environment

Invasive Beech Leaf Disease Detected in St. Clair County

Invasive beech leaf disease has been confirmed in southern St. Clair County. That’s not great news, as the disease was not previously known to be in Michigan, the home of around 37 million American beech trees.

The disease is associated with a microscopic worm that damages leaves of American, European, and Asian beech species. Infected trees die within six to ten years of initial symptoms.

The disease was detected thanks to landowners who reported the suspected outbreak to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.

Simeon Wright, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist said, “Though beech leaf disease was detected this spring, the condition of the leaves and number of trees affected at this location suggests the disease has been there for more than a year. Because symptoms are slow to emerge, it is difficult to detect the disease before it is established.”

Symptoms of beech leaf disease are dead buds and darkened, thick tissue bands between leaf veins that make leaves look striped.

See below for instructions on reporting suspected cases and more information about the invasive disease.

DNR and MDARD encourage monitoring for any signs of the disease. If you suspect you have found a symptomatic tree, take one or more photos of the infested tree, including close-ups of affected leaves; note the location, date and time; and report it in one of the following ways:

DNR Forest Health Division: Email DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-5895.

Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool.

Download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone – MISIN.MSU.edu/apps/.

For more information on beech leaf disease and other species on Michigan’s watch list, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gardening Makes You Stronger, Smarter, and Gives You Healthy Food

Home-grown food is healthy, but the act of actually growing the food, or even growing flowers, is healthy, too. Research shows that getting in the dirt and gardening are great ways to stay in shape physically and mentally.

The American Heart Association classifies gardening as moderate-intensity aerobic activity. If you’ve been sore after a day of gardening, you know that digging, planting, and pulling weeds all use muscles and can be a real workout.

Regular contact with dirt is an immunity booster, according to studies by immunology researchers. Gardening can also be a brain-booster, as the growing season often requires adaptability, problem-solving, and learning new things to make that garden grow.

It’s hard to garden while checking email, so it’s a great way to decompress and unplug from technology for a while.

The MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gardeners can call for help with gardening, insects, and other outdoors questions.

MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline : (888) 678-3464 or online at msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/lawn_garden

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fire Risk Present: Use Care When Burning

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking Michigan residents to be careful when burning things. Hot, dry weather in parts of the state has increased the risk for wildfires. Windy conditions add to the risk.

Over 3,000 acres have already been burned in Michigan wildfires this year, with 160 out-of-control fires to blame.

Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist says, “First and foremost, check to make sure that weather conditions are favorable before attempting to burn yard debris. Debris burning that escapes is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.”

Campfires and bonfires should be in a pit or ring to prevent unintended ignition of surrounding areas and should be thoroughly extinguished before leaving the area. Keeping a hose or water nearby is an easy way to end a potential disaster.

The DNR reminds residents that it’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam, and other household trash.

If you intend to burn yard debris, go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions allow for burning.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanborn Multi-Use Trail Ready for Walkers, Joggers, and Bikers with June 28th Ribbon Cutting

The Sanborn Park Multi-Use Trail is getting officially launched on June 28th at 4:00 p.m. The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the new trail.

The trail is notable as it is natural and unpaved and suitable for walkers, joggers, and bike riders. There is an outside loop for beginning riders and two inner BMX lines for experienced riders.

Melanie Chandler, co-supervisor of the Port Huron Recreation Department, said that the Department saw a resurgence of outside play, particularly outside city parks, and they wanted to create more interesting opportunities for that.

Chandler said, “After visiting other communities with similar bike trails, we were excited to offer this to our own community. With help from the City of Lapeer, we completed the trail in April. We hope everyone enjoys it.”

Care was taken to preserve the environment at the park, which is heavily wooded, with cooperation from the Friends of the St. Clair River. Funding for the trail was provided by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund.

The trail entrance is east of the playground at Sanborn Park on the north side of the City of Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Wild Rice, or Manoomin, Could Become Official Native Grain of Michigan

Does Michigan need an official native grain? A group of state lawmakers, including Senator Dan Lauwers, a Brockway Township Republican, think so.

Lauwers was one of many cosponsors of the bipartisan bill that was introduced by Senator Adam Hollier, a Democrat from Detroit.

The lawmakers want to designate Michigan wild rice, which is technically called manoomin, as the official native grain of Michigan. Why wild rice? The bill says, “Manoomin is a sacred and important component to many wetlands and has a cultural significance to the indigenous people of this state.”

“Sacred” is a strong word, but the bill explains that the grain is a cultural staple for the Anishinaabeg people,  the group of tribes that includes the Ojibwe.

Michigan wild rice, or manoomin, grows in shallow to moderate water depths. It is a persistent natural grass that grows year after year in the Great Lakes Region.

The bill has been reported favorably by the Committee on Agriculture and would need to be approved by both the Senate and the House, and signed by the Governor.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDARD Lifts Ban on Bird Exhibits Just in Time for Fair Season

There’s good news for those who love looking at the poultry and waterfowl exhibits at county fairs. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has lifted the statewide temporary ban that was imposed to limit the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The goal of going thirty days without a new breakout of the virus has been met, so the ban has been lifted, but that does not mean that the highly contagious virus is completely gone.

State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said, “Even though the state has been able to reach this incredibly important benchmark, this does not mean the virus has left Michigan. HPAI continues to be detected in wild birds throughout the state, which is not unexpected as the virus is known to be carried by wild birds. Since the virus is still present in the environment, it is still crucial for owners and caretakers of domestic birds to take every step possible to protect their flocks.”

There isn’t believed to be a risk to humans from bird flu, but poultry and egg products should always be fully cooked and precautions should be taken when dealing with live birds, including poultry and waterfowl.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland