row: Margaret, Kathy, Myself and Carol

                                                                      Fun was had by all!

Sierra Club Rochester ECOS

Phragmites and their impact on the wetlands!

Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7PM.  I am the guest speaker for the Rochester Hills/Rochester Sierra Club ECOs. They are part of the Sierra Club Great Lakes Program. The club promotes several environmental causes, although their main focus is water quality and protecting the Great Lakes.

The club offers free monthly lectures at Whole Foods located at 2918 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills.

My am speaking on "Phragmites and their impact on the Wetlands".
You can contact Italia Millan
Chair/Volunteer Leader
rochesterecos@gmail.com. for more information.
Visit Sierra Club Rochester ECOs Group at http://www.meetup.com/RochesterECOs/.

Hope to see you there.

Linda

Monarch Watch Release, Proud Lake, Michigan

The group drove from the library to Proud Lake, horse staging area, and there was a whole field of Milkweed. Butterflies of several varieties were flying around. While the children were having a fun running through the fields after butterflies, Diane was setting up the release station. She called in the children to start with the tagging, she showed us the tags. Each tag number could be traced back to give the information about the sex, where they were raised, if wild or  hand raised and where they were released. If found the person can call the number and give the tag number so the University can track the where abouts of the Monarchs.

Enjoy this video of a child experiencing the joy of releasing this beautiful Monarch butterfly. 

After all the children had released a butterfly, the adults were able to do the same. It came to my turn and the butterfly that I was given did not want to leave. It finally spread its wings and flew, right on to the forehead of  one of the parents. 

The people of Mexico, where the butterflies end their journey before returning back to the United States, collect the butterfly tags off the butterflies that die throughout the winter and fall on the ground. The University and the Conservation Stewards, pay 50 pesos for each tag. To the people of the small Mexican town, this is a source of income. The logging of the trees where the butterflies roost is no longer legal, so the butterflies are able to have a safer haven to return to in their Mexican town. 

Just before I left, this beautifully tagged Monarch, returned to the releasing station, as if to say goodbye. Goodbye, adios beautiful lady. Safe travels.

If you would like more information on the Monarch Watch, please go to their website. Plant a milkweed or necture plants to help keep this beautiful butterfly around for generations to come.

Remember the caterpillar I found on my Milkweed? Well, it is now a beautiful butterfly. I named her Lucille. I wish her safe passage to Mexico.

Monarch Watch and a Beautiful Saturday Afternoon

Diane explaining to me how to tag the butterfly.

My posting of August 10, 2012, ten days ago I am embarrassed to say, brought some attention. The reason I have been remiss on posting is that for the last 10 days, I have had daily, non stop,  an event or an engagement concerning Phragmites and their removal or another gardening or butterfly opportunities to attend. So, this is the catch up of the events. 

As I was saying, I posted, again, about the Monarch Watch. I received an email from a fellow daylily member of the Southern Michigan Daylily Society and in the subject line it stated: "Monarchs not Daylilies" from Diane Pruden. I had actually just seen Diane the day before at the Daylily Picnic. I never knew she was involved in Monarchs. She said she is a Conservation Specialist with Monarch Watch. She raises Monarch on her 1 1/2 acre property, of which some of it is planted in Milkweed, or Asciepias incarnata,  a food source, from egg to mature Monarch. She has traveled to Mexico and witnessed the Monarch migration. 

She explained that she was giving a talk at the Milford Public Library would I like to come. Well, she didn't have to ask me twice, I was there with cameras and tripod in tow. 

Diane explaining about the Monarch
Watch program.

When I arrived, already the tables were filling with families ready to learn about the beautiful butterfly. Diane explained about the organization and how we as citizens can help with the Way stations to help feed the Monarch along their long journey from Michigan to Mexico. According to Monarch Watch, because of loss of Milkweeds and nectar plants due to development and the widespread use of herbicides in croplands, pastures and roadsides, the Monarch numbers are decreasing. Monarch Watch is the work of Dr. Chip Taylor, University of Kansas and it's purpose is to engage citizen scientists to spread education, conservation and research through out the communities along the Monarch's flyways. Through our efforts to ensure the preservation of the species this unique phenomenon of the Monarch migration will continue. It is world wide, the United States has the furthest distances for the butterflies to fly each way. Creating a Way station can be as simple as adding milkweed and nectar plants to our existing gardens. 

