HVC Archives

Fall 2023 Programs

To link to these meetings: click on: meet.google.com/zaj-htvw-wte or for Dial-in: 573-559-1919 PIN: 936 694 210#

Monday 18 September 2023

Michigan’s Forest History: How Logging, Forestry, & the CCC Impacted the Landscape - Hillary Pine

The unchecked logging of the late 1800s led to deforestation, erosion, and horrific wildfires. In response, Michigan established its first state nursery in 1904. In the 1930s, the CCC boys aided these conservation efforts. Join Michigan History Center Historian, Hillary Pine, to learn about Michigan’s forest history and how you can still see evidence of our past on the landscape.

Hillary Pine is from Munising, currently lives in St. Ignace, and is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She has a B.A. in Art History from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in Cultural Heritage & Museum Studies from the University of East Anglia. She is the Northern Lower Peninsula Historian for the DNR and Michigan History Center. Hillary works out of Hartwick Pines State Park and is responsible for the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, the Higgins Lake Nursery, and the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Hillary especially enjoys giving tours and public programs to share Michigan’s diverse history with the public.

16 October 2023

Learn to Love those Latin Names - Ann Willyard

Based on the new book Learn to Love those Latin Names, this talk will explain the value of learning to use the scientific names that are universal across all languages. Importantly, we will focus on how to understand these names, how they are created, how and why they are changed, and how to use them in your writing and list-making. Those who want to publish new species will need to learn much more. This talk is aimed at most enthusiasts and students, who will be empowered by learning a little more about how to use the Latin names.

Ann Willyard taught Botany and Plant Systematics at Hendrix College. She earned a PhD from Oregon State University, a MS from California State University Chico, and a B.A. from University of California Santa Cruz. She has published and collaborated on many botanical research papers and is an Associate Editor of the American Journal of Botany.

20 November 2023

Identifying Recoverable, Fire-Dependent Systems in The Huron Manistee National Forest - Jesse M. Lincoln, MNFI

While we were growing up, many of us were told that Michigan was just an extensive forest and that a squirrel could run from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron without touching the ground. But Michigan was historically home to a myriad of fire-adapted natural communities, and many were open grasslands and featured species more typically found in the prairies of the Great Plains. Our prairie and savanna systems that once covered over 1 million acres in southern Michigan have declined by over 99%. Consequently, many plants and animals that relied on these habitats are also in serious decline. To help expand conservation efforts aimed at recovering these fire-adapted community types, MNFI partnered with the US Forest Service and the Michigan DNR to identify the best remaining examples in the Cadillac District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This talk with cover the methodology for identifying important conservation targets, show some of the surprising highlights, and discuss potential management approaches and prioritization of the identified areas.

Jesse has spent 13 seasons as an ecologist at MNFI. The work takes him all over the state to some of our most unique and intact natural places. It is a perspective not always available to most people and he enjoys sharing images and lessons learned from our wild places.

Field Trips 2023

Saturday Sept 16, 10:00, Great Lakes Gardens at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Mike Kost will introduce us to the fabulous collection of more than 300 Michigan plant species at Matthaei’s Great Lakes Gardens. It’s a good time of year to visit as there will be many species in flower including native asters and goldenrods. Mike is assistant curator at Matthaei, a University of Michigan lecturer, and a former lead ecologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory. He is a co-author of “A Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan,” a publication which many of us naturalist types keep close at hand.

Mike writes: "The Great Lakes Gardens showcase a diverse array of natural communities and their associated native plants. With over 300 plant species, including more than 20 rare species, the gardens play an important role in the ex-situ conservation of numerous uncommon and rare native plants. The gardens also serve as an important place for the public and University community to learn about the natural communities and native plants of the Great Lakes regions and be inspired to care about their protection and stewardship.”

The gardens are located close to Matthaei’s main public facilities, and are freely accessible. Exploring the woodlands and prairies on Matthaie’s grounds afterwards will of course be an option.

Saturday 30 September at Noon, Potluck and Botanical Ramble at Independence Woods Pavilion, Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

https://www.washtenaw.org/facilities/facility/details/Independence-Lake-County-Park-78

Join us at Noon for the Huron Valley Chapter Fall Potluck followed by a Botanical Ramble through the prairie to look at asters, goldenrods, and whatever else we find. Bring a dish, something to drink, utensils, and your loupes. The pathways are upland and easy walking. A park entry fee will be required at the front gate.

Saturday, May 13, 2023: 9:00 to 12:00 Horner Woods Workday and Botanizing. We will be joining the Matthaeii Botanical Gardens natural area preservation staff at the University of Michigan's Horner Woods for a workday. We will probably be doing invasives removal with time for a nature hike. Watch for details to come./ Nancy Lincoln Stoll

Saturday, May 20,2023: 10:00 am: Waterloo-Pinckney Esker Trail between Bush Rd and Waterloo Rd. This is one of my favorite trail sections, with stunning topography along the top of an esker. At one point the trail dips down to a kettle lake surrounded by loads of high-bush blueberry, well worth harvesting for fruit on good years. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) can be found along the lake’s edge. I’ll lead this one, but will welcome any and all to step forward with observations. We can start where the trail crosses Bush Rd. I’m unsure of street-side parking, but the lot at Walsh Lake is nearby. Walsh Lake is just north of McClure Rd and the trail is just beyond that. Easy hiking on level ground except for a fairly steep scramble to the top of the esker at the half-way point. Contact Guerin (734) 904-1484 guerinw@gmail.com

Saturday, May 27, 2023: 10:00 am Scio Woods Preserve in Scio Township, Ann Arbor.Tony Reznicek will lead. We will explore this 91-acre county preserve. The preserve includes both oak-hickory and rich beech-maple forest communities. There will be pawpaw (Asimina triloba) (yay!), bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) and spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in the mesic sites. There is also a wetlands system which includes a buttonbush swamp. In other words, the preserve covers a lot of diversity. Tony chose this late-May weekend so that we will have an opportunity to look at some of the 12 species of Carex known from here. The address is 4000 Scio Church Rd. Contact Guerin (734) 904-1484 guerinw@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 10, 2023: 10:00 am Walden West. Bob Smith will lead a field trip to a spot we have not visited before near Adrian in Lenawee County. Bob is securing access to the site through Adrian College. It has up and down topography and a fen in good condition. Details to come.

Field Trips 2022

10 December 2022 11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Winter Woodies of Nichols Arboretum with Botany Undergraduates Doing Stuff!

Trip Leader: Chad Machinski A December Botany Hike?? Oh yes. Let’s get out there and do some wood plant ID! Woody plants such as trees and shrubs offer up some good ways to identify themselves through the winter even if they are deciduous. Come out to Nichols Arboretum and see what winter ID is all about! Because we will be doing this hike at the Arb, we will have the opportunity to see both typical native woody species and a good number of trees from around the world. And if you’ve taken a woody plants course before, I encourage you to still come to brush up on your skills and share your knowledge with the rest of the group.

Throughout the Arb you’ll find many special places to discover, including extensive but dispersed collections of native and exotic trees and shrubs masterfully crafted into a naturalistic landscape begun by O. C. Simonds in 1907. The Arboretum is jointly owned by the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan as a resource for the entire community. As you explore, you’ll find one of the richest landscapes in the region, as well as a complex glacial topography that presents vast panoramas, broad valleys, and intimate dales and glens (MBGNA).

We will be meeting on the main floor of the Reader Center located at 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI (near the Peony Garden). There will be coffee and donuts, so bring your thermos! Remember it will be December, so please dress for being out in the cold for 1-2 hours, but also remember that you are under no obligation to stay for the entire event. If it is extremely cold, I will cancel the hike and give everyone plenty of notice. Parking is available in the lot across from Markley Dormitory and at metered spots along Observatory Rd. Hope to see you there!

Saturday July 23 we have 10:00 reservations for a tour of the Nature Conservancy’s Kitty Todd Preserve, located near the Toledo International Airport. Kitty Todd is the centerpiece of the celebrated 1300 square mile Oak Openings region. The diversity of the flora and the sheer number of rare plant species are unparalleled in Ohio (and likely in Michigan as well).

As described by TNC, “The 1,300-square-mile Oak Openings Region is a complex of oak savanna and wet prairie that developed on sand and clay deposited by glacial Lake Warren, the ancient predecessor of present-day Lake Erie. The combination of porous sandy soils of the former beach ridges and an impervious clay layer beneath those soils creates an unforgiving environment that fluctuates from flooding in the spring to arid in midsummer.”

Our host and trip leader will be the very enthusiastic Todd Crail. Todd is on the faculty of the University of Toledo and an authority on the ecology and conservation management of the Oak Openings region. He says we can expect to see such beauties as the orange-fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris), colic-root (Aletris farinosa) and other star species. We’ll be walking on level ground, and you can expect that your shoes might get damp. Kitty Todd is at 10420 Old State Line Rd, Swanton OH.

For those of us who want to continue on after lunch (bring your own), we can elect to visit some nearby sand dunes populated by lupine, sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina - rare in Ohio), and even some prickly-pear cactus. Cool beans! Guerin (734) 904-1484

Saturday Aug 13: The Woody Flora of Central Campus. Yep, something different for sure. Granted our Society’s focus is generally on native plants in a natural ecological setting. But on this date our chapter president Neal Billedeaux will lead a walk on campus to check out the collection of woodies. We’ll see historic specimens of familiar Michigan trees, southern species such as yellowwood (Cladrastis) and silverbell (Halesia), and great specimens of many imported ornamentals and shade trees. Shrubs too, of course. Paul Bairley, retired forester with the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, will be contributing to the walk as well (Paul developed a campus tour of trees for visiting alumni, and he and I have measured many of Ann Arbor’s big trees over the years). Easy walking under a shady canopy. Guerin (734) 904-1484

Saturday August 20: Bear Creek wsw of Blissfield in Lenawee County. Bob Smith proposed this field trip for its collection of southern species that migrated into Michigan via the headwaters of the Raisin River in Ohio and into its Bear Creek and Black Creek tributaries. The lovely Ruellia strepens (wild petunia), in the Acanthaceae, is only known in Michigan from two sites in Lenawee County. We hope also to see winged monkey-flower (Mimulus alatus) which is also rare in our state. Other possibilities are beak grass (Diarrhena americana), Lycopus virginicus and a whole lot more. We’ll meet at 10:00. Exact location to be announced later. Guerin (734) 904-1484

Sunday, April 10, 2022: Hunt for Snow trillium (Trillium nivale) Portland State Game Area (ca. 90 miles) Meet at 11:00 at the parking lot at the west end of Towner Rd, within the Portland State Game Area. Towner Rd is four miles south of Portland off Charlotte Highway. If you plan to come, it would be helpful if you let me know. A good 15 or so folks have confirmed, including several from the DNR. Cheers, Guerin (734) 904-1484

Sunday, May 1: 12:15 p.m. Miller Woods, Plymouth AND 1:30 Springhill Nature Preserve. Miller Woods is a fabulous small mature beech-maple woodlot which reflects what used to be the dominant forest cover in the area prior to settlement, agriculture and development. You can still see remnants of this in the backyards of the neighboring residential communities. Entrance and parking is along Powell Road, east of Ridge Road. From there move onto Springhill Nature Preserve. It’s the 29th annual SMLC “Spring Has Sprung” field trip to the Springhill Nature Preserve in Superior Township. We are joining with the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy on this trip, and we will be assisting with plant identification. Springhill is at 3345 Berry Rd. 1:30 pm SMLC gathering for refreshments, 2:00 p.m. field trip.

