The Mid-Michigan Cluster aims to educate and involve the community in conserving native plants and wildlife habitat in the natural areas of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties.

The Mid-Michigan Cluster involves the community in conserving native plants and wildlife in all their natural diversity. We:

· Facilitate the sharing of expertise in natural lands management between public and non-profit organizations and the community

· Inventory native plant and wildlife communities

· Map invasive species and other threats to biodiversity

· Plan and oversee invasive species removal and natural area restoration

· Encourage community understanding and enjoyment of our native ecosystems through education and volunteering

 
2012 Workshops 

Phragmites Workshop for Residential and Natural Area Landowners

February 4, 2012, Saturday, 10am - noon

Cost: Free

Location: Van Atta’s Nursery, 9008 Old M-78, Haslett, MI

Leaders: Leslie Kuhn and Laurie Kaufman, Mid-Michigan Stewardship

Minimum number of participants: 3;  Maximum: 25

Click here to register!

The spread of non-native Phragmites australis (also known as common reed or elephant grass) presents major challenges for the health of Michigan’s wetlands.  Our Mid-Michigan Stewardship group, working with Ingham County Parks, has successfully combated Phragmites across numerous sites in Ingham County and southern Clinton County through a network of partnerships.  We will discuss how to identify this plant and control its spread, and how private landowners can partner with neighbors and agencies in Michigan to control Phragmites on their own land.  Topics will include: information needed to submit or join existing DEQ permit applications required for treatment in wetlands; successful and cost-effective control techniques and equipment; and identifying contractors available to do the work for you, if you prefer.  Our goal is to make phragmites identification and control straightforward and accessible to all.  Questions?  Contact Leslie Kuhn at midmich@stewardshipnetwork.org 

You can register in advance for this workshop starting in January 2012, at www.stewardshipnetwork.org, or by calling 734-996-3190.

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Mid-Michigan Garlic Mustard Challenge

May 2012

Join us for a number of free, community-oriented gatherings at sites in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton Counties to pull invasive garlic mustard from our natural areas and parks. Learn more about nature while protecting it! See our website (www.stewardshipnetwork.org/midmich) in spring 2012 for details or contact Leslie at midmich@stewardshipnetwork.org 

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Deer-Resistant Gardening with Native Plants

June 2, 2012, Saturday, 10 - 11:30am

Cost: $10 members/$15 non-members, in support of the Stewardship Network

Location: Mid-Michigan Stewardship, 6162 Oakpark Trail, Haslett, MI

Leaders: Leslie Kuhn and Jim Hewitt

Minimum number of participants: 3;  Maximum: 12

Deer browsing is a problem for keeping a healthy, attractive garden and also for regeneration of native plants, which are essential for Michigan’s butterflies, bees, and wildlife.  In this workshop, we will discuss landscaping strategies for discouraging deer from over-browsing your yard.  Secondly, we’ll cover a number of attractive, native Michigan plants and other non-invasive species that tend to be avoided by deer, even in areas with heavy deer pressure. Workshop participants will be encouraged to share their own experience in deer-proofing their yards.  Handouts, web sites, and book references on deer-resistant plants and planting strategies, plus sources of native plants, will also be provided. Finally, participants will have an opportunity to plant some deer-resistant native species on site!  Questions? Contact Leslie Kuhn at midmich@stewardshipnetwork.org 

You can register in advance for this workshop starting in January 2012, at www.stewardshipnetwork.org, or by calling 734-996-3190.

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Shoreline Landscaping Ideas

July 25, 2012, Wednesday, 5pm – 7 pm

Cost: $10 members /$15 nonmembers, in support of The Stewardship Network

Location: Lake Lansing Park South, Lakeview Shelter

Leader: Laurie Kaufman, Mid-Michigan Stewardship

Minimum number of participants: 3; Maximum: 20

Are you interested in controlling erosion, improving water quality, and beautifying your shoreline views? Would you like to provide a natural habitat that attracts songbirds and butterflies while deterring geese? This workshop will guide you through the process of planning a lakeside garden that can do all of these things. Advanced Master Gardener Laurie Kaufman will help you plan your lakeside paradise by selecting beautiful low-maintenance eco-friendly plants. We will start the workshop at the Lake Lansing Park South Lakeview Shelter, and if weather permits, we will travel to a nearby home for a guided tour of a mature lakeside landscape that’s sure to spark your imagination. Later in the summer, when water levels drop, you will have the opportunity to participate in planting a demonstration shoreline garden in Lake Lansing Park South.

You can register in advance for this workshop starting in January 2012, at

www.stewardshipnetwork.org, or by calling 734-996-3190.

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Planning Committee Meetings

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