 Diane brought several different examples of flowers that a citizen scientist can plant in their yard for the adult Monarchs to feed on once they have emerged from the chrysalis. She passed around Milkweed laden with chrysalises,(can you count the number on the stalk?), Cone flowers, Phlox, Butterfly Bush, Zinnias and Mexican Milkweed can be planted to attract several varieties of Butterflies. Diane explained that there are 3 types of Milk weeds in Michigan, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Milkweed.  There is Latex in the milky substance in the plant and the caterpillar absorbs this and tastes terrible to any one that tries to eat it. The caterpillar also knows how much it can eat without over doing because the latex makes it sleepy. 

She brought caterpillars for the each of the audience members to see and observe. The explanation of the metamorphic process was explained to the amazement of  us all. In a matter of 14 + days from caterpillar to adult butterfly. She taught us how to identify if the butterfly is a male or female, by a black spot on the veining on the wing. The spot means a male. She showed us how to tag the Butterflies to identify where they started their journey when and if they are found again. It takes a Monarch about 2 months to fly to Central Mexico. 

The group then proceeded from the Milford Library to Proud Lake, the horse staging area to tag and release the butterflies that Diane collected from the eggs she raised. Look for these pictures and video on Thursday. 

Monarch Butterfly Nursery

Monarch Caterpillar in my yard. 

On July 6, 2012, I posted a blog on the subject of  'Bring Back the Monarch Campaign".  I have planted Asclepias incarnata, Swamp Milk Weed in my yard just for the Monarchs. I saw several Monarch Butterflies land on the plant with the expectation of one to be a female laying eggs. I was rewarded last week with this fellow crawling around the leaves and voraciously eating them.

My neighbor has a huge patch of Milk Weed and actually raises several caterpillars to the butterfly stage, so I asked her what was her secret to having a successful Monarch Butterfly Nursery. She gave me a netted cage and instructed me to put the caterpillar in, keep it well supplied with misted Swamp Milkweed leaves and leave the rest to the caterpillar.

I followed her instructions. I could not believe how much that caterpillar could eat. 7, 8, 10 leaves a day and night. (Always slightly misted). Sunday, August 5th in the late, too dark to take pictures without a flash, late, the caterpillar went into its next stage. It was hanging upside down from the top of the carrier in the "J" position. I would not use a flash, I was afraid of disturbing the now transitioning caterpillar. My neighbor said by morning it would be a chrysalis. She and her family have actually witnessed the making of the chrysalis. The green gooey stuff the caterpillar surrounds itself with to make the chrysalis.

I couldn't wait until morning. I was not disappointed. The chrysalis was hanging where the caterpillar was the night before. . . and it is quite compact.

The treasured chrysalis !

I have learned it will take about two weeks for the transformation. I can hardly wait. I will share the pictures of the butterfly this caterpillar will evolve into.

Newly found caterpillar

Caterpillar Nursery

Today, August 10, 2012, I was out walking around after all the much needed rain we received, and found another Caterpillar on the Milk Weed. It is now in a nursery carrier, being fed leaves and on to becoming a butterfly.



If you would like to experience this amazing transformation, plant some Milk Weed. Be a part of the Monarch Recovery Program. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain by witnessing one of nature's truly amazing transformations.

Women Who Do Too Much.....

I have on my counter top the Page-A-Day Calendar my sister sends to me every year.
It is titled: "Women Who Do Too Much".  I am finally convinced that I am one of those women. As I tear off each day, I read the verse of the day. I have even shared the words of wisdom with my other driven friends, but I have never taken them too seriously. I must admit, this summer I am taking them very seriously.

Today's verse  for August 6, 2012 is:

GRATITUDE DAY

We can be grateful for everything that August offers: long, lingering days, still some time to play outside, the possibility of a mini vacation every day, the fruits of summer. 
Gratitude is so easy when practiced regularly. 

I truly thought about this one. I am grateful for the summer days like today. Mid 80's and NO HUMIDITY.
I am grateful for the time to play outside. My husband and I are doing the Friends of the Rouge, Tour of the Rouge River tomorrow with a group of friends to view first hand the improvements so many volunteers are doing to help the Detroit River and the Rouge River. The tour includes a dinner cruise and there is a narration by Dr. John Hartig of the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge. Dr. Hartig is the author of the book "Burning Rivers".