Saturday, May 7 10:00 a.m.: Nan Weston Preserve (Manchester) with Tony Reznicek leading. This is a rich beech maple forest, with pockets of drier oak-hickory forest, and also swamp forest. It is renowned for extensive displays of wildflowers over long periods. Presently there should be great displays ranging from marsh marigolds in the streams and seeps to trilliums and Dutchman’s breeches in the beech maple woods, along with many other species in smaller numbers. There are also many species of ferns which will be unfurling, plus lesser known species such as dwarf ginseng. If we are lucky, we may even see winter leaves of puttyroot orchids (Aplectrum hyemale). There are also some interesting woody plants, such as four angled ash, along the trail.

Saturday, May 21 10:00 a.m Bog trail at the Gerald E Eddy Discovery Center - Robert Ayotte and Guerin Wilkinson, leading. An easy walk through moist woods, past yellow birches and huge tulip-trees, Trientalis borealis (star-flower), Coptis trifolia (goldthread), mats of Maianthemum canadense — many species more associated with woods further north. The trail ends on a boardwalk over a raised sphagnum mat. There you can find a collection of characteristic ericoids that thrive in wet acid environments, pitcher plant of course, sundew (according to the sign -- we’ll have to look for it), bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata, photographed a couple days ago), and white fluffy clouds on top of an Eriophorum. Robert Ayotte will be with us and between us we’ll get everything right except maybe some unfamiliar sedges. There’s tons to see, and it’s a beautiful time of year for exploring. I recommend this walk. Full disclosure: I should mention that it’s too early for the bog orchids. We can look for a Cypripedium but for obvious reasons there is no walking off the boardwalk onto the mat. Let’s meet at 10:00 at the lower parking lot at the Eddy Center located at 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea. Guerin (734) 904-1484

Sunday June 12 Bird Hills Ramble 10 a.m. with Robert Ayotte and Guerin Wilkinson Let’s explore Bird Hills Nature Area this Sunday. At 146 acres, Bird Hills is the City of Ann Arbor's largest natural area, and it has a varied and rich flora, especially down in the ravine near Huron River Drive. In previous visits I’ve seen plants such as twin-leaf, blue ash and a monster chinquapin oak. Robert Ayotte and I will make a visit tomorrow to prep. If you personally are well familiar with the park, please contact me so I can pick your brain. Park and gather at the entrance on Newport Road just north of M-14 at 10:00. It’s an easy walk on most of the trail, but it gets more challenging with the steeper topography by the ravine. Hope to see you there!

Saturday June 25 Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. with Bob Smith leading . The Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary is a 70-acre preserve maintained by the Michigan Nature Association. It is remarkable for its diversity of landscape ecosystems, intergrading between wet prairie, marsh and prairie fen. We are very lucky to have Bob Smith leading as he is our local expert on the flora of these habitats which, now rare, stretched across Michigan and neighboring states prior to European settlement. Allow me to quote one professional botanist: “Bob Smith put Lenawee County on the map.” I’ve read that we also might see bobolinks. The Goose Creek Preserve is a half mile north of US-12 on Cement City Highway which is west of Clinton and Michigan International Speedway. Carpooling is encouraged, of course. It’s about a 50 minute drive from Ann Arbor.

Winter 2022 Great Lakes Regional Lecture Series

17 January 2022: Ryne Rutherford Lichens and the Conservation of Granite Bedrock Glades

Lichens are incredibly unique conglomerate organisms composed of fungi and a photosynthetic partner (e.g., algae and/or cyanobacteria). Lichens are among our best indicators of changes in habitat over time yet have been way underutilized in ecological research. Over 800 species have been recorded in Michigan and over 100 are found on Granite Bedrock Glades where they occupy a great range of habitats on a single substrate. Intense human use of these rare habitats has depleted many of the most sensitive species, while others remain in pristine ecological condition

Ryne Rutherford is an interdisciplinary community ecologist and co-owner of Biophilia, LLC, an ecological consulting firm. He has extensive experience conducting surveys and monitoring for a broad range of plant, animal, and fungi taxa (reptiles, birds, amphibians, vascular plants and lichens in particular). He is currently pursuing a PhD at Michigan Technological University where he is investigating multiple taxa in rock outcrop communities in the context of past glaciation and refugia for potential source populations in a changing climate.

21 February 2022: Terry Sharik Enrollment Trends in Natural Resources and Environment Degree Programs in the U.S. with an Emphasis on Diversity

Among the 15 major areas of study recognized by the federal government, Natural Resources degree programs are second only to Engineering with respect to the percent of women with bachelor's degrees in the workforce, and at the very bottom with respect to people of color. This situation is driven by the educational pipeline. This presentation explores the reasons why higher-education enrollment in these demographic groups is low and advances strategies that may be implemented to enhance the situation.

Terry Sharik holds a B.S. degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management from West Virginia University and M.F. and Ph.D. degrees in Forest Recreation and Forest Botany, respectively, from the University of Michigan. At Michigan, he was Burt Barnes first PhD student and formulated the Biology of Woody Plants course with Burt and Herb Wagner as its first teaching fellow. Prior to assuming the CFRES deanship in July 2012, he held faculty positions at Oberlin College, Virginia Tech, Michigan Tech, University of Michigan Biological Station, and Utah State University (USU). He officially retired from Michigan Tech in June 2018, but retains the title of Research Professor. Dr. Sharik has contributed significantly to the furtherance of research, teaching, and outreach in the natural resources profession through his leadership at the national and international levels. He is co-founder of the Biennial Conferences on University Education in Natural Resources and the North American Forest Ecology Workshops. He served as the Education Chair for the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP) from 2012-2018, where he co-authored a strategic plan for enhancement in undergraduate education in forestry and related areas of natural resources and continues to analyze enrollment trends in these fields dating back to 1980. He has been active at the international level through the International Symposia on Forestry Education, the International Partnership in Forestry, the International Union of Forestry Research Organizations (IUFRO), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the UN, and the International Journal of Forestry Research (as guest editor of a special issue). He is the author of over a hundred publications in more than thirty journals in the areas of forest ecology and educational reform in natural resources. Upon retirement, Dr. Sharik moved to Dexter in southeast Michigan where he remains active in the scholarship of educational reform in natural resources and volunteers on several ecological restoration projects.

21 March 2022 Nate Martineau Underexplored and Underappreciated: The Habitats and Plants of the Western Upper Peninsula

Inconveniently located for most of us, Michigan's western Upper Peninsula harbors an incredible flora, an enormous and impressively varied landscape, and innumerable discoveries waiting to be made by those who are willing to explore it. Any naturalist who lives there knows this well; however, anyone who doesn't live there probably hasn't heard much about it. This was certainly the case for Nate Martineau before he spent four years going to school in Marquette followed by two years working near Watersmeet. Join him as he presents some of the western UP's most noteworthy regions, the unique plants and habitats that call them home, and some of the exciting botanical discoveries they've offered up in recent years.

Nate Martineau grew up in Lansing, Michigan, and became intensely interested in birds in middle school. His interests in natural history expanded from there, but it was not until part way through college that he realized his true calling was to be a botanist. He has been interested in plants and their interactions with the world around them for 5 years. He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in ecology, then spent the next two field seasons as a lead flora field technician for the National Ecological Observatory Network in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin.

18 April 2022: Peter Quakenbush An introduction to the genus Medinilla (Melastomataceae)

Medinilla is known for its showy flowers and bewildering diversity. Some 400 species of terrestrial shrubs, climbers, and epiphytes are found throughout the wet Paleotropics--from West Africa to American Samoa. Flowers are pollinated by "buzzing" bees. Many vertebrates disperse the soft juicy berries. And various adaptations foster unique ant-plant relationships. Molecular evidence is helping clarify long-standing questions related to the systematics, biogeographic origins, and character evolution of this group.

Peter is a Ph.D. candidate at Western Michigan University under Dr. Todd Barkman. His research centers around the systematics, biogeography, and character evolution of Medinilla. Peter got his start with Medinilla during his MS Botany work at the University of the Philippines, where he studied the systematics and ecology of the species on Mt. Makiling. Before this, Peter worked several years in pest wildlife management, interned at a safari in the Central African Republic, and through-hiked the Appalachian trail. He received a BS in Biology from Calvin College.

MBC HVC Fall 2021 Programs

September 20 Ecological species groups and post-fire forest succession at Mack Lake Julie Sosin The concept of ecological species groups (sets of ground flora species that have similar site tolerances, developed for a specific area) has been widely utilized by ecologists to indicate site conditions and classify forests. This talk will focus on a set of ecological species groups developed for jack pine forests in northern Lower Michigan as indicators of differences in soil fertility and moisture. Using data from permanent research plots sampled at three time points since the stand-replacing Mack Lake Fire of 1980, we will examine how well these groups distinguish sites throughout post-fire forest succession.

Julia is a fellow plant enthusiast who has worked in environmental education, ecological restoration, and research in northern Michigan, Georgia, and Metro Detroit. She earned an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University in 2019.

October 18 What’s in Our Watershed? Kris Olsson and Kate Laramie, Huron River Watershed Council HRWC has been conducting volunteer-led botanical and ecological assessments of privately-owned natural areas throughout the watershed since 2008. Come and hear about what we’ve found and how citizen science can lead to protection of important ecosystems.

Kris Olsson, HRWC Watershed Ecologists, specializes in natural areas assessment, GIS analysis, landscape ecology, and code and ordinance development. Kris earned two Masters of Science (resource ecology, natural resource policy) degrees at the University of Michigan. Kate Laramie is a Watershed Ecology Associate at HRWC where she supports several terrestrial and aquatic monitoring programs and STEM education initiatives. Kate holds a Master of Science from the University of Michigan in Ecosystem Science and Management and aquatic ecology.

November15 An Expedition to the Uttermost Part of the Earth:The Flora and Vegetation of Isla de los Estados, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina” Garrett Crow. Tierra del Fuego is surely the “jumpin’ off place” in this World—the land where Capt. Robert FitzRoy, commander of the Beagle (with 22 yr. old Charles Darwin aboard)maneuvered the treacherous waters of the south Atlantic near Cape Horn to return a young Fuegian native (Jemmy Button)to his native Yaghan tribe in December 1852. This land became the subject of a botanical expedition—to participate in a biological inventory of Isla de los Estados, an islanding forming the southernmost tip of South America. Join Garrett in his lecture reminiscing this fascinating expedition to the Uttermost Part of the Earth.

After earning a BA from Taylor University in 1965, Garrett completed a M.S. and Ph.D. in botany at Michigan State University. He spent his entire career teaching botany 33 years at the University of New Hampshire, Director of the Herbarium, and last 6 years as Department Chair. His main interests are biodiversity and phytogeography in the broad sense and is a specialist on aquatic plants of both temperate and tropics regions. He co-authored (with C. Barre Hellquist) a 2-volume reference manual, Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Northeastern North America (which is now being revised). He has worked in Costa Rica since 1984 on tropical aquatic plants and during a Fulbright Fellowship 1999–2000 at Universidad Nacional and Instituto Nacional Biodiversidad(INBio) taught a course, “Plantas acuáticus tropicales,” and completed a bilingual field guide (with keys, descriptions and color plates) Plantas acuáticas del Parque Nacional Palo Verde y el valle del río Tempisque, Costa Rica (Crow 2002). Additionally he has contributed the taxonomic treatments of numerous aquatic families for the Manual de Plantas de Costa Rica. His field research has allowed him to travel widely both in temperate and neotropical regions—particularly Costa Rica and Bolivia focusing on diversity of aquatic plants.

