Gravel Lake Association

07/27/2026

07/27/2026

We’re working on the final 2026 MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz results, and one interesting thing stood out this year: common self-heal was one of the most commonly observed plants in the project!

Common self-heal can grow near shorelines, wetlands, ditches, lawns, and other damp places, so it makes sense that people spotted it while looking around the water. It is not an aquatic invasive species, but its purple blooms and stacked-looking flower heads may have made some people stop and take a second look while watching for purple loosestrife.

Common self-heal is a small native plant in the mint family, sometimes called heal-all. It stays low to the ground, has compact flower heads, and is visited by bees and other small pollinators. Purple loosestrife, on the other hand, is much taller and showier, with purple flowers arranged along long upright spikes.

Final Blitz results are coming soon!

*correction - it was the 3rd most uploaded plant, not 2nd :)

06/30/2026

Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining and drying boats, trailers and gear between uses. Look for landing blitz sites between June 28 and July 4.

06/18/2026

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Warm weather can increase the risk of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Some blooms may contain toxins that can be harmful to people and pets. HABs often appear as green, blue-green, yellow, or brown scum, streaks, or foam on the water's surface.

Before swimming, boating, or letting pets enter the water, check beach advisories and conditions:
https://mienviro.michigan.gov/nsite/beach/map/

When in doubt, stay out.

06/18/2026

Seawalls and hardened shorelines are quietly damaging Michigan’s inland lakes.
They wipe out fish and wildlife habitat, increase runoff, and degrade water quality.

There’s a better way.

If you own lakefront property, you can protect your shoreline and improve your lake’s health with natural solutions like native plants, buffer zones, and woody habitat structures ("fish sticks").

These approaches reduce erosion, restore habitat, and help keep shorelines stable and resilient.

Explore resources to help you get started: michigan.gov/ShorelineProtection

Get inspired by real shoreline projects across Michigan in our interactive story map: https://tinyurl.com/4xv25evw

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