Kate Grzesiak is the Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network.
 
Funded by a federal grant, the local Invasive Species Network covers Leelanau, Benzie, Grand Traverse and Manistee Counties. Its work is based on the premise that habitat matters--a proposition that is certainly true where tourism is an important part of the economy, as it is in northwest Michigan.
 
Invasive species are--
  • Non-native
  • Have few natural predators
  • Are massive seed producers
  • And are harmful to the environment or the economy.
Kate described the top four invasive species in our area:
  1. Japanese knotweed
  2. ​Phragmites
  3. ​Oriental bittersweet
  4. Garlic mustard
The Initiative's big push is for community education. Kate urges us to "Plan Before You Plant," considering native alternatives that do not harm the environment.  Members of the public should report invasive species they spot, stop the spread, spread the word and volunteer. (Click on picture for a larger view.)