Having returned to Michigan upon retirement, he stays active botanically as Adjunct Research Botanist at MSU Herbarium and has written up the bladderworts (Utricularia) and butterworts (Pinguicula) for Flora North America North of Mexico(http://floranorthamerica.org/files/Lentibulariaceae%20provisional%20gal.pdf). And as Visiting Scholar in Biology, Calvin University, he is partnering with Dave Warners on a fascinating historical project: A Field-based Retrospective Assessment of Emma J. Cole’s Grand Rapids Flora After 100+ Years of “Progress,” rediscovering Emma Cole’s collecting sites and comparing the flora of her day with that of the Greater Grand Rapids Area today. Garrett is Past-president of the Michigan Botanical Society, having served 2016–2021.

FIELD TRIPS 2021

Please observe COVID Protocols (Social distancing and wearing a mask) while on field trips.

Saturday, 14 August 2021 Northern Shiawassee Basin Preserve 10am–12pm Leader: Mike Losey August is peak wildflower season and participants on this hike will have special access to explore the interior of the preserve on the north side of Long Lake. This moderate intensity hiking route is approximately 1 mile in length and covers the varied glacial topography and wetlands adjacent to Long Lake, so expect to traverse some elevation gains and declines while hiking on potentially uneven terrain in an off-trail area of the preserve.Prepare to get muddy but expect to see some of the most interesting areas of the preserve as a reward! (Hosted by MBC-SEC ).

Meet at the Northern Shiawassee Basin Preserve parking lot (8757 Eaton Rd, Davisburg, MI 48350) and we will caravan into the preserve using a service driveway .1 mile south on Eaton Rd. For more information contact Mike Losey, Natural Resources Manager at 248-846-6508 or mlosey@springfield-twp.us

Saturday, 4 September 2021 Bentley Lake Southern Wet Mesic Prairie 10 am to 1 pm Trip Leaders: Robert Ayotte and Guerin Wilkinson We have not been to this fabulous wetland since 2014. It’s simply one of the most diverse and remarkable sites in our region, with an FQA approaching 50. The site grades between Southern Wet Meadow (S3) and Wet Prairie (S1). We’ll see gentians, marsh bellflower, several asters, tickseed-sunflower, turtlehead, Indian grass, great water dock, prairie dock, and so much more. Mike Penskar encouraged the Botanical Society to consider advocating for stewardship for this site – noting that with the right management this gem [could likely go from “too much!” to the tantalizing possibility of the rare and heralded “much too much!!!]

Conditions: This is about a 2 mile walk through a relatively level, but hummocky wetland. Wear footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. There is sparse shade so bring protection from the sun.

Meet to carpool at 09:45 in the Parking Lot of Zukey Lake Tavern in Pinckney, Michigan, on Rt. 36. Destination Gregory State Wildlife Recreation Area: there is a parking area on the west side of Bentley Lake Rd, at a dog-leg (sharp turn in the road), just south of the Honey Creek crossing.

Sunday, 12 September 2021 Furstenberg Nature Area Walk, 1 pm Trip Leader: Aunita Erskine Long time NAP Steward Aunita Erskine leads a re-visit of Furstenberg Nature Area in Ann Arbor, the jewel of Ann Arbor’s Natural Areas. This will be an easy walk. If Covid kept you away from Furstenberg (or drew you to it!) now is the time to re-discover this fantastic restored oak savannah, floodplain woods, and wet meadow. A huge diversity of native plants is found here. We’ll discuss some of the recent restoration efforts while brushing up on the native grasses and early asters and goldenrods. There may even be some ethnobotany thrown in. It just doesn’t get any better than this! Furstenberg Nature Area in Ann Arbor is on Fuller Road across from Huron High School. Bathroom available. Meet in the parking lot.

Saturday, 18 September 2021 Fall Botany at the Reichert Nature Preserve 10:00 am -12:00pm Trip Leaders: Neal Billetdeaux, Robert Ayotte Legacy Land Conservancy’s Reichert Nature Preserve is a 92-acre parcel north of Portage Lake straddling the Washtenaw/Livingston county line. The variety of plant communities at Reichert reflects the site’s amazing underlying geological diversity. We will discuss the fascinating ecology of the area along with some of the management strategies that are being implemented. In addition, this is the best time of year to view the distinctive vegetative characteristics of woody plants. This trip will focus on trees and shrubs from dry oak-hickory woods to a rich tamarack swamp. It is also a great opportunity to view some of the woodland goldenrods, asters and ferns. This trip will mostly be on trails and boardwalks. From Dexter, take Dexter-Pinckney Road north past Portage Lake to west on Tiplady Road. A gravel drive/parking lot is on the south side of Tiplady Road at the Legacy Land Conservancy sign.

Saturday July 24 2021 10:00 am Sibley Prairie, Brownstown, Julie McLaughlin leading.

Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve. Very little remains of the once extensive lakeplain prairie that is endemic to the Great Lakes region. Our field trip will visit a section of the Sibley Prairie that is owned by the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy. Julie McLaughlin of the SMLC will lead, introduce us to the preserve’s botanical richness, and give us the rundown of steps that her organization is taking to preserve this unique ecosystem, including prescribed burning. The property is home to a very large number of rare, threatened and otherwise notable plant species native to wet-mesic forests, oak openings and prairies. Further details to follow.

Saturday June 26 2021 10:00 am Oak Openings (Ohio), Aunita Erskine leading

The Oak Openings region in Ohio is a treasure trove of unique species. In a relatively small area we will find oak barrens, sand dunes , wet rich woodland swales, and many prairie species. Some of these species are only found in this area of Ohio, and locally or rarely in Michigan. We'll discuss the recent restoration efforts while uncovering new surprises. The field trip will start at 10 am at a location TBA. You are encouraged to carpool. Prepare for some longer walks, but the trails and elevations are easy. Bag lunch recommended as well as tick deterrents. More details after scouting is finalized.

Weekend of June 19-20, 2021: Eastern U.P and Drummond Island

The botanical expedition to the eastern U.P and Drummond Island is happening this coming weekend,. Open to chapter members only. Each participant is responsible for securing his or her own lodging (some folks are camping; others are staying on Drummond Island, or in Cedarville or St. Ignace). If you haven’t already, let me know if you want to join us. - Guerin 734-904-1484

Saturday June 12, 2021: Pickerel Lake 10:00 am Leaders: Guerin Wilkinson and Robert Ayotte

Join us for a botanical ramble on the trail around Pickerel Lake in Dexter Township. Your leaders have prepped for the venture, and there is a lot to see: more woodland plants, essential aquatic species, some lovable and essential species of Carex, some woodies that might be new to you . . . a little bit of everything. If you aren’t familiar yet with Pickerel Lake, it’s a happening thing. Easy access, a small swimming beach, no houses or motorized boats, and sweet trails which circle the lake and/or connect with Silver Lake and Crooked Lake. It’s a place you will come back to. Also, it is adjacent to the very interesting Hankerd Road barrens.

Topography is steep for two short stretches; otherwise it is on fairly level terrain. Meet at the Pickerel Lake parking lot. Pickerel Lake access is via an unpaved road east off Hankerd Road. If you are driving north and you come to the Halfmoon Lake Day Use Center on your left, you’ve gone too far. Hankerd Road runs north off North Territorial.

Saturday 22 May 2021 2:30 p.m. Hankerd Rd Barrens, Dexter Township, Washtenaw County. Led by Kelsey Dillon of the DNR. Sandy lightly-wooded parcel managed by the DNR featuring birds-foot violet, hoary puccoon and other species uncommon to the area. Meet at Half Moon Lake day use center. More details TBA.

Saturday 15 May 2021 10:00 -12:30 Exploration of Horner-McLaughlin Woods Field Trip Leader: Sylvia Taylor Horner-McLauglin woods, a University of Michigan property just northeast of Matthaei Botanical Gardens, has long been recognized for its outstanding spring floral display. Most of the property is classified as mesic and dry-mesic southern forest. Hiking will be easy and on level ground. There is detailed information about the property available at http://mbgna.umich.edu including the results of a plant survey completed by Bev Walters a decade ago. We will also be visiting the adjacent 36 acre Raymond Goodrich Preserve which is part of the Washtenaw County park system.

There is very limited parking available at the preserve so we will gather at Matthaei and shuttle from there. There is a nominal charge for parking at Matthaei. The address is 1800 N Dixboro Rd in Ann Arbor, which is south of Plymouth Rd. Call Guerin at 734-904-1484 if you any issues with parking or access to the property.

Saturday 8 May 2021 10:00 to 12:30-ish - Spring Has Sprung at Draper-Houston Preserve Trip Leader: Tony Reznicek The Draper-Houston Preserve is a County Natural Area preserving a rich river floodplain along the Saline River, just as it exits Washtenaw Co.; including a small wooded ravine down to the river, as well as successional old fields. There are large stands of pawpaw and redbud, areas with nice wildflower understories, and a diverse woody plant flora; so lots to see! The trails are dry and well maintained; and the hiking is fairly level with a few sloping areas. We may carefully go slightly off trail, here and there, to look at specific plants. Park at the County Park lot (GPS 42.0917 N, 83.70144 W), on the S side of Mooreville Rd., just W of Milan.

Saturday, April 24 2021 at 10 am The second field trip of the 2021 season will be on a large parcel of land southeast of the intersection of Ridge Rd. and 5 Mile Rd. (south of the railroad) in Northville Township. Bill Brodovich will lead. We’ll meet in a parking lot on the southern border of the property. To get there take the drive on the east side of Ridge Rd. that is ½ mile south of the junction of 5 Mile and Ridge Rd. (this drive is opposite Linden Rd. and north of Halyard Rd.). Go east 1/3 mile to the northeast corner of the parking lot. The GPS coordinates of the meeting area are 42˚ 23’ 11”, 83֯ 31’ 22.5.” This is the only area of Wayne County not located in the lakeplain. It has rolling hills, fields, large marshes, and woodlands. It will likely be developed soon, so this is a chance to see a unique part of Wayne County before it’s gone. Weather permitting, we’ll make a drone video. There are no rest rooms, but it’s easy to find privacy. Walking will not be hard, but there are no trails. Questions? Contact Bill Brodovich at <brodovich@att.net >

Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10 am. The Huron Valley Chapter will hold its first field trip of the 2021 season at Dexter-Huron Metropark. The park is located at 6535 Huron River Drive, about 7.5 miles northwest of Ann Arbor. Bill Brodovich will lead the trip. The walking will be easy and rest room facilities are available. If you don’t have an annual pass, there is an entry fee. Even though we’ll be outdoors, and you may already be vaccinated, please wear a mask so everyone can feel safe. Meet at East parking lot by the new bridge. Questions ? Contact Bill Brodovich at <brodovich@att.net >

WINTER PROGRAMS 2021

January 18, 2021: Back to the Roots: the mysterious below-ground parts of forests Monique Weemstra

This presentation is about the mysterious below-ground parts of forests: roots and mycorrhizal fungi. Together, they are noted for their mutualistic exchange of water and nutrients; but they're also the most poorly understood of forest soil components. Monique will start with a basic overview of tree roots and mycorrhiza: focusing on how roots are sampled and measured. She will also explain the key conceptual framework traditionally used to explain how root traits vary between species and how this variation is thought to effect tree growth in different environments. Next, she will share her own work – which refutes this more traditional framework – and proposes a new approach to understanding roots and their role in tree growth. Finally, Monique will explain a bit more about the current research project in the Big Woods forest plot, at the University of Michigan’s E. S. George Reserve, where her research focuses on how variation in leaf and root properties impact the growth of ten common tree species.

