Les Cheneaux Watershed Council

10/09/2026

Unfortunate news as invasive red swamp crayfish have been found in a new Michigan county.

Cass County is the latest location to have a confirmed presence of this invasive species. A Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) group, which assists with invasive species management, discovered two dead crayfish while conducting a snorkel survey of a private pond near Niles, Michigan.

This species of crayfish is native to the southern United States but is harmful to Michigan's waters for several reasons:
❎ Causes big impacts on aquatic vegetation, reducing water clarity.

❎ Contributes to shoreline erosion through deep burrows.

❎ Outcompetes native crayfish species that are a major part of our aquatic food chain.

While they are not terribly active this time of year, we hope people continue to report sightings of this invasive crayfish. We know people like to eat them, but please remember it is unlawful to possess live red swamp crayfish in Michigan. They often spread by being used as live bait, escaping as aquatic pets, or being brought into the state live for boiling and eating.

Details on where these invasive crayfish have been found and how to report sightings can be found in the comments.

10/09/2026

Given the increased popularity of the Narnia Trail (AKA Bush Bay Trail / John Arthur Woollam Preserve) in Clark Township, The Nature Conservancy in Michigan The Nature Conservancy has identified plans to manage visitation and protect ecosystems.

Next Tuesday 10/13 is the LAST opportunity to attend a Community Conversation! Consider attending to learn more about project progress, ask questions, share concerns and provide your input!

📍 Clark Township Community Center
🕙 6:00 - 7:30pm

10/05/2026

Amid a shortage of marine workers, this trade institute is supporting the next generation of workers.

10/02/2026

Noticing new birds at your feeder? The sound of sandhill cranes overhead? A few more hawks than usual along your daily commute? It’s bird migration season!
Join us October 10 to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (www.migratorybirdday.org/).
CFRE and Seney National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) are connecting Michigan's UP to join New Haven Bird Club’s “the Big Sit!” bird count event.
Bring a camp chair or a blanket to 100 Salmon Run Way and join our sit-circle any time from 10AM – 2PM to help identify as many birds as possible from our section of St. Marys River shoreline. No prior knowledge needed; local birding experts will be on-hand to help.
Indoors, we’ll have two 15-minute informational bird migration talks at 11 AM and 1 PM, bird identification activities, and an opportunity to measure your “wingspan” against some of our larger migratory birds.
Can’t make it to SNWR or CFRE? Visit www.thebigsit.org/ to learn how to join the count wherever you are.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Environment for the Americas

10/02/2026

10/02/2026