Phragmites Along Deer Lake Road, Clarkston, MI 

I am grateful for the group of people who came out to my home last evening to listen to Mike West and his presentation on removing Phragmites WITHOUT chemicals. The meeting is the start of the removal project of the Phragmites along Deer Lake Road, across from Deer Lake Beach. Yeah! I feel this group's existence started with the interested persons from Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter and for me when the Board of Waldon Creek Subdivision and I removed the Phragmites on our common areas. Which led to The Oakland Press' article, meeting  Karen Workman and her help with teaching me how to blog.

I am grateful for all who are making changes. Margaret Mead said it so succinctly:
                 "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. 
                                   Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has".

Thank you, who devote your time and energies so we can all enjoy the lingering summer days of August in this beautiful State of Michigan.

"Desserts in the Garden"

Sunday, July 8, 2012 Wayne and I hosted our annual "Desserts in the Garden" Party. To our relief the day was cooler and there was less humidity. If you recall it was 95 + on the 4th of July.

Because I walk through the garden several times a day I know I miss some things, therefore I enjoy watching someone walk through for the very first time. I, too, then see through new eyes.

                                                 Enjoy this Smilebox I made of the day.

Wild Ones Members & July Garden Walks

Saturday July 20, 2012, Jim and Ruth Brueck and members of Wild Ones North Oakland Chapter, hosted a garden walk . Each member is integrating native plants to their established gardens. Due to several commitments that day, I was only able to view the Brueck land and lake shore gardens.

                                                          Enjoy Jim and Ruth's gardens,

Trish Hennig admiring the Butterfly Garden

The Brueck's live on a lake, and Jim has introduced native plants along his shoreline to help prevent erosion and to improve habitat for the insects and aquatic animals. The plants are so happy along his shoreline that they have spread to the neighbors. The agreeing neighbor is thrilled. Each property is enjoying an increase in insects, butterflies, frogs and toads and turtles. Native plants provide a win-win for everyone.


Hoary Vervain and Mountain Mint are two of the plants in Brueck's garden that I am going to introduce in mine.

Hoary Vervain

Mountain Mint

I could not resist taking pictures of the numerous insects I spotted throughout the gardens invited by all the native plants.  

The moral of the story: feed them and they will come. If you would like more information about Wild Ones North Oakland Chapter, please contact
Laura Gruzwalski at 248 535-3338 or visit the website. 

National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest

                         I have entered photos in the National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest.

Anhinga drying its feathers at Homosassa Springs, Florida

As a viewer, you can daily go and vote for my photos as your favorites. I can also be chosen for the cover of a future National Wildlife Federation Edition. Please Vote!!!

Lunch for a lady bug!

Bring Back the Monarchs Campaign

Recently hatched Monarch, drying its wings!

I am a member of North Oakland Wild Ones Organization. An email was sent to me from Jim Brueck, President of our Wild Ones chapter concerning the Bring Back the Monarch Campaign. Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist Candy Sarikonda is collaborating with The Oak Openings Region chapter of Wild Ones on a community wide campaign to educate and help members plant/grow native species of milkweed everywhere possible to create the nourishing habitat for the Monarchs. Brueck and others would like to see this program expanded to here in Michigan. 

Novice just out testing its dry wings!

North Oakland Wild Ones, under the leadership of Trish Hacker Hennig, American Roots Wildflowers, and Jim Brueck, have started such gardens in Depot Park, Clarkston, MI. Many plantings of Asclepias incarnata and  fewer plants of Asclepias tuberosa, (Milkweed varieties),  have been planted in the Children's Garden and in the Rain Garden there in Depot Park. Planted with the Monarchs of the area in mind to have a way station for them to nectar on as they pass through. Brueck and Hennig are encouraging us all to plant a few milkweed plants in our gardens to expand the way stations throughout our area.

The importance of such gardens, strategically located throughout the Midwest, is because so many of  the natural areas that the Monarchs are so dependent on are decreasing. Trish Hennig states in the email, "With the Round-up ready crops. . corn and soybeans, farmers are now spraying his herbicide on ENTIRE fields, (creeping in the food we eat or perhaps what gets fed to the animals we eat) and studies are showing that for some reason Monarchs prefer to lay their eggs on plants in the center of the fields..between the rows of vegetables, rather than on the field edges. So in a place that might have had milkweeds sprouting from cultivated roots in the past..now because of the herbicided fields there is no residual milkweed there at all... on acres and acres and acres across the Midwest."

More than enough reason for all of us to plant milkweed to start a way station of our own for our beautiful Monarch Butterflies.