Monique Weemstra is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, University of Michigan. “I'm a plant ecologist with a focus on roots. More specifically, I am trying to find out how and why roots vary between and within species, how this is determined by their (soil) environment, and how this root variation drives tree growth. I am from the Netherlands, where I got my M.Sc and Ph.D degree at Wageningen University, already studying tree roots. After my Ph.D., I did Postdoc work at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where I spent one year studying at grass roots (crops and native prairie species) and how they interact with soil microbes. A second Postdoc in Montpellier, France followed, where I examined how plants of the same (herbaceous and tree) species change their roots along a 1000m elevation gradient in the French Alps and in Mexico. Currently, I'm doing a postdoc with Dr. Natalia Umaña here at the University of Michigan. We investigate how leaf and root functional traits drive tree growth in a local forest (i.e., the Edwin S. George Reserve, Pickney, MI) and across northeastern US forests using census and functional trait data. After this Postdoc, I would love to stay in the US and am looking for a permanent position here

February 15, 2021. The Vascular Flora of the Edwin S. George Reserve, Pinckney, MI Robyn J. Burnham Planned is an illustrated presentation of the updated flora of the University of Michigan’s E.S. George Reserve as compiled by botanists Robyn J. Burnham and Michael Penskar during 2019-20. The George Reserve, located just west of Hell, Michigan, is a 1270 acre area (enclosed by a high deer fence) that has been managed by the U of M since the 1930s. Added to previously known occurrences were more than 100 species; including ferns, orchids, grasses, sedges, and even trees. Robyn will discuss the flora of the reserve in the context of the documented flora of Livingston county.

Robyn J. Burnham is Emerita Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at The University of Michigan, and serves as director of the E.S. George Reserve. She earned a Masters and Ph.D. in botany at the University of Washington; spent her postdoc years at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, and served as botanist at the New Mexico Museum of Science in Albuquerque, NM. She is an expert in tropical vines (lianas) – a passion which evolved from observing the abundance of their leaves in leaf litter in tropical lowland forests of Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. She now spends some of our winter months in tropical Brazil – where she investigates the impact of forest fragmentation on vine abundance and diversity.

March 15, 2021 Big Trees: How to Measure, Track, and Manage Ted Reuschel and Jacqueline Courteau

The Michigan Botanical Society developed and maintains the Michigan Big Tree Register. Big Tree Program Coordinator Ted Reuschel will describe how trees are nominated, measured and certified for entry in the Big Tree Register, and how the Register data is kept up to date. He will explain the factors affecting growth and leading to potential big tree status, and hence where you are most likely to find new champions. Ecologist Jacqueline Courteau will then facilitate a discussion about how Big Trees should be protected and managed, starting with a case study of the champion chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) at Wurster Park. She will present data about seedlings and saplings that have grown-in near this tree after a no-mow zone was instituted, and will consider questions about best management practices: how do we balance the need to minimize competition so that big trees can continue to thrive, while also allowing advanced regeneration to preserve the genetics of these magnificent trees? We hope to engage the audience in a lively discussion about how to balance present protection with future potential.

Ted Reuschel is a graduate of Michigan Technological University, receiving a degree in Forest Management in 1964. He then spent his entire career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in the management of Michigan’s state forests, having worked in field locations in the counties of Keweenaw, Ontonagon, Houghton, Benzie, Leelanau, and Manistee. His final years were spent in administration and state forest oversight in the Lansing headquarters. In retirement, he found opportunity to continue to pursue his love of the outdoors and forests by joining, and finally coordinating the Michigan Big Tree Program. He also enjoys biking, kayaking, hiking, camping, and penning books and articles on his interests and adventures.

Jacqueline Courteau received her Ph.D. in Ecology from University of Michigan, worked for Michigan Natural Features Inventory briefly, and now runs her own natural resources consulting business (NatureWrite LLC). She has done ecological research, assessment, and monitoring for organizations including the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Washtenaw County Parks, and City of Ann Arbor Natural Areas Program. She started collecting acorns and growing oak seedlings in 1996 for research on oak regeneration, and has been squirreling away acorns ever since. She enjoys visiting Michigan’s Big Trees (especially oaks) and is trying to collect acorns and grow on her property all of Michigan’s native oaks (so far she has 7 of 11 species).

April 19, 2021 Lakeplain Wet Prairie Restoration at Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve Julie Mclaughlin

The Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) is in year five of restoring the remnant lakeplain wet prairie at its Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve - West Prairie site in Brownstown Township. This presentation will highlight the rare plants and obligate species found at the site, the restoration partnership with The Nature Conservancy's Oak Openings program, and what the future could look like for this globally unique habitat; as well as the challenges and benefits of working to protect this declining natural community within an urban setting.

Julie McLaughlin is the Stewardship and Outreach Manager for SMLC. She has a MS in Conservation Ecology and Environmental Informatics from the University of Michigan, and has worked in land management and stewardship throughout Southeast Michigan as well as Indiana, Colorado, and Montana.

LATE SUMMER - FALL 2020 FIELD TRIPS

Jack Smiley Preserve It’s time for a field trip again—one that we can do safely. We’ll meet on Saturday, August 22 at 10 AM in the parking lot of Superior Township’s offices, which are on the northeast corner of Cherry Hill Road and Prospect Road (north of Ypsilanti). From there, we’ll walk south along a mowed trail (the Superior Greenway) through the Jack Smiley Preserve (a property of the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy). We’ll check out three wetlands that the MDEQ* (now called EGLE**) required developers to create as compensation for wetlands that they were permitted to destroy. Such wetlands are called mitigation wetlands, because their intended function is to mitigate for the wetland losses that were permitted. We’ll consider the pros and cons of these mitigation projects. In one of these man-made wetlands, we’ll see a Michigan Endangered species that doesn’t belong there. We’ll learn how it got there.

No need for rubber boots, but please wear a face mask and maintain social distancing so everyone can feel at ease. Total walking distance will be about a mile and a half. It would also be helpful in viewing plants to bring close focusing binoculars (<6 ft.). Leader: Bill Brodovich at <brodovich@att.net>.
* MDEQ = Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ** EGLE = The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Past Programs

FALL -WINTER 2019 - 2020 Programs

Biology on Tap returns

The Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, Monday 9 March 2020, 7:30 pm

Come enjoy two mini-presentations by biology researchers from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Drinks and food available for purchase. All are welcome.

Bella Mayorga - University of Michigan]

Avant-garde(ns): Agriculture and Conservation in the Built Environment

Personal or community-managed food gardens offer a unique opportunity to offset some of the negative effects of habitat fragmentation. They have the potential to greatly reduce food insecurity and the CO2 emissions associated with the global industrial agriculture machine. What you eat and where you get it has far-reaching and often unseen impacts on biodiversity, climate change, and societies.

Kenny Glynn - Eastern Michigan University

Examining blood lead of songbirds in Flint, MI following the Flint drinking water crisis

After the Flint Water Crisis, residents were advised to not drink the tap water. However, less attention was given regarding watering lawns and the exposure risk for wildlife. This study explores the impact of the Flint Water Crisis on local songbird populations.

FALL 2020 PROGRAMS

COVID-19 Note: Programs will be presented electronically for the foreseeable future

September 21, 2020: Pollinator Preservation Strategies for the Home Garden: Native Plants and Their Unique Relationships with Beneficial Insects. Cheryl English Want to help out our native pollinators and other beneficial insects? Through plant selection, garden design, and maintenance protocols, you can provide a haven not only for our beautiful butterflies and moths, but also for other critical beneficial species – from bees to beetles.

Cheryl M. English is a certified Advanced Master Gardener living in Detroit, Michigan. Formally educated as an Art Historian, Cheryl has parlayed her varied training and experience into a career as a professional gardener, artist, writer and garden and art educator. Currently on the Detroit Garden Center Planning Committee, she is also President Emeritus of Master Gardeners of Greater Detroit and wrote for the group’s newsletter The City Seedling. She has also been active with the Editorial Board for the Detroit Garden Center’s Bulletin, volunteered with The Greening of Detroit in various capacities and served as an officer of the Wildflower Association of Michigan.

October 19, 2020: Collaborative Management of a New Invasive Species: Managing Stiltgrass in Southeast Michigan. Alice Elliott (Note change: Robyn J. Burnham’s program has been rescehduled for February). In 2017, stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was documented for the first time in Michigan. The dedicated efforts of local and state stewardship agencies, along with private landowners, brought this infestation under control, containing it within a small neighborhood. But in June 2018, a much larger infestation of stiltgrass was discovered just a few miles away, covering over 35 acres across 60 private and public properties. The stewardship community organized into the Stiltgrass Working Group to pool their resources and treat it– but despite their best efforts, that acreage increased again this year. What do you do in the face of such an overwhelming escalation? Learn how the Stiltgrass Working Group is continuing their multipartner collaboration, the challenges they faced managing an annual invasive on both public and private property, and some of the lessons they learned from this year’s effort.

Alice Elliott is the Stiltgrass Coordinator for the Stiltgrass Working Group. She joined the Working Group in May 2019, to coordinate the treatment and management of stiltgrass in Washtenaw County and beyond, and to educate the public about the threat of stiltgrass. She graduated from U of M in 2018 with an M.S. in conservation ecology. In her spare time, she works as a community activist and organizer. She's also an avid birder, and loves hearing about good spots to find rare birds!

November 16, 2020: Identifying Invasive Plants Don Drife Don Drife will explain how to identify invasive plant species in Michigan and how to distinguish them from similar native species.

Don has been studying native vegetation in Michigan for over 45 years, is a longtime member of the Michigan Botanical Club, and a life member of the Michigan Audubon Society. He blogs as the MichiganNatureGuy, and presents programs about the natural world for local nature groups.

LATE SUMMER - FALL 2020 FIELD TRIPS

Past Programs Monthly Chapter Meetings and Presentations

All MBC-HVC programs are held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and start with a short business meeting at 7:30 pm. The Garden charges a nominal fee for parking until 8:00 pm. They are preceded by “Dinner with the Speaker” which commences at 5:45 at Rappourt Brew and Chew at 2721 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor.

Monday 16 September 2019:

Discover our Underwater Forests! Michigan's Aquatic Plants – Jo Latimore

We'll explore the variety of submerged and floating native plants found in Michigan's lakes and rivers, discuss their ecology, and learn how to identify the invasive plants that are established here or knocking at Michigan's door.

Dr. Jo Latimore is an Aquatic Ecologist and Outreach Specialist in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. Her recent work focuses on volunteer monitoring of Michigan's lakes and streams, community-based approaches to watershed management, water resource leadership development, and science communication, with an emphasis on aquatic invasive species.

Dr. Latimore provides technical support to the volunteer-driven MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, including leading the Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch and Aquatic Plant Identification and Mapping programs. She is also the Director of the Michigan Lake and Stream Leaders Institute and facilitator of the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership.

She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Albion College, a master’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Notre Dame, and a doctorate in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University.

She began her career as a watershed ecologist at the Huron River Watershed Council in Ann Arbor before joining the faculty at MSU.

Monday 21 October 2019:

Eyes on the Forest: What you can do to help prevent new forest pest invasions – Georgia Peterson

Exotic invasive pests and diseases continue to put pressure on Michigan’s forest health. These invaders are capable of great ecological, social and economic harm for private landowners, municipalities, resource management agencies, and plant-based industries across the state. Early detection of new invaders is critical for minimizing or mitigating damage, and to prevent their continued spread. Resource professionals depend on informed and aware citizens to help spot early invasions of these pests and diseases. This presentation will help citizen scientists become more adept at identifying the warning signs of potential new invaders.

Georgia Peterson has served as a Natural Resource Extension Specialist at Michigan State University for the past 19 years. She specializes in sharing research-based information about forests and forestry with landowners and other Michigan citizenry. She also provides assistance to natural resource professionals on public input processes, conflict management and strategic planning activities. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys biking, camping and international travel.

