Huron Valley Chapter
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Special Annoucnements
2025 Field Trips
2025 Lecture Programs
2025 Grand Foray information
2025 Mini Foray Information
Ways to Join the Huron Valley Chapter
HVC Mission
HVC Officers and Contacts
Special Announcements
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity: Help with botanical surveys on UM Lands in Ann Arbor
I am writing on behalf of my students to ask for assistance with conducting botanical surveys on UM lands in Ann Arbor. If you’re willing to assist the students, please contact Camryn Brent (248-979-8024 or brentcam@umich.edu) to schedule a time to help.
As background information, one of the UM SEAS Capstone projects I am supervising is evaluating the ecological integrity of campus natural areas (undeveloped lands) as part of the university's conservation planning effort. The ecological survey the students are conducting includes compiling a plant list for each site. Because they have little formal training in plant identification, we are seeking assistance with the botanical surveys from MBS-HVC members. All of the survey sites are in Ann Arbor. If you’re willing to help, please contact Camryn Brent.
If you would like more information about the project, please reach out to Camryn or me.
Thanks for considering this request,
Mike Kost
Associate Curator, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
Lecturer, School for Environment and Sustainability
University of Michigan
michkost@umich.edu
2025 Field Trips
Saturday, 16 August 2025. 10:00 AM
Wetland Plants at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve – Trip Leader: Travis Wilcox
Wetlands are critical landscape features that help to control and filter stormwater, prevent erosion, store carbon, and of course provide habitat for a multitude of animal and plant species. Join us at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, where we will explore a wetland unit managed by the Washtenaw County Parks, Natural Areas Preservation Program, with Stewardship Technician Travis Wilcox.
Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is over 1,100 acres of protected land nestled between Jackson and Washtenaw Counties and is comprised of a mixture of open grasslands, mixed oak woodlands and low open wetland areas. The open landscape within the park and preserve is critically important habitat for grassland bird species. A large part of the park, over 13%, is high-quality prairie fen (MNFI). We will also see areas of southern-wet meadow, and wet-mesic prairie.
The hike down to the wetland complex is roughly 1/3 mile down a gravel trail, however there are no trails in the wetland and boots are recommended (although there should be little standing water at this time). Parking is at this location (42.12978848245112, -84.13802937346644) off Arnold Road.
Saturday, 13 September, 2025. 10:00am
Aquatic Plants at Cedar Lake (Sylvan Township, MI) - Trip Leader: Amanda Klain
(Limited to 12 watercraft – sign-up link to be released at a later date)
Join us on a kayak and canoe event at Cedar Lake where Amanda Klain, (botanist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory), leads us around the lake and discusses the aquatic vegetation that is has to offer.
“Light will be shed on these wondrous watery beings, and participants will have the opportunity to be up close and personal with the species growing in and around the waters of Cedar Lake. The class will focus on the emergent (emerging out of the water), submergent (underwater) and floating-leaf plants of Cedar Lake, as well as the plants along the lake edge. There will be some discussion on the general characteristics of lake systems and aquatic plants. There is a great diversity of plant species in Cedar Lakes. Some highlights include spike rush (Eleocharis robbinsii), horsetail spike rush (Eleocharis equisetoides), purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea), and many other bladderworts (Utricularia spp.)” — Amanda K.
We have decided to require a non-motorized watercraft and have limited the event to 12 watercrafts to provide the best (and safest) experience possible. Given the nature of the event, everyone is required to have a life jacket and must follow boating safety laws. Lastly, neither Amanda nor anyone at the Michigan Botanical Society, HVC, is responsible for your safety. However, if we all follow the aforementioned rules, there should not be any problems!
Saturday, 11 October, 2025. 10:00am - 12:00 pm
“Through the Seasons” - Fall Woodies at Nan Weston
Trip Leader: Neal Billetdeaux et. all!
The variety of plant communities at Nan Weston Nature Preserve at Sharon Hollow reflects the amazing underlying geological diversity of the area. We will discuss the ecology of the area and fall is the best time of year to view the distinctive vegetative characteristics of woody plants. This trip will focus on trees and shrubs of rich mesic and lowland woods. We may also take a trip off-trail to look for cork elm or rock elm (Ulmus thomasii). Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather. There is a small parking lot and you can also park on the south side of Easudes Road, between the preserve sign and Jacob Road. Please be sure not to block any of the preserve neighbors’ driveways. These coordinates in your browser will take you right there: 42.1861, -84.1105. You can also find directions at the link below:
2025 Lecture Programs
Fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 pm (unless otherwise noted) at
Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium
23 September 2025: Current Invasive Species Concerns in Southern Michigan - Dr. Shikha Singh
Join Dr. Singh for a discussion about some of the current invasive species challenges we face in both aquatic and terrestrial environments in the Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw region. We will learn how to identify a few invasives, how to prevent their spread, and how to report their occurrence.
Shikha Singh is the coordinator for the JLW CISMA (Jackson Lenawee Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area). She has a BSc. in Biology from University of Western Ontario, and her master's and PhD at Michigan State University from the Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife. She has been working on Great Lakes environmental issues for 19+ years in the fields of water conservation and invasion biology. She works to assist residents and partners in identifying invasive species, providing management information, and how to prevent their spread to new areas. She also gives talks on strategies to increase accessibility and participation related to natural resources outreach and education. Outside of work, Shikha also enjoys nature photography, cooking and playing soccer.
28 October: Green Gold: Michigan’s White Pine Lumber Industry, 1840-1910 - Rob Burg
The Lumber Industry was to Michigan in the 19th century that the Automotive Industry was to the state in the 20th century; it was the state’s most well-known industry. The lumber industry brought great wealth to Michigan, double what the California Goldrush earned, provided plentiful employment, and led to the development and the growth of many communities. But all booms end in bust and with the end of logging, there was environmental devastation and economic stagnation. This presentation will cover the boom and bust of the 19th century White Pine Lumber Industry and the effects it has had on Michigan and the Nation.
