Cultivating Community Conservation Champions: The Impact of the MSUE Conservation Stewards Program in Newaygo County

The Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) conducted a conservation stewardship class for Newaygo area residents this fall. Hoping to enroll a handful to a dozen participants, the organizers were surprised to get over 30 students from Newago and neighboring counties. The students have various backgrounds, but all are passionate about the environment. The class curriculum included modules on lakes, rivers, wetlands, prairies, and forest ecosystems. Each one was tailored to focus on the ecosystems as they exist in Newaygo County. Most class sessions included visits to local preserves and parks, allowing the students to see each ecosystem in person. Students learned how to monitor and assess the health of ecosystems as well as techniques to mitigate and repair damaged ecosystems. To receive a certificate of completion for the class, students must conceive and complete a capstone project. These creative projects focus on environment and sustainability education, native plant installations, and ecosystem restoration. For all who participated, it is clear that our county values and appreciates the incredible natural resources that exist here. For those who worry about the health and security of our natural world, breathe a little easier. The Conservation Stewards are here!

Exploring the Mysteries and Importance of Sphagnum Moss Bogs of Newaygo County

One of my favorite childhood memories is going on the Wetland Trail at Camp Newaygo. The trail is a walk through a sphagnum moss bog and, as far as I was concerned, a bottomless lake covered by land and large skeleton trees. It was absolutely terrifying. Once, my dad, taking a family picture, backed up too far and fell in! He did not get sucked under by the souls of trees and ancient monsters of the deep but did get quite wet! During the pandemic, I was sure to bring my children to the wetland trail, experiencing my own slip and slide and “near death” experience for them. Since the recent fire decimated the wooden trail, I have been spurred on to learn more about the sphagnum moss bog that the Wetland Trail tours and its place in our ecosystem.

Harvesting Hope: Native Prairie Seed Collecting!

The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) is teaming up with Wild Ones Newaygo Region to host an exciting Native Prairie Seed Collecting event that promises to be both educational and rewarding. This event, scheduled for November 15, 2024, aims to promote the conservation and proliferation of native plant species in our community.

Collecting native plant seeds is a fantastic way to enhance your yard and garden’s biodiversity while supporting the local ecosystem. By planting native species, you can create habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance additions to any landscape.

Dauber Workshop a Great Success!

An enthusiastic group of 29 community members learned about the safe and effective use of an herbicide dauber in helping to eradicate and control woody invasive species. At least 17 of them then built their own dauber with kits provided by Val Deur and Cronk Ace Hardware of Newaygo.

The Hidden Life of Dead Leaves

Have you ever wondered why some trees hold onto their dead leaves all winter long? As I go on walks this time of year, I find my eyes drawn to the oaks and beeches, proudly displaying their crispy leaves while all the other branches sit bare. This curious behavior is known as marcescence. For oaks and beeches, this refusal to shed leaves isn’t just for show or due to happenstance. Instead, it’s a complex survival strategy and a good reminder of one of nature’s great truths: the dead bits are just as important as the living bits.