Monday 18 November 2019:

Big weeds and tiny microbes: How do microbes surrounding Phragmites australis influence invasiveness? – Wesley Bickford

The non-native Phragmites australis is one of the most ubiquitous wetland invaders in North America. With its tall stature, high growth rate, and dense root and rhizome system, Phragmites makes life difficult for surrounding native plants, often forming dense monocultures. A native form for Phragmites australis (Phragmites australis subs. americanus) also exists in many regions of the US, including the Great Lakes, but does not display invasive properties like its non-native relative. So what makes non-native Phragmites so adept at colonization and expansion? We think microbes may have something to do with it. The microbes that plants associate with span a spectrum from beneficial to antagonistic. If some plants associate with relatively more beneficial microbes than antagonistic, those plants may have performance advantages. Our research explores (1) whether Phragmites lineage (native vs. non-native) predicts the soil and root-associated microbial communities at a given site, (2) whether Phragmites performance is determined by the community of microbes present in the soil, and (3) whether experimental microbial manipulations can affect Phragmites’ invasiveness. Early results indicate that microbial communities do not distinguish between native and non-native lineages of Phragmites in Great Lakes field populations. However, experiments suggest that Phragmites lineages may differ in their response to those microbial communities. Additionally, we have targeted portions of the microbial community to identify complex interactions between bacteria and fungi that may play an important role in the performance of Phragmites. These results are revealing many new aspects of Phragmites invasion dynamics and may also open up new management opportunities for targeted control of non-native Phragmites through its microbial community.

Wes Bickford is a PhD candidate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. Wes is interested in plant-microbial interactions, specifically in how microbes influence invasion properties. Wes’ research combines field sampling and greenhouse experiments with advanced molecular techniques to identify composition, abundance, and function of microbial communities and how they affect plant performance. Wes is also an Ecologist at the US Geological Survey - Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor where he studies coastal ecosystems and has focused on Phragmites research since 2013.

January 20, 2020: Ecological Classification of the Forested River Floodplains of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Douglas Putt

The Classification of Shiawassee NWR’s forest ecosystems using a hierarchical method with a focus on disturbance and geoecology; how it was conducted, what we learned, and how it is being used by managers today.

Doug is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for conservation and restoration. Having recently graduated from Wayne State University with an M.S. focusing in landscape and forest ecology, Doug is on the hunt for his next career adventure. Primarily, Doug is seeking opportunities to maintain, restore, and regenerate the forest ecosystems of our state and federal public lands.

February 17, 2020: White-tailed deer and Michigan Plant Communities: Two Decades of Observations and Reflections Jacqueline Corteau

This presentation will offer a brief overview of the history and role of white-tailed deer in Michigan ecosystems, and will explore deer impacts on Michigan plants and plant communities. Observations and reflections are based on two decades of monitoring white-tailed deer herbivory research in southeast Michigan.

Jacqueline Corteau is a plant ecologist and ecological consultant who has researched and monitored deer impacts in southeast Michigan for park systems including Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and others. She led development of the Huron River Watershed Council's field assessment for their Bioreserve project, and completed a landscape forest stewardship plan for Washtenaw County for Michigan DNR. She has taught field ecology and other classes at UM and EMU and now manages her consulting business – NatureWrite LLC.

Mar 16: Identifying Invasive Plants Don Drife CANCELLED due to COVID 19

Description: Don Drife will explain how to identify invasive plant species in Michigan and how to distinguish them from similar native species

Don Drife has been studying native vegetation in Michigan for over 45 years, and is a longtime member of the Michigan Botanical Club and a life member of the Michigan Audubon Society. He blogs as the MichiganNatureGuy, and presents programs about the natural world for local nature groups.

April 20: Modern Systematics and Illuminating Hidden Relationships of Plants Tony Reznicek. - ZOOM meeting

Description: This will be a review and update of the impact on Michigan Flora (and plant classification generally) of recent work in molecular systematics. (Jointly with Matthaei Botanical Gardens Herb Study Group).

Tony is curator of vascular plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium. His research focuses on the systematics and evolution of sedges (especially Carex), the flora and biogeography of the Great Lakes region, and botanical history in the Great Lakes region. He serves as the chair of the State Rare Plant Technical Advisory Committee, teaches at the University of Michigan Field Station, and is an administrator for “Michigan Flora”: http://michiganflora.net

2019 Field Trips

Fall Woodies at Nan Weston

Saturday, October 26, 2019. 11:00-1:00 pm

Trip Leaders: Robert Ayotte and Neal Billetdeaux

The variety of plant communities at Nan Weston Nature Preserve at Sharon Hollow reflects the amazing underlying geological diversity of the area. Robert and Neal 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. 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: 42.179992,-84.110292

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/j2sDx2mgEfxdVABy6

You can also find directions at the link below:

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/nan-weston-nature-preserve-at-sharon-hollow-1/

Biology on Tap is Back!

Tuesday, 10/15/2019 7:30 PM

NEW LOCATION:

Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub

318 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104C

Come enjoy two mini-presentations by biology researchers from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Drinks and food available for purchase. All are welcome!Plus Trivia and Prizes!

Is the green stuff in the Great Lakes good or bad? The answer is yes!

James Pauer

James will focus on the role of algae in Great Lakes ecosystems, and address human induced problems that arise when the number and diversity of algal species are altered. James received his PhD in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Tech University. Although he is speaking as a private citizen, and fan of our “inland seas”, James works for the US Environmental Protection Agency as an expert on algal problems in the Great Lakes.

The Hidden Owls of Our Everyday Life

Jamie Platt
No other animal is as embedded in American culture as Owls; yet no other animal has taken such care to conceal its presence. Jamie has a degree in Zoology from the Harvard of the Upper Peninsula – Northern Michigan University. He is the founder of the Hells Birders birding group and has been teaching and lecturing on Ornithology topics for over a decade.

Biology on Tap is a speaker series sponsored by the Huron Valley Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Club

Biology on Tap: Spring has Sprung!: Time to talk about ephemeral plants, urban bees, and sexy salamanders! Tuesday, May 7, 7:30pm

CORNER BREWERY, 720 Norris St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Come enjoy 3 mini-presentations by biology researchers from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Drinks and food available for purchase. All are welcome.

Bob Smith (Michigan Botanical Club: Huron Valley Chapter) Spring Ephemerals: The peculiar life habit of some woodland plants
Paul Glaum (UM Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) Big City Bees: How wild bees respond to an urbanizing landscape
Katy Greenwald (EMU Biology), Michigan's amazing "gene thieves": Evolution and ecology of unisexual (all female) Ambystoma salamanders

Come enjoy 3 mini-presentations by biology researchers from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Drinks and food available for purchase. All are welcome.

Bob Smith (Michigan Botanical Club: Huron Valley Chapter) Spring Ephemerals: The peculiar life habit of some woodland plants
Paul Glaum (UM Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) Big City Bees: How wild bees respond to an urbanizing landscape
Katy Greenwald (EMU Biology), Michigan's amazing "gene thieves": Evolution and ecology of unisexual (all female) Ambystoma salamanders

Saturday 20 April: Spring Botany and Horner’s Woods Workday - Sylvia Taylor, leader 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.

Join Sylvia and mentor Matthaei volunteers and students to scout for the invasive garlic mustard and help with light trail maintenance at Horner Woods, a wildflower sanctuary North of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Volunteers may enjoy seeing large patches of a lovely native wildflower, Twinleaf, (Jeffersonia diphylla) which will be in peak bloom in late April. Please dress for physical, outdoor work. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. We provide tools and orientation. Minors are welcome with permission forms; those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

There may be 30 student volunteers total from UM HKN, UM Alpha Phi Omega, UM Circle K, UM Beta Alpha Rho Pre-Law Society. Student Caretakers assigned to co-lead the workday are Lexi & Sarah.

Meet in the west lobby at Matthaei Botanical Gardens 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. to caravan to Horner Woods. Leader: Sylvia Taylor <smtaylor@umich.edu>

Sunday, April 21, 2:00 p.m. Spring Ephemerals in LeFurge Woods (Note change in day and time)

This will be a reprise of last year’s trip, but hopefully without last year’s freezing rain. LeFurge Woods is amazingly rich in wildflowers and never disappoints. The parking area is on the east side of Prospect Road, 0.8 miles north of Geddes Road, in Superior Twp. (north of Ypsilanti). Easy walking. Trip leader: Bill Brodovich. <brodovich@att.net >

Saturday, May 25, at 10 AM Shanghai Prairie & Fen

Bill Brodovich <brodovich@att.net > will lead a trip to Shanghai Prairie. This is a well-known botanical hotspot on the south side of the Huron River, in Ypsilanti Township just north of the St. Joseph Hospital campus. (The prairie is owned by St. Joe.) We’ll meet at a small parking area on the north side of McCaulay Drive. Access it by turning north from East Huron River Drive onto McCauley Drive (the main entry to St. Joseph Hospital) and follow McCauley north and northeast around the curve for about ½ mile. Then turn left and you’ll see a daycare center to your right, a transformer station straight ahead, and our parking area to the left. The coordinates of the parking area are 42˚ 16’ 08” N, 83˚ 39’ 09” W. From the parking area, we’ll take a short walk to the top of the wooded bluff above the river, and then walk down a steep flight of stairs to the valley bottom. (Some might want to bring their hiking sticks). With all the rain we’ve had this spring, waterproof boots would be a good idea too. Besides the prairie flora, we’ll see some springs and a nice little fen at the foot of the steep slope. We’ll also see some distinctive mosses, a liverwort, a tiny lycopod, and some lichens. On a historical note, we’ll see the grade of Ann Arbor’s first (1839) railroad. (The present railroad lies north of the river.)

Saturday, July 6, at 10 am Waterloo Bog

Bill Brodovich <brodovich@att.net > and Robert Ayotte will lead a trip to a black spruce bog in Waterloo State Recreation Area. Rubber boots are recommended (or at least a change of shoes and socks for those who prefer to cool their feet). We’ll meet at the DTE-sponsored parking area on the north side of Cassidy Lake Road, a little over a mile north of its junction with Waterloo Rd. (you’ll pass by the boys’ prison). The latitude and longitude of the parking area is 42° 21’ 58” N, 84° 05’ 18” W. From the parking area, it’s a short walk to the bog, and we won’t have to dodge any trail bikes on the way. In southern Michigan, spruce bogs are the last remaining relicts of the boreal forest that once covered this region shortly after the glaciers receded. It’s the coolest place we can visit on this holiday weekend.

A visit to the Waterloo SRA "Glenn Fen"

Saturday September 21, 2:00-4:00 pm

Rain date is September 29 (Sunday). If the field trip is postponed, it will be posted on the HVC webpage in the morning by 11:00. http://www.michbotclub.org/huron-valley-chapter

A visit to the Waterloo SRA "Glenn Fen" led by Sheila Bourgoin

11001-11303 Glenn Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240

42.312531, -84.209198

Meet at parking area on the southwest corner of Mt. Hope and Glenn Road. We will walk down the road about a third of a mile and enter the fen at the small parking area on Mt. Hope road, and walk in through the Pinckney Waterloo Trail. If mobility is a problem, there are two or three spaces in the parking area on Mt. Hope Road and we can carpool to there from the Glenn Road lot. We will walk about 1000 feet along the Pinckney Waterloo trail then across a grassy area into the fen.

Once we enter the fen, we will settle into a prime area of fen vegetation. Bring something waterproof to sit on. You are also invited to bring notebooks, cameras, drawing materials, binoculars, field guides and snacks to share as we will spend some time just sitting and enjoying the beautiful fen.

Waterproof footwear is recommended, but shoes that can get damp will also work. Most of the trip will be on easy level ground and there will be some optional exploration through wetter, uneven ground.

