Three Shores Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area

10/13/2026

October is Firewood Month!

The purpose of Firewood Month is to spread the word about the dangers of moving firewood. Moving firewood long distances can spread invasive pests hidden in or on the wood, which in turn can be responsible for killing local trees and forests.

Instead of moving firewood, buy firewood where you burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood, or gather firewood on site when permitted.

Please do your part to slow the spread of forest pests!

10/08/2026

Let's all give Phragmites a big HAND! 👏

Phragmites usually grows in very large dense stands. Occasionally we only find a few individual stalks. When this happens, it's time to break out the Glove of Death (TM). We apply herbicide to a cotton glove (or in this case, a sock), and swipe the individual stalks. This method prevents overspraying and cuts the amount of herbicide that gets into the water or other plants to virtually nil.

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

We're in Duck Bay on Marquette Island, a common place to find invasive European frogbit- let's chat about it! 🐸

09/30/2026

🌾Our techs are in the midst of private property treatment for invasive phragmites! 🌾

We treat phragmites primarily by spraying herbicide, which tends to be the most effective method of management. Herbicide, cutting, tarping and prescribed fire are all important parts of a management regimen to keep invasive phrag under control. 🚿✂️🔥

Our treatment is done in the late summer to early fall because spraying while the plant is still actively growing helps ensure the herbicide is absorbed down to the roots.

Please note, we are not currently accepting new private properties for our treatment list. Private property treatment is funding-dependent and accessibility may vary from year to year.

09/28/2026

We came across some invasive phragmites during our boat survey- let's chat about it!

09/25/2026

September is National Mushroom Month!

To celebrate, let’s chat about an invasive mushroom found in Michigan forests: golden or yellow oyster mushrooms.

These mushrooms are native to East Asia but were brought to North America for culinary purposes, allowing individuals to grow them at home. Unfortunately, they have since escaped into the wild and are now disrupting native ecosystems.

If you spot any golden oyster mushrooms, report your observation on iNaturalist.org.

This a great reminder to never release pets, plants, or other species into the wild as you may be introducing or spreading invasive species.

09/23/2026

Beginning January 1st, 2027, it will no longer be permissible for anyone to bring untreated firewood into Michigan.

This quarantine does not apply to heat-treated, MDARD-certified firewood.

The purpose of this quarantine is to protect Michigan’s agriculture, forests, and natural resources from invasive insects and plant diseases.

For more information about the quarantine, visiting MI.gov/DontMoveFirewood.

09/18/2026

Let's see how many invasive species we can find on our walk around the Soo!

09/17/2026

Our crew members pulling spotted knapweed.

Knapweed is most commonly found in areas with poor soil or sand. It contributes to soil erosion and reproduces rapidly, outcompeting native plants and creating dense monocultures. This poses a threat to pastures and prairie and dune ecosystems. Spotted knapweed can typically be controlled by hand pulling.