On his/her way to Mexico.... Made in America!

If you are a member of Wild Ones, Hennig is offering a free milkweed plant. If you are not a member and would like to join, please contact Jim Brueck at mdbrueck@gmail.com If you even have a question about this program or what Wild Ones is all about drop an email to Jim. Happy Butterflying!

LinkedIn Conversation is still going.....

My small lawn cover is an accent to my gardens!

On June 4, 2012 my blog posting was about choosing the correct lawnmower  for your lawn. It started with a conversation with Nick Federoff of Things Green, and numerous others. I thought it was finished after a few days. NOT TRUE. It is still going on. Here are two of the most recent conversations: 

1. Ashok Trisal, Asst. GM ( Horticulture) at JPSI, India, has joined in with the conversation.

• Lawn grasses undoubtedly make most beautiful ground cover to look at and walk upon and generally do stand heavy pedestrian traffic. Since time is ripe to address ecological and other issues (reduction of bio -diversity where lawn areas are very large) and limited resources (water scaricity) other deep rooted ground covers can used in place of lawn grass in a big way . And, small lawn itself can be used as an accent on the landscape for visual interest / functional area rather than a dominant feature on the landscape in conjuction with hardscape elements. We have to be ready mentally for making aesthetic concessions in the switch over.                    

"Thanks linda Lapinski for your comments and for your untiring efforts to change perception of people addicted to big lawn areas. One practical solution may be to bring innovativeness in our lawn designs , the geometry of design should make small lawn look big (e.g. curvillinear design, varying grades etc.) . It will console lawn lovers to a great extent .
Secondly, unrelented awareness for need to strengthen our eco-systems ( promoting bio-diversity which is at odds with large lawn areas)

Change in perception cannot happen overnight but that does not deter a person to compaign for what is right. You fight is for a noble cause."

Bee Sanctuary in my lawn!

      2.   Judy Fraser, Architect, Fraser Designs, Washington D.C.Metro Area commented:     


 • Great discussion - from my perspective lawns are a waste of valuable habitat. While I don't begrudge anyone wanting a grassy area to picnic or play ball, the American lawn really has nothing to do with people's enjoyment of nature, or play, or even water management, which can all be met better with other forms of landscape. The American lawn is all about aesthetic fads, status, property value, and social pressure. (I work at a plant clinic - the other day a worried gentleman asked how to get rid of the clover in his lawn, I asked why? because his was the only lawn on his street with clover and he was concerned his neighbors would be mad - I told him the bees must consider it an oasis in a desert - call it a bee sanctuary)     


The pictures are of my home. I was overjoyed to think I have a bee sanctuary and a lawn that did not define my yard but accentuated my gardens.                

I am Back! What is with the end of July temperatures?

For the past week, I have not been able to use the computer.
It was bittersweet. I missed it but on the other hand I was able to finish other projects because I was not on the computer. As of last night, I can use the computer.
Yesterday, I was out trying to take pictures with my phone and the camera did not work. Ugh!!!!!!!!! Technology is great when working and extremely frustrating when it is not!

Today's entry is about the heat.

What is going on? Here is the Midwest, we are roasting and drying out. The temps here in Michigan are higher and the conditions dryer than the temps in Florida. They have had more rain.

Colorado is on fire, literally... and the Pacific Northwest is still in the 60s. My Seattle family is still using their flannel sheets and sweaters. Mother Nature is totally playing with us.

Today there are areas in Michigan that could reach 100 and it is only June. So stay cool today. Remember your pets, keep them inside today also. Fill your bird baths, the birds, butterflies and dragonflies are looking for water too. Check on any friends or relatives who don't have air conditioning. maybe open your home to them, have dinner and a sleep over. Turn off the electronics and play cards, listen to a ball game or read a book.  Make some lemonade.... from real lemons.

Karen Workman & The Oakland Press Phragmite Articles

Phragmite plant

Karen Workman, Community Engagement Editor of The Oakland Press, has written two articles about Phragmites. I encourage you to read her articles. Workman has done an outstanding job of informing the reader about the plant and has listed many resources to contact if you are interested in helping to rid the State of Michigan from Phragmites. It can be done if we all work together.

I am including the links for the articles:

• This is the first article: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/06/18/news/local_news/doc4fdce8fede615415678584.txt?viewmode=fullstory.

•  This is the second article: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/06/18/news/local_news/doc4fdb7500d879c088746667.txt?viewmode=fullstory