About the location:

This area is know as the "Glenn Fen" and the "Mt. Hope Road Fen". It encompasses roughly a square mile of land, although we explore the central section with the greatest variety of fen indicators such as Genanopis Andrewseii, Solidago species, Cirsium muticum, Dasiphora fruticosa (shrubby cinquefoil). We will enjoy the color, learn diagnostic features of the Solidago species, identify the grasses and sedges of the area where we will rest and talk about the interaction of geology and ground water. For those with an interest in exploring, there is an area of tamaracks and pitcher plants near by (watch out for poison sumac), a wetter area with native phragmites and a small section of a drier prairie remnant. Plant lists from surveys of the fen will be available.

From Chelsea/Ann Arbor, take 94 West and travel 9 miles from the M52/I94 intersection to the Mount Hope Exit (Exit 150) and turn right onto Mt. Hope Road. Drive 2 miles north to Glenn Road. You will see a sign for the Waterloo Hunt Club on the corner. Turn right onto Glenn Road and the parking area is within 25 feet of the corner.

Fall Botany at Leonard Preserve

Saturday, September 28, 2019. 11:00 – 1:00

Trip Leader: Neal Billetdeaux

The 259-acre Leonard Preserve is the largest natural area in the County's system of NAPP preserves. Its diverse landscape includes rolling hills, oak-hickory woods, wetlands, sedge meadows and prairie remnants and nearly one mile of winding River Raisin shoreline. See the attached link for a map and directions. This trip will focus on fall trees and shrubs as well as some of the late goldenrods and asters. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. These coordinates in your browser will take you there: 42.1513, -84.0503

You can also find directions at the link below:

https://www.washtenaw.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Leonard-Preserve-13

MONDAY, September 17, 2018: Glacial Geology of Michigan and Formation of the Great Lakes presented by Larry Bean, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

In this program we will discuss how the geologic history of Michigan going back over 2 billion years influenced the movement of the glaciers 2 million to 10 thousand years ago. We will identify how the glaciers sculpted the great lakes basins and upland areas and created the wide variety of deposits we see in Michigan. In particular, we will review how glacial landforms, soils, and hydrological processes have influenced the spatial patterning of ecosystems and their characteristic flora.

10/15/2018: Factors Influencing the Distribution of Natural Communities in Michigan. Michael Kost: Curator of Native Plants, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, University of Michigan

The natural communities of Michigan span the full range of environmental gradients from dry sand prairies to rich conifer swamps. We will explore the factors that structure the distribution of this diverse assemblage of natural communities across the state. You’ll come away with a framework for better understanding the diversity of ecosystems we observe in nature and a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty of Michigan.

11/19/2018: Ecological Surveys of Southern Michigan: reflections on the importance of public land. Jesse Lincoln: MSU-Ext Michigan Natural Features Inventory

Jesse Lincoln has been conducting vegetation surveys on public lands across southern Michigan for the past 8 years as an ecologist for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. His survey work reveals both the natural beauty and imperiled state of these large tracts of natural area. Jesse will share with us his observations of these treasures, concerns for their future health, and the shared responsibility to care for our natural heritage.

Tuesday 4 December 2018, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon: Trek to Waterloo Black Spruce Forest. Black Spruce, a native evergreen conifer, is usually associated with northern bogs and boreal forest ecosystems; but there are a few remnant black spruce stands in southern Michigan. The boreal forest biome, dominated by spruce and fir, migrated through southern Michigan, some 12,000 years BP, as the glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch retreated northward. Black Spruce, tolerant of cold and wet conditions, found a home in acid bogs and other wet depressions. It’s cones are semi-serotinous (requiring fire to open) and spruce forests are perpetuated by stand replacing fires.

Join naturalist Robert Ayotte on a trek through one of the few remnant spruce forests, in Waterloo State Recreation Area, to observe the landforms, soil, and site conditions that generated this ecosystem. We’ll distinguish our two spruces, and learn to separate spruce, from firs and pines. Finally, we’ll determine the long term prognosis for this forest.

Meet at the parking area at the corner of Waterloo-Munith Rd and Parks Rd in Waterloo State Recreation area. (13999 Waterloo-Munith Road). The area is relatively flat, with fairly dense underbrush.

01/21/2019: The other New World Temperate vegetation Zone: Patagonia. Anton Reznicek: Curator, University of Michigan Herbarium.

While we are familiar with the temperate forests and grasslands in which we live in in the north, we don’t often think of the temperate forests and grasslands towards the other pole – the plants of temperate South America in the region of Argentina and Chile collectively known as Patagonia. There, the climate is very different because the continents narrow dramatically to the south, rather than expanding, as North America does towards the north, so the climate is strongly maritime influenced. Also, the high peaks of the Andes, besides having remarkable alpine vegetation, generate a strong rain shadow, resulting in sharp vegetation transitions and extensive grasslands, and even cold deserts. We will look at the forests and grasslands of much of the area, with a focus on the more important species, and some of the interesting habitats and remarkable plants. Note this program coincides with the HVC Potluck (6 pm – 9 pm).

Tony’s research at the University centers on the systematics and evolution of sedges (Cyperaceae), with a focus on the Great Lakes region as well as the neotropics, especially Mexico. He has a strong interest in the biogeography of the northeastern North American flora, concentrating on the Great Lakes region, including plant migration and colonization, origin and persistence of relict plant species and communities, wetland vegetation dynamics, especially of the Great Lakes shorelines, and the evolution of the endemic flora of the region. In addition, he is very active in the conservation of the Great Lakes region flora, with a focus on conservation strategies for the endemic and disjunct flora. His field work has been varied, including much of the US and Canada, including a number of trips to Alaska, many trips to Mexico, plus some trips to South America and China, always with a view to understanding the basic ecology and biogeography of the region, as well as the plants.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION - WEDNESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY: Rimrock, Playas, Petroglyphs & Pronghorns: Playa Lakes of the Hart Mountain and Sheldon Wildlife Refuges. Dennis Albert, PhD, Senior Research Faculty Horticulture Department, Oregon State University.

Dr. Albert will discuss the endemic flora of the Basin and Range playas of the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge (Oregon) and the Sheldon Refuge (Nevada), with a focus on the smaller playas on the tops of the basalt rim rock. The flora changes dramatically from low water to dry water years, and he will be showing plants characteristic of both conditions. He will also discuss the zones that occur along the edges and in the middle of the playas. Dennis Albert is a Research Professor in the Horticulture Department of Oregon State University, where his research has focused on wetland restoration and native plant marketing. He has current research projects focused on Great-Lakes-wide coastal wetlands inventories and harvest of invasive wetland plants for biogas production and phosphorus capture and reuse. He and his graduate students conduct research on Oregon’s estuaries, and in 2016 and 2017 conducted inventories of the vegetation of the playas of Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon and Sheldon Wildlife Refuge in northern Nevada.

Dr. Albert teaches summer field courses in Forest Ecology and Great Lakes coastal wetlands at the University of Michigan’s Biological Station in northern Michigan.

02/18/2019: The Complex Environmental Web of Northern Lower Michigan: Climate, Soils, Forests. Randy Schaetzl: Michigan State University Department of Geology.

Soils form and evolve in close conjunction with climate and plant communities. Nowhere is this interplay more interesting or complex than in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. In this talk, Dr. Randall Schaetzl, of Michigan State University, will discuss this complex web. Why do soils vary so greatly across the Lower Peninsula? When did this divergence start to occur? And how do the snow-belts act to influence all of this? If you like maps, soils, or plants, this talk is for you.

Bio: Randy has been Professor of Geography/Geology at MSU since 1987. His interests span the field of physical geography, but with a focus on soils, geomorphology, and to a lesser extent, vegetation systems. He is a firm believer in the value of fieldwork in physical geography, and is in the field for much of each summer season. His work is highly spatial and usually involves GIS data, analyses, applications and approaches, and many of the resultant research products are new and innovative maps. Randy lives in Okemos with his wife and three daughters, where they tend to their suburban farm and garden. Randy very much enjoys working with students on research projects, both as their direct graduate advisor and in teacher-classroom situations.

03/18/2019: Creating Near Native Habitats in Built Environments. Matt Demmon. Plantwise: Director of Native Landscapes Division

It is tempting to try to duplicate the function of natural wetlands, woodlands and other native habitats using native plants in our built environment. These types of projects need to be aesthetically pleasing, reasonably priced, and relatively easy to maintain. What's the best way to do this when working in an environment that has been changed beyond recognition in a climate that is changing in ways we don't understand? We will discuss ways of thinking about creating plant communities and how planting design and new models of landscape maintenance can help us create resilient, beautiful plantings that have the best chance of fulfilling the stormwater and ecosystem functions we are trying to create.

Matt Demmon has been working outdoors since 2004. His experience includes organic farming; landscape design, installation and maintenance; native plant propagation; prescribed fire; invasive plant control; management planning; growing mushrooms; and botany. He is currently getting his own company, Feral Flora, LLC off the ground. Matt is planning to grow and sell plants as well as install and maintain landscapes, but his current main focus is in designing and installing ecologically sustainable landscapes that nourish wildlife and humans both.

04/15: Spring Flora with Bob and Bob

Join Bob Smith and Robert Ayotte for a photographic and illustrated review of common spring flora of southern Michigan. Bob will display his fine array of photographs, and describe techniques and locations, while Robert will provide an illustrated review of associated plant family characteristics. The program is intended to be colorful, informative, and a preview of upcoming spring splendor.

Bio: Bob Smith is an expert photographer, botanist, and naturalist, while Robert is a gradual student in Forest Ecology, and formerly an ecologist for the USDA Forest Service, and Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

Ecology and Woody plants of the Reichert Nature Preserve

Saturday, October 20, 10:00-12:00

Trip Leader: Neal Billetdeaux

The Reichert Nature Preserve is a 92-acre parcel north of Portage Lake. The variety of plant communities at Reichert reflects the site’s amazing underlying geological diversity. We will discuss the ecology and management of the area and this is the best time of year to view the distinctive vegetative characteristics of woody plants. This trip will focus on trees and shrubs from dry oak-hickory woods to a rich tamarack swamp. It is also a great opportunity to view some of woodland goldenrods, asters and ferns. This trip will mostly be on trails and boardwalks.

From Dexter, take Dexter-Pinckney Road north to west on Tiplady Road. A gravel drive/parking lot is on the south side of Tiplady Road at the Legacy Land Conservancy sign.

Fall Botany Walk - Hudson Mills Metropark

Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Leaders are Ron Gamble and Faye Stoner.

We will walk at a leisurely pace, mostly on asphalt trail, and actually not travel very far. We will look at plants found just off the trail, but we will also walk a bit away from the trail at times to see things closer to the Huron River. There are vines we will see, including Wild Yam, Moonseed, and our native Lonicera vine; we will look at several shrubs including Euonymus atropurpureus (our native Euonymous), Hazelnut, Witchhazel, and Bladdernut; and we will look at some fall wildflowers including various asters.

Meet in River Grove parking lot. (At tollbooth, turn right, and continue straight ahead to parking lot)

09/17/2018: Glacial Geology of Michigan and Formation of the Great Lakes. Larry Bean: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Glacial Geology of Michigan and Formation of the Great Lakes. Larry Bean: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Larry received a BS degree and MS degree in Geology from Wayne State University graduating in 1987. He has been with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Quality since 1988. He currently works as the Jackson and Lansing District Supervisor in the Waste Management and Radiological Protection Division of the Department of Environmental Quality. He was a district geologist for the Southeast Michigan and Jackson districts for 21 years. He has been serving as the district supervisor for 9 years. He taught geology classes at UM-Dearborn and EMU as an adjunct lecturer. The classes he taught included glacial geology and geomorphology.

