environment

Port Huron’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Provides Critical Infrastructure for Region

Along with a tour of the water filtration plant, community members were given a look at Port Huron’s Wastewater Treatment Plant last week. It is safe to say that those in attendance were in awe of the extensive effort that goes into taking wastewater from the City and surrounding townships and making it clean enough to safely send back into the St. Clair River.

Dianna Siefert, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, has worked at the plant for over 21 years and gave a fascinating presentation to community members who have a stake in the stewardship of the river as well as the local economy that depends on the vital service.

Siefert explained the innovative process that Port Huron uses to collect biosolids from the wastewater and send them out to over 150 farmers to fertilize their fields. It is the biggest recycling program in St. Clair County. She also gave a tour of the facility, which is getting some expensive, yet vital, upgrades.

The plant is massive and can handle up to 20 million gallons of wastewater per day. It usually handles 9.5 million gallons. The plant operates 24 hours per day, 365 days a year with an operating budget of approximately $5 million each year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Deer with EHD Found in Wales Township

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

DNR to Host open House at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area

The St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island will be the location of an Open House sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The event will be held on October 6th at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the Open House is to showcase one of Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas. These areas are dubbed “Michigan’s Wetland Wonders” by the DNR.

The Open House is an outdoor driving tour of the wetlands area with participants able to tune in to the presentation on their vehicle radios. Stops along the route will showcase improvements to the habitat to enhance waterfowl and wetland wildlife.

Other Open Houses will be held at the Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Pinconning, the Fish Point State Game Area in Unionville, the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Rockwood, and the Shiawassee River State Game Area in St. Charles.

The state game areas have been providing managed waterfowl habitats in the lower peninsula since the 1960s. Contact information for the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area can be found below.

St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, 3857 Columbine Road, Harsens Island; 810-748-9504

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan on Alert for Dreaded Spotted Lanternfly

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 Brings Challenge to Log 100,000 Miles of Trail Use

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

Day-trip to Dow Gardens Wows Nature-lovers

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