Happy New Year 2014!

                

As yet another year comes to a close, let us ask ourselves as did Georgia O'Keefe this provocative question: 

"When I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest." 

How and what in 2014 will interest you? Where will you be? Only you can make a difference for where you have been. Only your voice and actions have meaning for you, be heard. 

Add your voice to the many others, together they are a force. . .                                     may the Force be with you. 

                                     Happy New Year! 

Welcoming the Winter Solstice!

                           Happy Winter Solstice!

                Dance as if no one is watching!

                      The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper

                                             So the shortest day came, and the year died,
                                       And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
                                             Came people singing, dancing,
                                      To drive the dark away.
                                             They lighted candles in the winter trees;
                                      They hung their homes with evergreen;
                                             They burned beseeching fires all night long
                                      To keep the year alive,
                                             And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
                                      They shouted, reveling.
                                             Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
                                      Echoing behind us - Listen!!
                                             All the long echoes sing the same delight,
                                      This shortest day,
                                             As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
                                      They carol, fest, give thanks,
                                            And dearly love their friends,
                                      And hope for peace.
                                           And so do we, here, now,
                                      This year and every year.
                                                               Welcome Yule!!

Enjoy this winter season.
Linda

Upcoming Webinars about Phragmites!

Mark your calendars! These webinars have been brought to my attention by Bob Williams, www.phragmites.org. 
The always informational and on the cutting edge for the removal of such a devastating plant here in the United States, these programs are always worth listening to.

Phragmites.org Newsletter #156 – November 9, 2013

Upcoming Phragmites Webinars by the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative

Emerging Research Webinar Series
Webinar 1: Gene Silencing

November 22, 1-2pm Eastern

Space is limited! Register now to reserve your spot!

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Background: The Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative Emerging Research Webinar Series - Innovative Control: The Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative will host a series of webinars featuring emerging research on new efforts to control Phragmites and the resulting implications for management. This series will include work being conducted by leading Great Lakes researchers and their collaborators. We appreciate your input into the development of this series and invite you to share your experiences. Contact us via email, twitter, or facebook.

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1.      November 22, 2013 1-2pm Eastern Gene Silencing
Dr. Edward Golenberg, Professor, Biological Sciences Wayne State University

Scientists have known for some time that protein production can be disrupted by preventing the protein-coding instructions of messenger RNA (mRNA) from reaching the ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis. If a gene cannot send its code in the form of mRNA, the protein cannot be made. As a result, the trait that is mediated by the particular protein then is not realized. One process of interfering with the translation of mRNA into protein is known as “gene silencing.” Gene silencing is a promising strategy to control of Phragmites or other invasive plant species. Dr. Edward Golenberg, professor of biological sciences from Wayne State University will present his work on this innovative control strategy in the first installment of the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative Emerging Research Webinar series. ★ Click here to register

Upcoming Webinars:

2.      December 13, 2013 1-2pm ESTBiocontrol
Bernd Blossey, Associate Professor, Natural Resources Cornell University

Non-native plant species are often successful in new environments due to a lack of natural predators. Occasionally scientists are able to identify an invasive species natural predator and intentionally release them in the hope of curbing the invasive species population. Introducing a non-native species is a complicated issue and requires rigorous testing and evaluation before such a release is approved. Join us for the next Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative emerging research webinar featuring Dr. Bernd Blossey from Cornell University. He will review how insects can play a role in controlling Phragmites and update us on the status of a biocontrol agent for this species.

3.      January 23, 2014 2pm-3pm EST Microbial Symbiosis
Kurt Kowalski, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Wes Bickford, Wetland Research Analyst, U.S. Geological Survey

Microbes and plants have a long history of working together. Many microbial species form relationships with plants in which both the microbe and plant receive benefits from each other (i.e. a symbiotic relationship). A group of microbes known as fungal endophytes live inside the tissue of Phragmites and possibly allow it to thrive in a variety of conditions and tolerate environmental stresses that harm native plants. These microbes could be giving Phragmites a competitive advantage over native plants and promoting its establishment in the Great Lakes. Join us for the third Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative emerging research webinar featuring Kurt Kowalski and Wes Bickford from the U.S. Geological Survey. They will discuss their work on microbial symbiosis and its possible implications for Phragmites management.

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Past Webinars: Click here to view recordings of our past webinars!

______________________________________________________________________

If you are not currently getting this newsletter directly from Phragmites.org you can subscribe by sending the word “subscribe” to Bob@Phragmites.org.  To be removed from this mailing list send a message to Bob@Phragmites.org which says "remove."  Archived copies of past newsletters are available online at  http://www.stewartfarm.org/phragmites/archives.php  See http://www.phragmites.info for general information on Phragmites and http://www.phragmites.org for detailed information on Phragmites control.

Bob WilliamsBob@phragmites.org
StewartFarm.org

Go Tigers!!!!

