Gravel Lake Association

04/21/2026

Manage oak wilt risk!

We are now in the HIGH RISK period for oak wilt! That means you should wait until at least July 16th to prune your oak trees, but November 1st would be even better.

Oak wilt is an invasive fungal disease that kills red oaks. White oaks are more resistant to the disease. Oak wilt can be spread via connected root systems between trees, as well as by sap-feeding beetles that are attracted to pruned or injured trees. Moving firewood can spread oak wilt, so this is a good reminder of why we shouldn't move firewood long distances.

Learn more about oak wilt at www.michiganoakwilt.org

Oak wilt risk meter graphic from Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition

04/20/2026

Right now, Michigan’s lakes and wetlands feel a bit like airports. Some waterfowl are arriving, some are departing, and others never left at all 🙂 It’s a short-lived seasonal mix, and you might spot birds from all three groups in one place, sometimes even on the same day! Michigan sits along major migration routes - here's a great article about birdwatching spots https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/community/birding-in-michigan

04/17/2026

Noticed foam along your lakeshore?

Foam on Michigan lakes and streams is common in the spring.

❄☀ As snow melts, it can carry organic material like leaves, plants, and algae into the water. As these materials break down, wind and waves can churn them into foam that may collect along shorelines.

If you see foam, avoid direct contact to stay safe, as it can trap bacteria or harmful pollutants like PFAS. Learn more: https://go.mi.gov/s4ejm2385

🧐 Not sure what you’re seeing?
Use this guide on common natural water conditions like algae, foam, pollen, and when to report them: https://go.mi.gov/ibrrc2384

Think it might be pollution?
Call your EGLE district office: https://go.mi.gov/s0zuc2383

Report environmental emergencies:
800-292-4706
https://go.mi.gov/ihxjd2382

04/16/2026

Arborvitae is often the go to choice for privacy screens in Michigan, but it does not always perform well in tough spots. That is where native shrubs can offer a better solution. Many are naturally adapted to Michigan’s conditions, making them more reliable in places where arborvitae tends to fall short.

03/13/2026

It's that time of year when spring melt has/could start anytime, sending runoff toward low spots and often straight into inland lakes. Even before shoreline plants turn lush and green again later in spring and summer, their leftover stems, structure, and dense root systems are quietly working hard, buffering waves and filtering nutrients and sediment carried by melting snow. The "Ribbon of Life" isn't only beautiful in summer; it's a year-round protector for Michigan's lakes and wildlife habitats!

Here's a great article Erick wrote on why standing plants through winter pays off for your shoreline each spring: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_do_nothing_option_for_preparing_your_inland_lake_shoreline_for_winter

03/10/2026

Let’s keep our water clean!

🤔 Did you know you shouldn’t flush medication in the toilet or pour down the drain? Once flushed, medication can spread into our groundwater - polluting the water we use to drink and bathe. 💊🌊

📅 Expired and unused medications can quickly overtake medicine cabinets. Stored medications can be a hazard to children in the home and a source of clutter. 👎

👍 Practice safe and confident disposal by visiting a Red Med Box in one of the many locations around the county. These boxes are a partnership between the Van Buren County Michigan Sheriffs Office, Van Buren Intermediate School District, and Van Buren Community Mental Health.

09/25/2025

Did you know it is illegal in Michigan to dispose of leaves and other yard waste into our rivers, lakes, streams, and even the landfill?

Why? 🤔
Not only does this harm our water’s health but it harms fish and other wildlife and encourages algae blooms.

Here are some alternative ways to take care of them:
🍂 Leave the leaves for wildlife - butterflies, fireflies, and other wildlife need them on the ground!
🍂 Mulching and composts - makes great, free fertilizer
🍂 Schedule your yard waste for pickup
🍂 Find a local drop off location by calling your local municipality

For more information, check out this month's latest blog post on our webpage “Tidbits and Announcements” 👉🔗 Click the link on our profile

09/24/2025

In the battle against invasive species, the common muskrat may be an unsung hero. A new study done in the UP by scientists from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Loyola University and the University of Connecticut finds that muskrats are an effective way to control invasive cattails in...

09/17/2025

08/29/2025

Check out our new Smart Gardening for Shorelands tip sheets to learn how you can landscape with water quality in mind.

08/20/2025

PROTECTING INLAND LAKES THROUGH NATURAL SHORELINES:
An Introductory Guide to Bioengineering Techniques is now complete and available for downloading. It is on the MNSP website Library. Hard copies will be available at Shoreline and Shallows Conference! These are also available through EGLE District Offices (Water Resources Division Staff) and eventually DNR Service Centers
https://www.shorelinepartnership.org/uploads/4/6/8/6/46869113/final_intro_to_bioengineerng_guide_2025.pdf