BCK CISMA

10/07/2026

Volunteer with MI DNR in our area!
Barry County: Yankee Springs Recreation Area: Woody Shrubs Workday
Oct 24, 2026 10AM - 12PM

08/26/2026

❗️One is Calhoun County

The disease was detected through state surveillance programs, prompting investigations to prevent further spread among cervid populations.

08/26/2026

08/03/2026

MI DNR Press Release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/422abd2

Mile-a-minute w**d (MAMW) has recently been detected in Jackson County, thanks to a landowner report through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN). Historically this species has only been confirmed in Calhoun County, Michigan; first detected in 2020.

The most commonly reported species thought to be MAMW is actually bindw**d. So we would like to highlight key identifiers between the two:

07/10/2026

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

We plan to bring go beyond beauty to our service area - watch this webinar to learn more!

Join us on Tuesday June 23rd to learn about the Go Beyond Beauty (GBB) program.

This ornamental invasive plant awareness program is expanding to new areas. Presenter Shelly Stucsick will share how GBB uses positivity-led messaging to bridge the gap between traditional horticulture, gardening professionals and backyard conservation.

06/09/2026

Upcoming workshop at the Kellogg Experimental Forest on June 24th

Learn to identify and manage invasive plants at a free June 24 workshop in southwest Michigan with hands-on training and expert guidance.

06/04/2026

📣We are on track to release 4,000 mile-a-minute weevils in Calhoun County -- this weevil reproduces exclusively on mile-a-minute w**d and has been utilized on the east coast for over 20 years! Adding this to our management strategy will save time, and reduce herbicide use.

For more read:

New biological control will target invasive mile-a-minute w**d in Michigan Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/04/2026 08:25 AM EDT Share or view as webpage | Update preferences News Release June 4, 2026 Contact: Sara Rahn (BCK CISMA), 269-908-4136 or Katie Grzesiak (DN...

06/03/2026

Come across an extra large hornet?! This is most likely the european hornet!
These are still non-native, but smaller and less damaging than the northern giant hornet, sometimes referred to as murder hornet. Just look for the "paint drips" on the abdomen (butt), if you get close enough.

That population of murder hornets in the State of Washington has been classified as eradicated (see comments for more on that).

European hornets can still be aggressive so reach out to local pest control if you think you have a nest.