                                             All I can say in the blog entry today is Go Tigers!!!! 

Lots has been happening with Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species Task Force which I will note in next weeks posting. Tonight it is rooting on the Tigers!!!! 

2013 Oakland County Trails, Water & Land Alliance

The Oakland County Trails, Water & Land Alliance, TWLA, held it Fall meeting, October 3, 2013 at Toll Gate Farm & Education Center, Michigan State University in Novi Michigan. 

Amy Beyer, Director, Conservation Resource Alliance was the keynote speaker. Beyer spoke on Preserving Northern Michigan's Natural Resources.  It is fascinating what they are doing in northern Michigan to bring back the natural flow of the rivers and streams by removing the Sabin, Boardman and Brown Bridge Dams. In removing these obsolete structures, the rivers are returned to a more natural state as a free-flowing cold water river for fishing and other sports. This removal project also returns the natural flow and lay of the surrounding lands to a more natural setting. 

I was really interested in her aside mention of the Wild Link program. It is a program where private homeowners voluntarily develop or modify their land to keep wild life corridors open for animal movement. I thought, why couldn't we do something like this with removing invasive plants and trees? Everyone will benefit, and everyone is responsible for their land. The burden of removing invasive plants and trees would be on every the property owner and then corridors of restored land would be available for the introduction of native habitats. This includes the privately owned homes, commercial properties, municipalities and roadways. It is a thought..... remember what Margaret Mead said," Never Doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, its the only thing that ever has" . 

The other speakers were all excellent in their topics. Jon Noyes, Oakland County Parks & Recreation spoke about the Oxford Park Project and why it failed. Ken Walters, MDEQ, talked about a statewide management plan for aquatic invasive species.

  Chris Hillier, Long Distance Hiker, hiker of the 2200 mile Appalachian Trail and the 2600 mile Pacific Crest Trail spoke about his adventures and how he is the first person to hike the newly established Pure Michigan Trail, Detroit Belle Isle to Ironwood. 

Visit their website for upcoming events and think about attending one of their meetings.  TWLA is an organization that is worth looking into and volunteering your time if you are interested in preserving Oakland Counties Trails, Water and Land. 

Spraying the Phragmites

Mid September 2013, David Mindell, PlantwiseLLC, the licensed contractor hired by the City of the Village of Clarkston came and sprayed the Phragmite stand on Middle Lake, White Lake Road, Depot Park. The third and final step for 2013 to remove the monoculture of Phragmites on Middle Lake, White Lake Road, Depot Park.

After one week, the phragmites were starting to turn yellow, the plant was beginning to trans locate the chemical to its rhizomes.... the only way to stop its growth.

Three weeks into the spaying:

 I would say the efforts put forth by The City of the Village of Clarkston, Independence Township, DPW, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter, Deer Lake private Homeowners and Homeowner Associations and Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species Task Force have been successful.

Educating the Public about Phragmites

Sign dedicated on August 29, 2013

Before the next step of actually spraying the phragmites engulfing Middle Lake, Depot Park, in Clarkston Michigan, Oakland Phragmite & Invasive Species, (OPIS), Task Force had a sign dedication. OPIS' mission statement states that: Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species Task Force is a group of concerned citizens working to control the spread of phragmites and other non-native plants in Oakland County and beyond, by empowering concerned citizens and governments through education, advocacy and action. This is a vital part of OPIS' mission, to educate the public.

The sign dedication event was the result of many devoted people who wanted to get the word out about how devastating phragmites is to a wetlands and surrounding areas. It also explains what to do and who to contact if you find phragmites or other invasives on your property.

Lola Koch, OPIS, took on the challenge to create such a sign with information about the invasive species, Phragmites Australias.  With dedicated monies donated by Elizabeth and Ron Wagner to North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, NOHLC, and working with Clinton River Watershed Association, who actually did the work to design the sign, the sign is there as a constant reminder of how this plant can become a monoculture if left unchecked. If you would like to become a member of OPIS, contact us at www.opistaskforce.org.

Members from Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species (OPIS) Task Force, The City of the Village of Clarkston, Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy (NOHLC), Clinton River Watershed Association and the Deer Lake Homeowners Associations at the dedication.

If you find phragmites or any invasive species of plants on your property rapid response is the best action you can take. The longer the invasive is allowed to remain, the more harm and damage it will do. If you need help identifying a plant you question, contact OPIS at www.opistaskforce.org and someone will get back with you. It will take all of us protecting our properties against these invasives to return Michigan to its natural beauty.

The Rest of the Story. . . .

Hello and glad to be back posting to my blog site. Due to a whole lot of other things in my life that no one has the time to listen to, I have been remiss in posting to Trouble in Native Paradise.  BUT the Phragmite removal project, spearheaded by Oakland Phragmites and Invasive Species Task Force and in conjunction with The City of the Village of Clarkston, Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter, NOHLC, Deer Lake Homeowners Associations,Independence Township DPW, on Middle Lake, White Lake Road, Depot Park in the City of the Village of Clarkston has marched on.

