Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program

04/15/2024

Check out our latest column in the Benzie Record Patriot!

Columnists: When we lead by example, we set the stage for how we expect people, be they residents or visitors, to act and treat our environment in Benzie County

02/16/2024

Planning on participating in Michigan Department of Natural Resources free fishing weekend February 17 & 18? Remember protecting Michigan fish from the impact of invasive species starts with you!! This winter remember to:

💧Thoroughly inspect and clean all fishing equipment, line, hooks, nets, scoops and augers after each use.

💧Drain all water from equipment and containers containing fish prior to leaving the ice.

💧If you are using live bait, buy it locally from a licensed bait dealer (in Michigan) and dispose of any unused bait properly.

💧Pack out your waste from the ice and dispose of it in appropriate waste containers.

💧Dry all your equipment for 5 or more days or disinfect it with an appropriate disinfection solution.

For more information visit:
www.canr.msu.edu/news/aquatic_invasive_species_thrives_in_winter

12/07/2023

12/04/2023

Attention animal lovers: a live raptor presentation is coming to Benzie County! All are invited to learn about these birds and how you can help support them. We’re thrilled to be partnering with for this unique event on December 18 at 6:00pm in the Mills Community House.

11/30/2023

Curious about what’s being done for the local environment? At our free annual meeting on 12/7/23, learn about our 2023 impact of preserving and enhancing Benzie County’s natural resources. We’re also excited to feature guest speaker Sam Wolfe, who will share updates from Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund, a new wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit!

Who: all are invited!
When: December 7, 2023, starting at 6pm
Where: Mills Community House
Light refreshments provided

Please RSVP by emailing [email protected]

11/15/2023

We had so much fun creating art and appreciating our native fish species 🐟🐟

10/28/2023

In two weeks, join our FREE crafting sessions to make your own beautiful fish print using model replicas! Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese art form that can record fish species, size, and anatomy.

🎨Date: 11/11/23
🎨Location: Mills Community House, lower level
🎨Session 1: 2pm to 3pm
🎨Session 2: 3pm to 4pm
🎨Registration is helpful but not required; RSVP on our Facebook event or email [email protected]

Thank you to Mills Community House for hosting our event through the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street Exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation.

10/26/2023

Calling all lake associations, watershed groups, local or tribal units of government, and non-profits! Organizations dedicated to the protection of our waterways can now apply for the 2024 Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant program! This program is focused on protecting Michigan’s waters from aquatic invasive species and conducting outreach and education to boaters. This year, up to $35,000 is available to engage the Michigan boating community in invasive species prevention actions.

Grants can be used for a variety of activities including signage, invasive species removal supplies such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels, and running educational booths and presentations with handouts and brochures. Funding requests can range up to $3,000 and do not require local match or cost sharing. This is a competitive funding opportunity and complete applications will be ranked based on group eligibility, project significance, anticipated outcomes, and target audiences . Applications are due January 19th, 2024.

Further information can be found here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/apply-today-for-a-michigan-clean-boats-clean-waters-grant

10/09/2023

We need your help next Saturday at our biannual Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program! Help determine the health of three local waterways with our Conservation Specialist by collecting samples of macroinvertebrates. VSMP requires no experience and includes free lunch.

When: 9:00am to 2:00pm on October 14, 2023

Where: We’ll meet at the Benzie Conservation District office (280 S. Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617) before breaking into teams and heading to the Betsie, Platte, and Herring Creeks.

Register: sign up today by emailing [email protected] or calling 231-882-4391. If you need to borrow waders, please let us know what size.

10/03/2023

Keep an eye out for this aquatic invader!

10/02/2023

It’s almost planting time! 🌲🌲🌲 If you ordered seedlings from us, don’t forget to stop by our office this Friday from 9:00 to 4:00 for product pickup. For any questions or concerns, please call us at 231-882-4391.

09/29/2023

Help study the health of local aquatic ecosystems with our Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program on Saturday, October 14th from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Teams of volunteer community scientists will collect macroinvertebrates from sites along three Benzie County waterways at this biannual study. No experience needed, and lunch is provided! Contact [email protected] to register.