Bio: Rob Burg is an Environmental Historian, focusing on the lumber industry, and conservation and reforestation of the Great Lakes forests. In his 30+ years as a history professional, Rob worked in museums and historical agencies in Michigan, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. For fifteen years Rob managed the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum,and the Civilian Conservation Museum and Historic Higgins Lake Nursery. Rob has presented programs in Michigan, throughout the United States, and in Canada. He has written numerous articles, and is writing a book on Michigan’s lumber history. Recently Rob has launched a podcast, North Country History with Rob Burg, a podcast on the forest history of the Great Lakes Region. The podcast has just completed its first season and can be found on most of the popular podcast providers. (For the February date, I will be getting ready to launch Season 3).
25 November: Environmental Toxidromes Part III: Bites and Envenomations - Robert Ayotte
What is a Toxidrome? Join Naturalist and retired Emergency Department Physician Assistant, Robert Ayotte, for a primer on potentially toxic exposures common to the Great Lakes Region. This is a 3-part series that focuses on; Part I Allergies and Rashes, Part II: Poisonings, and Part III Bites and Envenomations. Part III focuses on animal poisonings and envenomations with reference to caterpillars, ants, bee and wasp stings, spider and tick bites, scorpion stings, snake and turtle bites, and more. Throughout the series we review real emergency cases and track their management and outcomes.
Environmental Medicine is a very broad field which addresses temperature related conditions and injuries, elevation sickness, chemical toxins, lightning strikes, infectious diseases, as well as allergies/rashes, poisonings, bites, and envenomations. For more information see The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) (aaemonline.org)
Robert Ayotte is a naturalist, and former Emergency Department Physician Assistant with 28 years of experience treating emergency patients in both Traverse City and Chelsea, MI.
The 2025 Petit (Mini) Foray in Traverse City, MI
The Great Lakes Chapter will be hosting the 2025 Fall State Board Meeting and Mini-Foray on September 20th at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s new Conservation Center on 3-Mile Road near East Bay in Traverse City. Expect a Saturday morning board meeting followed by guided hikes at nearby natural areas. There will be opportunities for additional hikes at Sleeping Bear Dunes on Sunday. There are a plethora of hotels and motels on the east side of Traverse City to choose from. If you prefer camping, unfortunately the Traverse City State Park will be closed for construction in September, but you could look into Timber Ridge Resort and Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground. More details to come!
Join the Huron Valley Chapter!
Member Benefits
The HVC Newsletter (Spring/Summer/Fall): We’ll keep you up to date on HVC Lectures, Field Trips, Field Trip Reports, and other happenings.
The HVC Listserv: Event announcements, reminders, and group discussion.
Admission to Lecture Programs: The lectures are held the last Tuesday of the month (January-April & Sept.-November) at the Auditorium of the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 118 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48015. See above for current lecture schedule.
Admission to Field Trips: See above for current schedule. Some field trips have limited attendance.
The Arisaema: This Statewide Newsletter, issued by the MBS State Board will keep you apprised of the activities of all five chapters, officer elections at the state level, and updates on both the Grand and Petit Forays.
Subscription to the Great Lakes Botanist: A Journal of North American Botany (2 issues per year). The GLB is a peer reviewed journal that publishes papers on all aspects of the natural history of plants of North America north of Mexico, including systematics, floristics, ecology, conservation, botanical history, economic botany, ethnobotany, and ecosystem restoration. Plant groups include vascular plants, bryophytes, fungi, and algae. The journal maintains the Great Lakes region as one area of special focus. This region is defined as the entirety of the states and provinces bordering any of the Great Lakes: that is, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and New York. The GLB welcomes students wishing to publish their research!
An Opportunity to Help the Cause: We are looking for talented people willing to volunteer at both the Chapter and State Board levels. If you would like to make a contribution, please send a note to us at michiganbotanicalsociety at gmail.com. Currently, the MBS State Board seeks folks who are interested in working with any of the following: Archives, Treasury, Education & Outreach, Environmental Advocacy, and Webspace Design. Contact us at michiganbotanicalsociety at gmail.com
How to Join?
Join here! < This link will open in a new window.
You can also fill in a membership form and mail it in: Click here to access the membership form.
Or, you may attend a lecture and talk to our membership coordinator, in person!
The Mission of the Huron Valley Chapter of the MBS includes:
The preservation of native floras and their intrinsic native ecosystems.
the education of the public as regards the importance of the preservation of native floras and their intrinsic native ecosystems.
the sponsorship of research and publications on the floras and native ecosystems of the Great Lakes Region.
the sponsorship of legislation, in the State of Michigan, to establish sanctuaries for the preservation of native floras and their intrinsic native ecosystems.
stewardship of local sanctuaries managed for the preservation of native floras and their intrinsic native ecosystems.
cooperation between organizations whose aims are the establishment and stewardship of lands managed for, among other goals, the preservation of native floras and their intrinsic native ecosystems.
HVC Board members and Contacts (2025-2026)
President: Neal Billetdeaux
Vice President (Programs): Robert Ayotte - michiganbotanicalsociety at gmail.com
Secretary: Julie McLaughlin
Treasurer: Deborah LaForge
Directors at Large:
David Malmquist (HVC Newsletter)
Brad Ruhfel (Webspace Manager)
Ken Shaw (Facilities Coordinator)
Field Trip Coordinator: Christian Tibaudo
Nominations Chair: Neal Billetdeaux
Nominations Committee: all members!
Refreshments Chair: Allison Krueger
Immediate Past President: Anton Reznicek