
Category: Restoration


Attract Home Guardians from our Outdoors to Control Invasive Natural Pests
Winter is almost here and a number of home invading pests may be trying to make their way into wood piles and homes for shelter. But every land owner knows they have got to do something. Some may want to use strong chemicals which may make their way right into the soil. These chemicals directly harm the soil food web, which helps plants grow and maintain the lakes.
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Phenology and Climate Change
Changing Nature’s Clocks .. the idea seemed very appropriate for this day, when our clocks chane. A well made video and informative article from our friends at NatureChange:
“Each spring, people in Northwest Lower Michigan witness the emergence of wildflowers on the forest floor. Then, the buds of hardwood trees burst open, unfurling broad chartreuse leaves.
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Michigan Shoreland Stewards
We our pleased to announce our affiliation with Michigan Shoreland Stewards, a program which provides recognition for lakefront property owners who are protecting inland lakes through best management practices on their property.
Become a Michigan Shoreland Steward!
Each year more and more lake front properties are being developed and natural lakefront habitats are becoming scarce.

Fisheries of Leelanau and the Role of Cormorants
Heather Hettinger, Fisheries Management Biologist for Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources out of Traverse City, gave an informative and lively presentation to the Leelanau Clean Water organization on July 20, which was attended by some of our members. You can access the presentation by clicking here. Here is a little info on Heather:
I have worked for the Department of Natural Resources in various capacities since 2000.
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Edible Trails
At the Leelanau Conservancy’s DeYoung Natural Area along the TART trail, the Edible Trails project is brimming with enthusiasm. Those who ride by on their bikes or arrive from Cherry Bend Road will discover an edible food forest in the making. Volunteers are welcome to help plant or maintain a variety of edible fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, herbs, and vegetables.
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DNR Fish Survey
Fish Committee Chair, Pete Taylor reports that the DNR will be conducting a netting survey on North Lake Leelanau, starting Monday, May 9 and extending through Thursday, May 12th. If you see someone netting fish on the lake, please know that this operation is “kosher” and do not worry. Fish will be caught, measured, weighed, and released.
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Demonstrating Sustainable Forestry – Palmer Woods Forest Reserve
I encourage everyone to visit a truly wonderful site (which I just discovered) called Nature Change, Conversations about Conservation and Climate, which is “a new multimedia magazine developed by the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) as a cooperative venture for regional nonprofit organizations involved in protecting and managing the lands and waters of Northwest Lower Michigan.”
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Healthy Forests: Caring for our Trees Workshop
News Release
Contact Person: Kama Ross, District Forester
Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse Conservation Districts
231-256-9783, kama.ross@macd.org
Release Date: Immediate until March 10, 2016
Healthy Forests: Caring for our Trees Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2016
Time: 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Boardman Nature Center, Grand Traverse Conservation District, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Fee: $10/person, pre-registration required by the March 10th (no walk-ins please)
Registration: Leelanau Conservation District, 231-256-9783, with a credit card or mail in a check made out to Leelanau CD, 8527 E.
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