Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area - CISMA

06/08/2026

This past Saturday, SB-CISMA had the pleasure of hosting a station at the Arenac Conservation District's Casting for Conservation event. Our booth focused on aquatic invasive species that impact Michigan’s waterways and the simple steps everyone can take to help prevent their spread.

Participants had the opportunity to view real-life invasive species specimens, ask questions, and take home information on watchlist species. Youth attendees also participated in a hands-on decontamination activity, practicing how to properly clean boats and recreational equipment in our simulated invasive-infested pools. This interactive experience helped demonstrate the importance of cleaning equipment before moving between waterbodies and trailheads to reduce the spread of invasive species.

Thank you to the Arenac Conservation District for organizing another great event and to everyone who stopped by to learn more about protecting Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and forests!

06/08/2026

Exciting News for Invasive Species Reporting!

As CISMA staff and land managers know, one of the biggest challenges in managing invasive species is that we simply can't be everywhere at once. That's why citizen reporting is such a critical part of early detection and rapid response efforts.

The brand-new MISIN Field Observer App is now available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows!

Whether you're hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, you can play an important role in protecting Michigan's natural resources. Every report submitted helps invasive species professionals, land managers, and conservation partners better understand where invasive species are spreading and where management efforts are needed most.

Make sure to download the new MISIN Field Observer App!

06/04/2026

See something weird in your lake or pond? Could it be a harmful algal bloom (HAB)? Our brand-new tip sheet walks you through the process of identifying, reporting, and staying safe during a HAB (with bonus tips for reducing future risks of nuisance blooms).

Find it now on our "HABs 101" resource page! https://buff.ly/nIhwM0l

06/03/2026

Many native terrestrial plants in Canada face increasing pressure from invasive species. Invasive plants grow quickly and outcompete native plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. Over time, they can form dense monocultures that crowd out native wildflowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees.

Reducing the spread of invasive species is an important step in preserving biodiversity. You can help by learning to identify invasive species, choosing native plants for your garden and landscaping, and reporting sightings of invasive species to EDDMapS.org or uploading them to iNaturalist.org.

Learn more about invasive terrestrial plants by visiting our Gardener's Toolkit resource page, or enroll in our Invasive Terrestrial Plants training course. Links below.

https://bit.ly/4t1k1bl
https://bit.ly/4tEwP7b

06/01/2026

Last week, we partnered with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at the Exchange Club Forest in Tuscola County for our annual Japanese barberry pull. We've been working with these students on this project for several years, and it's exciting to see the progress their hard work has made!

Together, the students removed over 20 bags of Japanese barberry from the property. Thanks to years of dedication, only about a 100-foot section of mature barberry remains. With one more year of focused effort, we expect to transition from large-scale removal to simple spot treatments along the trail.

A huge thank you to all of the students who rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on with conservation. Their hard work is creating lasting change and helping protect our natural areas!

05/21/2026

We had a great time partnering with Pheasants Forever during their “Get Ready for Summer” Field Day event for St. Michael’s Middle School students!

I had the opportunity to talk with students about invasive species, how they impact native habitats when introduced, and why managing them is so important for protecting our natural areas. Students then took part in a hands-on autumn olive removal project at the Richfield Conservation Club, where they made a big difference improving wildlife habitat by removing this invasive species.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success and to the students for all their hard work and enthusiasm!

05/04/2026

May the Forest Be With You!

Today we’re celebrating the forests that do so much for us by cleaning our air, protecting our water, and providing habitat for wildlife. These crucial habitats are well worth protecting. Every healthy forest supports incredible biodiversity, and protecting these spaces means protecting the species that call them home.

At Saginaw Bay CISMA, we do our best to protect these forests from invasive species that threaten their health and balance. Whether it’s removing invasive plants, monitoring new threats, or educating our community, every effort helps keep our forests strong.

Together, we can help ensure our forests thrive.

Before you go take a close look at the photo below…
How many different animals can you spot? Drop your number in the comments!

04/28/2026

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of assisting the garden director of the in tackling Tree-of-Heaven removal in the museum garden.

We had an amazing group of volunteers who worked incredibly hard and brought great energy to the day. Not only did we make real progress removing this invasive tree, but volunteers also learned why Tree-of-Heaven is such a problem species and how removing it helps protect native plants.

Efforts like this are an important step toward restoring the garden to its former glory, and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to support that vision. A huge thank-you to everyone who came out and put in the work you all made a huge difference!

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day!!

Having a position in natural resources is incredibly rewarding. While battling invasive species can be challenging, dirty, and tiring work, taking a moment to step back and appreciate the landscapes we have the privilege of working in makes every long day worth it.

From wetlands and shorelines to forests and fields, these places remind us why the work matters. Each treatment, survey, and outreach effort helps protect the natural beauty and biodiversity that make the Saginaw Bay region so special.

Today, we celebrate the landscapes we work to protect and the progress made alongside our partners and community. Thank you to everyone who plays a role in caring for our shared natural resources, every effort makes a difference.

03/27/2026