Learn to measure a big tree.

This is an opportunity to meet the co-ordinator of the MBC Big Tree Program. We will meet on September 8th at 10:00 am at the Hamburg Township Library, (10411 Merrill Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189) and Ted Reuschel will demonstrate how to measure a Big Tree. If you are interested in becoming an official tree measurer for the program, you can talk to Ted about that too. Please send an email to Sheila to confirm. (botclubwebmaster@gmail.com) or send a text to 734-972-1428.

The Hunt for Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

Saturday 11 August 9:00 to 12:00 pm

There is only one known location for hay-scented fern in the entire state of Michigan, and it is located in Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson County. Our mission is to determine weather, or not, the clone is still present , alive, and thriving. We’ll need several sharp-eyed and intrepid fern hunters who are determined to add this species to their pteridolist. Associated landscape features and precise coordinates unknown.

This fern is common in Southern Ontario, New York, and New England – but considered threatened in Michigan. The Michigan colony is obviously far removed from any other distribution. The vernacular name, hay-scented refers to the fronds, which are aromatic when bruised and emit a strong hay or alfalfa-like oder that is particularly noticeable in senescing or drying plants. It was not found in Michigan until 1954; then it was not seen again until its recent discovery, in 2006, by MNFI’s John Fody.

The trek will include pertinent discussions regarding any other plants that we might encounter. Plant list unknown.

Meet at Zou Zou’s Café at 101 North Main Street Chelsea, MI 48118 at 9:00 am for coffee and a briefing. We’ll carpool from Zou Zou’s. Equipment: should you accept the mission, be ready for anything! There are a lot of known unknowns here, and unknown unknowns. Failure is not an option!

July 1, 2018, 10:00 – 12:00 PM, Lower Huron Metropark

River floodplains around the world are alike in several respects. The dominant ecological factor which influences vegetation is flooding. As a result of high water in the spring, species are found in zones of varying conditions extending out laterally from the river. In northern climates, rivers modify the local climate making it warmer and more humid in the summer and cooler in the spring than surrounding upland areas. Some species with typically more southern ranges are found to extend farther north along river corridors. Join Robert Ayotte and Neal Billetdeaux to explore the variety of habitats along the Huron River, discuss the ecological adaptations of floodplain species and observe some plants that are uncommon in southern Michigan. Stay tuned for location and carpool options.

We will meet at 10:00 at the Sycamore Bend picnic shelter which is on the east side of the road approximately 2.4 miles south of the Huron River Drive entrance. There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle if you do not have a yearly vehicle pass and be sure to bring bug dope. This will be around a 1 mile walk on a dirt path possibly followed by an opportunity to visit other areas.

For those in Ann Arbor and points west who are interested in carpooling, I suggest meeting at the MDOT Park & Ride in the southwest quadrant of the Ann Arbor-Saline Road/I-94 interchange no later than 9:30. It is about 20 minutes from there to Sycamore Bend. Take I-94 east to Haggerty Road south. The entrance is at the intersection of Haggerty and Huron River Drive.

http://www.metroparks.com/parks/lower-huron-metropark/

Saturday, May 12, at 10 AM, Bill Brodovich will lead a trip to the LeFurge Woods Preserve in Superior Township (Washtenaw County). The site has rolling hills with mature woodland. There is also a large wetland. The entrance is on the east side of Prospect Road, ¾ mile north of Geddes (just north of a big wetland on the west side of Prospect).

Saturday, May 19, at 10 AM, Bill Brodovich will lead a trip to the Cherry Hill Preserve near Dixboro. This site contains nice areas of mature woodland and some grassland. The entrance is on Cherry Hill Road, ¾ mile east of its junction with Gale Road. From village of Dixboro, turn south onto Cherry Hill at the general store. Go 0.6 mile, and bear left where Cherry Hill meets Gale Road. Go east on Cherry Hill for another ¾ mile. The entrance is on the north side of the road.

Saturday, June 2 from 10:00-12:30, Dr. Tony Reznicek will lead a field trip at the Nan Weston Nature Preserve near Sharon Hollow. His title for the trip is “Just How Many Species of Sedges are in the Woods?” This will be great opportunity to learn more about sedges from our foremost sedge authority—and in a beautiful setting. Don’t miss it. Here is Dr. Reznicek’s “trailer” for the trip: "Most grass like plants in rich forests are in fact sedges, and to survive in this setting, species adopt various strategies for pollination (remember sedges are mostly wind pollinated), growth, and reproduction in a low light and low wind environment. We'll see many of the strategies on display along the trail at the Nan Weston Preserve at Sharon Hollow. Of course, there may be other interesting plants there as well."

Monday, January 16, 2017 – Annual Pot Luck, and Wildflowers of Michigan Nature Association Sanctuaries - Rachel Maranto, Regional Stewardship Organizer Southeast Lower Michigan. This program will highlight several Michigan Nature Association (MNA) sanctuaries in southeast Michigan and beyond with excellent wildflower displays across a variety of habitats. You will also learn how you can help MNA with botanical survey efforts at these sanctuaries and our other properties statewide.

No December Meeting

Monday, November 21, 2016 – The Far-Reaching Effects of Soil Fungi on Plant-Insect Interactions - Amanda Meier, doctoral student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. Beneficial soil fungi, such as mycorrhizal fungi, can have extensive effects on plants and insects above-ground. Mycorrhizal fungi associate with over 80% of all plant species and provide plants with nutrients in exchange for sugars from the plant in a mutually beneficial relationship. Amanda will discuss the important role mycorrhizal fungi play in interactions among plants, insects, and the predators of insects above-ground. She will review this research performed at the University of Michigan in milkweed (Aslcepias) species and conclude with comments on why we should consider mycorrhizal fungi in our own natural landscapes.

Monday, October 17, 2016 – THE MICHIGAN DUNE ALLIANCE: RESTORING EASTERN LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS presented by SHAUN HOWARD, The Nature Conservancy’s Eastern Lake Michigan Project Manager. The Great Lakes contain the world's largest freshwater dune system, totaling 275,000 acres of perched, parabolic, and linear dunes with the majority of these ecosystems located throughout Eastern Lake Michigan. The nearshore dunal area provides critical habitat to nearly 10% of Michigan’s species of concern, while also playing a key role in Michigan's growing eco-tourism economy through the numerous recreation and quality of life benefits it offers. This presentation with provide information on the importance of this system, the threats facing it, and efforts by the Michigan Dune Alliance to protect and restore a globally-unique landscape.

Monday, September 19, 2016 – THE RUBIACEOUS ANT-PLANTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA, LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS FOR ANTS presented by Frank Omilian. Tens of thousands of plants have symbiotic relationships with ants but few can match the elaborate nature of this one! The swollen bases of these plants make a number of different kinds of chambers for the ants (some to live in and others for wastes) as well as ant entry holes in the base and tunnels connecting it all. A power-point presentation will provide the details, and many plants from Matthaei’s world-class ant-plant collection will be on display in the auditorium.

Past Field Trips 2017

Walden West

Saturday 9 September – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Field Trip Leader: Bob Smith

Walden West is a 119-acre property in Lenawee County that is now protected and will serve as a “living classroom” for Adrian College. The property, which features rare fen habitats, was owned by Ann Arbor residents Jim and Mary White. The White’s donated a conservation easement, which permanently protects the land in a natural state, to Legacy Land and Raisin Valley Land Trust. After establishing the conservation easement, the Whites donated the land to Adrian College for use in their educational programming.

The preserve offers a diversity of wetlands, ponds, a medium sized lake, a substantial glacial moraine. Highlights may include four species of carnivorous plants, three types of orchids, several types of milkweeds, and numerous fen species.

To Carpool: Meet at Chelsea Park-n-Ride I-94 Exit 159 or at Meijer 3145 Ann Arbor Saline Rd. Depart at 9:00 a.m.

Meet at10:00 a.m. at the junction of US-12 and Tipton Hwy. about 2 miles west of M-52. There is a produce stand (it will be closed) immediately northeast of where Tipton Hwy. meets US-12. The green Tipton Hwy. sign is right by the stand. From there we'll drive a little over a mile farther to Walden West.

Huron Meadows Metropark

Saturday 26 August - 10 a.m.- noon Focusing on the "Hylo/Desmos"... aka the "The Tick Trefoils"

Field Trip Leader: Ron Gamble

These plants eventually have seed pods that stick on you, but they have no legs, and aren't known to pass disease! The Desmodium rotundifolium should be in bloom, which most folks likely haven't seen. We'll find more, and hopefully find those Hylodesmums, which the taxonomists split apart from the Desmodiums. Walk will be easy, dry and mainly on-trail. There could still be deer flies and/or mosquitoes.

Directions: Huron Meadows Metropark is located at 8765 Hammel Road, Brighton, MI. Turn south at the park entrance (if you've turned onto Hammel from Rickett Rd.; that means a left turn at the Hammel address, as a right turn takes you to golf course), continue to the back parking lot, where there is water and restroom facilities.

Watkins Lake State Park (DNR)

Saturday 19 August – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Watkins Lake State Park (DNR) Field Trip Leader: Bob Smith.

Watkins Lake State Park was dedicated in 2016 in southwest Jackson County. The DNR describes the area as “open meadow, mixed hardwoods, low wetlands, and open water”. It also includes aboriginal artifacts and several fire circles. Immediately to the west is a large fen that includes open artesian wells deep enough for winter fishing. This outing will explore the botany of all of these areas. The fen, in particular, will have a number of rarities. Dress appropriately for fen walking.

Much of the park was once a cattle operation. The large northern part, north of Arnold Rd., is still cut up by some pretty formidable fences. I have not yet found good ways to get around there. As you go west in the park, south of Arnold Rd., you come to the Arnold property. Continuing west is more state park. Most of the Arnold property is a very interesting fen. The fen continues into the west section of the park. The Arnolds are negotiating the sale of their in-holding, and this likely will become park land.

Directions:

To Carpool: M-14/Miller Rd Exit Park-n-Ride . Departure at 9 am. Take M-14 W, then I-94 W, M-52 S to W Pleasant Lake Rd in Sharon Township, drive W, SW on Pleasant Lake Rd. Take Sharon Hallow Rd south (at Sharon Valley the rd zigs then zags continuing S on Sharon Hollow Rd ) to Herman Rd., head W, SW on Herman, at the fork stay R on to Horning Rd to Arnold Rd. Take Arnold Rd N to the parking lot where the road bends west.

Meet 10 a.m. at the Watkins Lake S. P. parking area at the point where Arnold Rd turns west (yellow dot on map). Once we have everyone, we drive to the Arnold's, where we can park. We will then do the outing in that fen area, including the western park area, and possibly adjacent forest.

(Long Lake Fen of Waterloo Rec Area- This field trip has been cancelled.)

Aquatic Flora of Mill Lake

Saturday 15 July – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Field Trip Leader: Erick Elgin

Mill Lake is a shallow lake located in the Waterloo State Recreation Area. The lake has a large littoral zone and a watershed that is partially protected, making it an excellent location to observe the wonderful diversity of plants under the water’s surface. We will cover the importance of aquatic plants to lake ecosystems and spend time identifying floating-leaf and submerged aquatic plants. We will be canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and wading in the shallows to collect the plant specimens (please bring your own gear). Genre we are likely to find: Potamogeton, Stuckenia, Utricularia, Myriophyllum, Najas, and Chara.

