North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area

06/19/2026

Great weather for boat training...not! North Country CISMA staff headed north this week, to collaborate with staff from Northwest ISN on European frog-bit early detection surveys, as part of a regional effort to find frog-bit populations in the early stages of infestation: when management and education is still feasible.

06/16/2026

Trees look quiet on the outside... but what happens when we take a closer look? Check out this incredible native bark beetle activity under the bark of a tree in our CISMA! If you peel back the surface, you can see the intricate tunnels (called galleries) and the small depressions where eggs were deposited. It is a perfect, striking reminder that a tree can look completely normal on the outside while a whole world of insect activity is happening right beneath the bark.
Why This Matters for Invasive Species: while our native beetles are a natural part of the Michigan ecosystem, invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorned Beetle do the exact same thing—but with catastrophic results.
Moving just one bundle of firewood to your favorite Northern Michigan campground can accidentally launch a new infestation, so Buy It Where You Burn It to protect our beautiful Michigan state parks and forests.

06/10/2026

North Country CISMA field staff have been out mapping invasive European frog-bit and came across a couple of map turtles along the way… looks like everyone wanted to help with the mapping today. 🐢🗺️

06/09/2026

The free educational presentation on effective management for Japanese Knotweed, Invasive Bittersweet, and Tree of Heaven will begin tomorrow night at 6pm at Ludington City Hall. Bring your questions about invasive species management and join us!

Japanese Knotweed. Tree of Heaven. Invasive Bittersweet.

You may have seen them around town — but do you know the damage they can cause?

Join us for an engaging community workshop and neighborhood walk focused on identifying and managing invasive species in Ludington. Learn practical tips, available funding opportunities for these three problematic species, and how small actions can make a big impact on local ecosystems.

Details in the flyer below ⬇️

05/29/2026

We truly appreciate our community’s enthusiasm for keeping public spaces beautiful and cared for. Many people see weeds and naturally want to help tidy garden beds — and we love that people care.

However, we’d like to gently encourage everyone to avoid weeding or removing plants from public beds that are managed by city staff, volunteers, or restoration groups unless you’ve been specifically asked to help.

NCCISMA, our partners, and gracious volunteers spend a lot of time planting native species and removing actual invasive plants, so we'd hate to see beneficial plants accidentally pulled from pollinator beds because they were mistaken for weeds. While some native species can look “wild” or weedy, they are intentionally planted to support monarch butterflies, bees, and other important pollinators.

Before removing any plant, we encourage everyone to:
✅ Learn to identify invasive species
✅ Become familiar with common native plants
✅ Reach out to the appropriate city department or management group if you’d like to volunteer or help maintain an area

Education and community involvement make a huge difference, and we appreciate everyone who wants to help keep our shared spaces healthy and thriving. 🌼

05/28/2026

The NCCISMA ORV Trailhead Blitz is coming up for the 5th year in a row and we are excited to welcome all riders to stop by if you see our booths in Lake County on June 11, 12, and 13! We'll have free ORV bumper stickers, koozies, & more, and conversation is always welcome. If you are a partner organization interested in meeting this highly stewardship focused audience, please contact Michael, the NCCISMA public outreach specialist, at [email protected].

05/28/2026

Japanese Knotweed. Tree of Heaven. Invasive Bittersweet.

You may have seen them around town — but do you know the damage they can cause?

Join us for an engaging community workshop and neighborhood walk focused on identifying and managing invasive species in Ludington. Learn practical tips, available funding opportunities for these three problematic species, and how small actions can make a big impact on local ecosystems.

Details in the flyer below ⬇️

05/22/2026

NCCISMA had a blast at Cartier Park today: educating science students from Ludington High School about invasive species like tree of heaven, invasive bittersweet, hemlock wooly adelgid, and garlic mustard, as well as taking a break to observe native wildlife like the snake pictured. We appreciate the collaboration of partners that led the walk: thank you to Julia Place from the Mason-Lake Conservation District, Ludington City Council member Kathy Winczewski, and LHS Biology and AP Environmental Teacher Mr. Stowe for your passion and commitment to conservation!

05/21/2026

Calling all curious kids and teens ages 8+! 🌿💧

Join us this summer for a hands-on environmental science experience at the Card/Riley Center at Ferris State University. Participants will explore Michigan’s rivers, lakes, wildlife, and water systems through interactive activities led by real conservation and natural resource professionals.

This small-group 4-H program gives youth the chance to:
• investigate water and wildlife science
• participate in hands-on activities
• meet environmental professionals
• explore conservation careers
• connect with other outdoor-minded youth

Only 20 spots are available, and registration has been extended!

Whether your child already loves the outdoors or is just starting to explore environmental science, this program is designed to be fun, engaging, and welcoming for a wide range of ages and experience levels.

We have extended the deadline! great summer program to learn about local conservation!