On May 9, 2013 The City of the Village of Clarkston contracted David Mindell, Plantwise, LLC to burn the biomass of dead Phragmites at Middle Lake. This was the second stage to prepare the Phragmites for the spraying that would take place in late August/September.

                            The signs were placed along White Lake Road to alert the cars driving by.

                          David Mindell and his team of experts were ready for the challenge to burn the phrags.

The fires were strategically lit throughout the stand and within literally minutes the Phragmites were gone. It was actually scary to see how hot and fast and high the fire was. I have a greater respect for the firefighters who fight the fires out West, after seeing this 'controlled burn' and how quickly and how dangerous the flames, heat and smoke was I cant imagine an out of control wild fire.

 When all was said and done, the mission was accomplished. The old dead growth of 2012 was gone. After years of being hidden behind the vegetation of the encroaching phragmites, Middle Lake was visible from White Lake Road. On to step three..... and September.

They are Cut!!!!

Thursday, February 7, 2013 Bob Pursley of the City of the Village of Clarkston DPW cut the Phragmites under the power lines on White Lake Road. It received a lot of attention. The media was there from The Clarkston News and The Oakland Press, hundreds of car drove by during the 2 hours it took to do the job.

 One person actually stopped, she is from Oakland Township. She wanted to know what we were doing. We told her we were cutting the Phragmites under the power lines to prepare for a controlled burn to prepare the area to removal. The burn is to take place sometime before April 1st. The new growth, which is much more manageable,  will then be sprayed in the fall to kill the Phragmite stand and allow the area to be restored to its natural beauty. She asked Emily and I if we would consider speaking to the Oakland Township Board to explain to them how to get rid of their Phragmites. We are excited! One Phragmite stand at a time.... if that is what it takes.

As you drive by now, one can see Middle Lake. It is a sight for sore eyes. I urge you to call The City of the Village of Clarkston, thank them for their efforts to restore this beautiful area.

As an aside, I would like to wish my Uncle Carl a Happy 90th Birthday!

"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."

"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln

I Protest!!!!!  I Protest, Mr. Lincoln, so what does that get me???  

To be clear what it means to protest, (remember I am the product of the 60's, I experienced protest with a Capital "P") I Googled, (far cry from using my 60"s dictionary, which I still have),  the word \pro-test\ :
       
  noun

1. : a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent: as
2. : a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage
3. : a declaration made especially before or while paying that a tax is not illegal and that payment is not voluntary
4. : the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval < resigned in protest>; especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval
5. : a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usually to an idea or course of action <went under protest>
6. : an objection made to an official or a governing body of a sport

Ok, so I do protest: Here it What I protest, loud and clear to anyone who will listen:  

Oakland County, Independence Township, the City of the Village of Clarkston contain the beginnings of the Clinton River Watershed, waters that flow south and eastward and empty into Lake St. Clair. Inland lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, bogs and remnant Prairies are located along the routes, each providing homes for a diverse array of wildlife, plants, and offering recreational and educational opportunities. I live in one of the richest areas in the State of Michigan in the whole United States for that matter. Phragmites and Invasives plants are ruining the delicate balance of the ecological makeup of my hometown city, township, county and state. So I Protest!!  God knows I have paid my taxes. So what are they, the governing bodies, going to do about it?  We as a people can no longer allow Silence, these invasive plants are  attacking  the homes and food sources of our beloved animals, birds, insects, fish and native plants. Not to mention devaluing our properties and communities and causing huge liabilities through fire and flooding. We are loosing the assets for our future generations. I don't recognize where I live..... I am not in Europe, I don't want to see this changed landscape.

I have attended a lot of Seminars, I know that a lot of studies have been done. A lot of money has been spent on studies, a lot of jobs are counting on these studies. I am missing the actions of these studies, where are the results and 'Rapid Response' that should be applied? I know that there are certain individuals who are taking action, not waiting for the proverbial governmental fix. I choose to join these 'Rapid Responders'. SO..... 

Initially not knowing where to start, I had heard of the aggressive measures two areas in western and northern Michigan were doing to eradicate Invasive Species.  I visited these two areas,  Manistee Michigan, Portage Lake and Tipp of the Mitt Watershed Council, Petoskey, Michigan. They are making a difference. They are seeing results. These folks were so helpful and gave me the resources to help me form a group, Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species Phighters.

My group has grown to include person from all walks of life, retired, working, photographers, writers, teachers, from Stewardship Networks, Watershed Councils and Land Conservancies, Environmental groups. Each individual and group bringing ideas and experiences to the meetings, they too want to see changes.  Each person as important as the other for what they bring and for the reasons that they are there.

The group is making an impact. Stay in touch.