environment

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking for help from the public in finding deer that could be affected by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, or EHD. After a deer that had died from the disease was found in Wales Township in St. Clair County, the DNR is on alert for EHD. Over 14,000 deer were taken out by the disease in 2012.

EHD is circulating in the area, with cases found in St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, and Shiawassee counties. Reports have been coming in of 150 likely cases, while six have been confirmed so far.

Biting flies are the culprit for transmitting EHD. The DNR says that there is no evidence that humans can contract the disease.

Deer with a severe infection of EHD lose their fear of humans, lose their appetite, and may seek bodies of water to try to lower their body temperatures.

Tom Cooley, DNR wildlife pathologist said, “We are asking for hunters to look around as they hit the field this fall to let us know if they find dead deer, especially any near water.”

Anyone who discovers dead deer should report it through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field reporting form or call the closest DNR Customer Service Center.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Don’t let its unusual and colorful wings fool you, the spotted lanternfly is trouble. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking the public to be aware of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect.

The insect has the ability to kill more than 70 varieties of plants, including grapes, apples, hops, and hardwoods. There have been no sightings yet in Michigan, but neighboring states have reported confirmed infestations. Dead lanternflies have been found in packaging in Michigan, demonstrating a way in which they can make their way around the country.

Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for MDARD said, “Spotted lanternfly may be a colorful insect worthy of an Instagram post, but also is an invasive species with the potential to wreak havoc on trees, plants and other natural resources, resulting in millions of dollars in damages.”

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or phone the MDARD Customer Service Center, 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Trails Week is September 19th-26th. It’s also the kickoff to the Michigan Trails Week Challenge where trail users work toward a combined 100,000 miles traveled on local, county, state, or federally managed trails.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is trying to get Michigan on the radar of trail enthusiasts nationwide with Trails Week. There are over 13,000 miles of state-designated trails.

Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said, “State parks and trails are welcoming places with ample opportunity to improve your physical and mental health. Getting outside on a trail is an easy way to promote good health and take in the outdoors, and that’s the concept behind these resources that are part of ‘Michigan’s big green gym.'”

To participate in the Trails Week Challenge, you will need to register online and log your miles spent on trails. Virtual badges can be earned for various outdoor activities.

Trails Week Challenge

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

It’s easy to feel like an inferior gardener when exploring the Dow Gardens, but few hobby gardeners can compete with the world-class gardens at the massive garden located in Midland, Michigan. Even the street on the way to the garden is lined with thousands of flowers.

Dow Gardens are about a two-hour drive from the Blue Water Area and it is a favorite destination for those looking to get out in nature and maybe get some inspiration for their own backyards. The Garden is currently hosting the Garden of Glass exhibit, which is the work of Michigan artist Craig Mitchell Smith, and features large glass flowers placed throughout the grounds.

The main attraction at Dow Gardens is the Canopy Walk which soars 40 feet about the forest floor and extends for 1400 feet. Kids of all ages can explore the different levels of the canopy with many opportunities for climbing and hanging out in a net suspended above the red pine forest.

Admission is $10 for adults and $2 for kids. The Gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are closed on Mondays. They are open year-round and have programs for each season of the year. If you go, you will want to bring comfortable walking shoes. The entire Dow Gardens, including the canopy walk, is wheelchair accessible.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

It is the season for beautiful caterpillars to be crawling around local yards. While most are harmless, both adults and children should be warned of the possibility of getting an itchy rash from touching a certain caterpillar that has been spotted in the Blue Water Area.

The American Dagger Moth caterpillar is a beautiful yellow caterpillar with long black hairs sticking out. It’s definitely the kind of natural wonder that a young child would want to pick up and show to Mom and Dad. 

The caterpillar’s natural defense mechanism is to poison with toxins on its hairs. The dagger-like hairs can inject poison into the skin of someone who touches them. A fallen hair from the caterpillar can even cause a problem.

The reaction to the caterpillar’s toxins can include a stinging sensation that ends up as an itchy rash. There is rarely any long-term problem, and anti-itch ointments generally suffice for symptom control, but a sting can quickly ruin a nature walk or a gardening project.

Children should be warned not to touch the caterpillars and anyone moving the caterpillars should wear gloves.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland