Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area - CISMA

04/11/2026

It's here! The start of plant season has arrived, and as you your garden selections, consider including native species in your garden.

Native plants thrive naturally with minimal care and invite vibrant butterflies and pollinators to visit. Explore this list of native plant sales in southeast Michigan to find wonderful native plants that will bring life and beauty to your garden. 🌱

04/08/2026

We’re launching another round of Spotted Lantern Fly Trap applications for fruit growers, plant nurseries and local governments. 🪰

When you apply you will also receive a step-by-step instructional video and essential information to help you identify and stop these invasive species.

But act fast because supplies are limited, and it’s one trap per applicant. Don’t miss your chance to help protect our local ecosystems! If you are unable to receive a trap, but come across a spotted lantern fly, always remember to “See it. Squish it. Report it”, for any spotted lantern flies you find.

For reporting you can use Eyes in the Field, or follow this link here: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home

Ready to trap? Apply here: https://bit.ly/3Qt4B0o

03/09/2026

Spring is just around the corner, bringing warmer days and new growth. As snow melts and plants begin to emerge, it’s important to watch closely because some of these newcomers may be invasive species that threaten our local ecosystems.

Two common invasive plants to look out for are garlic mustard and dame’s rocket. Garlic mustard is a fast-spreading species with garlic-scented leaves and small white flowers that outcompetes native plants and tree seedlings by releasing growth-inhibiting compounds.

Dame’s rocket blooms from mid-May to July with clusters of lavender, pink, or white four-petaled flowers and can produce up to 20,000 seeds, spreading quickly and pushing out native species.

The best way to control these plants is by hand-pulling (just make sure to remove the entire root and stem). Place pulled plants in a labeled black garbage bag for proper disposal.

This spring, consider spending time outdoors alone or with a group to help protect and restore our understory ecosystems by removing invasive species.

Check out Oakland County CISMA for more information: https://oaklandinvasivespecies.org/

11/04/2025

Since we’re halfway through fall, let’s spotlight an invasive species that shares the season in its name — the autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata).

Originally native to eastern Asia, this shrub was introduced to the U.S. in the 1830s to provide wildlife cover and food. In Michigan, it was also widely planted for erosion control for a time. However, it quickly revealed its invasive side.

The leaves of autumn olive shrubs come out earlier than most native plants and they can hold their leaves well into late fall, producing bright red berries through October. Birds and other wildlife eat these berries and spread the seeds, allowing the shrub to quickly take over native habitats.

Its dense foliage shades out smaller native plants, especially in prairies and open areas where sunlight is crucial. Beneath the surface, its roots have nitrogen-fixing bacteria that take nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil, disrupting habitats that rely on a natural low-nutrient condition and encouraging the growth of other invasive weeds.

Right now is the best time to chemically treat autumn olive (midsummer- fall), but remember to abide by chemical safety and read and follow the product label -- it's law! If you happen to see one show its silvery under leaves in the spring, it may still be possible to remove the plant by pulling it out physically or mechanically. Otherwise, wait until mid-year to chemically treat it.

For more information about autumn olive management check out our website and our resource page for chemical treatment guidance ➡️ https://bit.ly/4oJKze2

09/02/2025

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Fuerst Park in City of Novi - Government & Community Services for a morning dedicated to plants and pollinators!

Oakland County Parks and OCCISMA are partnering with the City of Novi to host our Annual Fall Native Plant Giveaway, offering a variety of sun-loving, shade-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and moisture-loving native plants — all for FREE. No registration required.

At the same time, the City of Novi will be hosting a Perennial Exchange! Bring in overgrown perennials such as milkweed, black-eyed Susans, asters, grasses, and wildflowers to swap with fellow gardeners, and take-home new additions for your garden. Registration is required for the exchange — sign up here: https://bit.ly/3VvCHAc

The event takes place 9-11 a.m. at Fuerst Park, located at 45325 10 Mile Rd. in Novi. Guests should go to the white Township Hall within the park. You can learn more at the event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfeobV1EU/

08/29/2025

Oakland County Parks and Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area - CISMA are excited to welcome you to the third webinar of our 2025 Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Webinar Series noon-1 p.m. Wed., Sept. 10. 🌱

Legal expert Gerald Fisher will take a deep dive into how wetlands and woodlands are regulated at the federal, state, and local levels. Using case studies and real-world examples, he’ll explore the challenges and opportunities communities face in balancing growth with environmental protection.

This webinar is ideal for municipal officials, planners, developers and residents interested in understanding the legal framework behind natural resource conservation.

Meeting link provided upon registration. Register today to reserve your spot: https://tinyurl.com/woodland-regulations

08/15/2025

Thanks to all the volunteers that came out and contributed to great work at Booth Park last week! Native plants were planted after OCP staff worked with Birmingham staff to remove invasives and start restoration efforts earlier this year as part of OCP's Community Habitat Improvement Projects. bit.ly/chipswebpage

07/26/2025

We can’t wait to join Birmingham Aug. 6. Join us!

The City of Birmingham Department of Public Services (DPS) is recruiting volunteers to plant native perennial seedlings in Booth Park on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., part of a project to reclaim the park’s natural areas from invasive plant species.

People of all ages are invited to join staff from both DPS and the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (OC CISMA) to install young native perennials, such as purple coneflower, during the native perennial public planting event. These plants will help prevent the regrowth of invasive non-native species in the natural area between the Rouge River and the limestone gravel walking path on the east side of Booth Park.

Register online at bhamgov.org/donate. Work gloves and hand shovels will be provided for registered volunteers.