Field Trip Leader bio: Erick Elgin is a Water Resources Educator for Michigan State University Extension. His job responsibilities include providing expertise in aquatic ecology to the state of Michigan and deliver educational programs that promote our understanding about water resources. Erick grew up on a small farm in Minnesota and went on to study water resources management and work with multiple habitat restoration companies and organizations. He has a master’s degree in aquatic ecology from the University of Calgary where he studied food web impacts on prairie pothole lakes in Alberta, Canada. He has extensive experience working with lakes, wetlands, and aquatic plants.

Carpool: Meet at Miller Rd Park-n-Ride at 9:00 a.m. or at Chelsea Park-n-Ride at 9:30 a.m.

Directions: Take I-94 West to Pierce Road /exit 157, drive North on Pierce Rd, turn left onto Bush Rd. Meet at 10:00 am at the entrance of the Mill Lake Camp on Bush Rd just north of the entrance to the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center Waterloo State Park. Bring your kayak, snorkel, water shoes for wading.

Goose Creek MNA Sanctuary

Sunday 4 June - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Field Trip Leader: Tony Reznicek

Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary extends over three-quarters of a mile from southeast to northwest along the Goose Creek, and includes many diverse habitats. Saturated soil, wet prairie, marsh, and fen habitats are all found within the sanctuary’s boundaries, allowing for a wide range of plant and animal species to exist. Prairie fens are extremely delicate areas that form where groundwater flows back to the surface through alkaline soil. Because of its rarity and size, the fen of Goose Creek Grasslands is an extremely important remnant.

GCS lies enfolded in Michigan’s Irish Hills, in a glacial trough which showcases deposits of raw gravel left behind by retreating glacial ice sheets. The hills make this area of southern Michigan a scenic part of the state, bisected by the historic Great Sauk Prairie Trail.

Over two hundred plant species have been identified at Goose Creek Grasslands, including seven that are classified as rare. Sedges are abundant among many fen plants, including buckbean and pitcher plant. Aquatic plants, such as pickerel weed and pondweeds, take advantage of the wettest sites. Adding color to the landscape later in the season are Goose Creek’s dozens of prairie flowers, including culver’s-root, Indian paintbrush, many sunflowers and Joe-Pye weed.

Directions: Located in Lenawee County, off Cement City Highway across from Goose Lake. From the north or south: Take US-127 and go east on Vicary Rd. Turn south onto Cement City Highway. From the east or west: Take US-12 and turn north onto Cement City Highway. Parking is available, along the road, near the Goose Lake boat dock.

Carpool: From Miller Rd./M-14 Park-n-Ride depart at 12 noon.

For additional information, contact Rachel Maranto at 517-525-2627, rmaranto@michigannature.org

Shiawassee Basin Preserve Field Trip

Saturday June 10, 2017 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Field Trip Leader, Mike Losey, Natural Resources Manager for Springfield Township.

Joint with SE Chapter.

The Shiawassee Basin Preserve is a 514 acre Springfield Township park located just north of Davisburg. Notably, this preserve helps protect one of the largest and highest quality prairie fen complexes in the Midwest. Numerous rare plants and animals can be found at the preserve, including the largest remaining population of Poweshiek skipperling, a federally endangered prairie butterfly. Tour participants will explore some of the interesting features of this park including the response of plant communities to various management techniques. In early June, we can expect to observe many plants typical of prairie fens in the early growing season, potentially including several species of orchids that are associated with prairie fen wetlands. Participants should bring sturdy hiking boots, preferably waterproof, with sufficient ankle protection and support to guard against cut stumps and uneven terrain. Also, insect repellant clothing or spray, sunscreen and a water bottle are advised. This field tour is rated as low-medium difficulty due to anticipated length of hiking loop (1.5 miles), varying terrain and potentially uneven footing in the prairie fen.

Meet at 8731 Eaton Rd, Davisburg, MI to consolidate vehicles to make the drive to the interior of the preserve easier. Over flow parking is at our Civic Center (which has bathrooms).

Carpool from Ann Arbor: Meet 8:30 a.m. at the Miller Rd. M-14 park-n-ride. (ca. 1 hr drive via US 23, may be slow due to construction).

BioBlitz @ McCulley-Bastian Nature Sanctuary

Saturday 6 May 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m

Survey start times: Birds 7:00 a.m. Herps 10 a.m. Plants 1:00 p.m.

Field Trip Leader: Rachel Maranto

Help us survey for critters and plants of all types at MNA's new nature sanctuary in southeast Michigan. The data we collect will be used to generate comprehensive species lists for the sanctuary. No previous identification skills are needed to participate, but RSVP to Rachel is required! Email orrmaranto@michigannature.org or phone 517-525-2627.

The McCulley-Bastian Nature Sanctuary is primarily southern floodplain forest, known in this part of the state for its species richness. The remaining uplands are mesic southern forest, and dry-mesic southern forest. The sanctuary provides excellent nesting habitat for neo-tropical migratory birds and provides forest interior nesting habitat for a heavily fragmented portion of Michigan. The forested River Raisin corridor has connectivity to support wildlife migration as well. Walking will be moderately challenging and the soils will be wet in places. There are no trails, so visitors are encouraged to bring a map and compass to find their way safely around the sanctuary.

Carpool and Directions: Meet at Chelsea Park-N-Ride I-94 Exit 159 or at Meijer 3145 Ann Arbor Saline Rd. Departure 12:15 p.m. Use your Mapquest or Google Maps to get to 2600 N Wilmoth Hwy, Adrian, MI 4922. From M-52, take Sutton Road east for 2 miles. Turn right (south) on N Wilmoth Hwy and drive another 1.2 miles. After crossing the River Raisin, park on the shoulder near the driveway for 2600 N Wilmoth Hwy. The sanctuary is on the west side of the road. For additional information, contact Rachel at 517-525-2627.

Spring Botany and Horner’s Woods Workday

Saturday 22 April, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Trip Leader: Sylvia Taylor

Please wear light colored or easily visible field clothes, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. We provide tools and orientation. Minors are welcome with permission forms; those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Meet in the west lobby at Matthaei Botanical Gardens 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. to caravan to Horner Woods.

Winter Woodies of Waterloo

Saturday 28 January 2017

10 am to 1 pm Field Trip Leaders: Neal Billetdeaux and Robert Ayotte

Join Neal and Robert for a winter woody plants foray into the forests and bogs of Waterloo. We will explore upland Oak-Hickory type forest and the Cedar Lake bog. Along the way we will see tuliptree and yellow birch on the eskers, a few ericads down in the bog.

There will be a brief introduction focusing on the origins of this glacial landscape, and a short primer on woody plant identification. We’ll examine both deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and vines. We will distinguish terminal buds from false terminal buds, and give particular attention to bud scars, lenticels, and piths. We’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for persistent fruits!

The walk will encompass a couple of miles of flat to rolling terrain. Meet inside the Gerald E. Eddy Geology Center at Waterloo State Recreation Area 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118(ph: 734-475-3170).

Winter Walkabout - LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve Saturday, February 11, 2017 (in case of inclement weather: Sunday, Feb. 12th). Field Trip Leader: Robert Ayotte

Pre-walk Refreshments 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. at Superior Township Hall, 3040 N. Prospect Road, Superior Township, MI 48198 (located at the corner of Prospect and Cherry Hill roads). Walkabout from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve -1 mile south of Township Hall (park along Vreeland Road near the Conservancy Farm). Contact: Taylor Myatt for more information. Joint with Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC). ⁯

2016

Fall Woody Plants of Radrick Forest

Saturday 22 October 2016 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Note this was changed from October 8 to October 22.)

Trip Leaders: Neal Billetdeaux and Robert Ayotte

Comprised of three adjacent forest ecosystems Radrick Forest is the perfect place to demonstrate how different forest ecosystems evolve from contrasting physiography (geography and parent soils). We will discuss the glacial origins of the landscape, and closely examine the soils of communities dominated by Oak-Hickory, Southern Dry Oak, and Southern Mesic forest types. There will be an in-depth review of the diverse Woody Plants growing within these ecosystems.

Winter Woodies Workshop at Scio Woods Preserve

Saturday 27 February 201610:00 to Noon

Trip Leaders: Neal Billetdeaux and Robert Ayotte

Join Neal and Robert for a review of the winter features of trees, shrubs, and vines in their winter condition. There will be a focus on buds, bud scars, bark, and fruit (with special attention to “lines of dehiscence”). This is a Joint field trip with the Stewardship Network.

Because of limited parking at Scio Woods Preserve, meet at the Park 'n Ride lot at Miller Rd & M- 14 to carpool. Carpool to depart at 9:45 a.m. going west on Miller to south on Wagner to west on Scio Church.

Spring Botany and Horner’s Woods Workday

Saturday 23 April 20169:00 am to 12:00 pm

Trip Leader: Sylvia Taylor

Join volunteers from the Michigan Botanical Club and MBGNA to scout for the invasive garlic mustard and help with light trail maintenance at Horner Woods, a wildflower sanctuary NE of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Volunteers will also enjoy seeing large patches of a lovely native wildflower, Twinleaf, which will be in peak bloom in late April. Please dress for physical, outdoor work. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. We provide tools and orientation. Minors are welcome with permission forms; those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Meet in the west lobby at Matthaei Botanical Gardens 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. to caravan to Horner Woods.

Spring Botany at Scio Woods Preserve

Saturday 7 May 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Trip Leader Aunita Erskine and Robert Ayotte

Scio Woods is a rich oak beech maple woods that we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep just a few miles west of Ann Arbor. We’ll focus on getting re-acquainted with spring ephemerals and other emerging spring wildflowers. We may even be lucky enough to see a paw paw, bladder nut, or spicebush in bloom!

Carpooling is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED because of limited parking. The preserve is located on Scio Church Rd in between Wagner and Zeeb. To carpool, meet at the M-14 and Miller park n' Ride departing at 12:30p.m.

Spring Botany and Horner’s Woods Workday

Saturday 21 May 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Trip Leader: Sylvia Taylor

Join volunteers from the Michigan Botanical Club and MBGNA as they continue to remove invasive garlic mustard at Horner Woods, a wildflower sanctuary NE of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. In late May, Garlic Mustard will be in bloom and more easily identifiable for removal. Please dress for physical, outdoor work. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. We provide tools and orientation. Minors are welcome with permission forms; those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Meet at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., near the back horticulture entrance (due to the second spring plant sale that will be held partly in the west lobby), to caravan to Horner Woods.

Lefglen Nature Sanctuary

Saturday 18 June10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Trip Leader: Rachel Maranto

Join Rachel Maranto, of the Michigan Nature Association, for a guided tour of the diverse habitats and wildflowers of Lefglen Nature Sanctuary. This 200-acre preserve, near the Sharonville State Game Area, is home to a pair of small lakes, prairie fen, mesic and dry-mesic oak-hickory forest, and a savanna remnant.

5343 Wolf Lake Rd, Napoleon Township, MI 49240.

Directions from Ann Arbor:

GPS coordinates: 42° 11' 11.3172'' N 84° 13' 11.6256'' W

Get on I-94 W, Follow I-94 W to W Old US Hwy 12 in Sylvan Township. Take exit 157 from I-94 W (16 min (18.9 mi))

Continue on W Old US Hwy 12. Take E Michigan Ave and Norvell Rd to Wolf Lake Rd in Napoleon Township. There is a small parking area on the left about 400 feet after Rexford Road.

Restoration of Oak Savanna at MacCready Preserve

August 27th at 10:00 am - 1 pm

Leader: Professor Lars Brudvig

Note: there will easy to moderate hiking to get out to and around the field locations – less than 2 miles total, but up and down some steep hills.

Join MSU Restoration Ecologist Lars Brudvig for an in-depth interpretation of the Oak-Savanna restoration project at MacCready Reserve. The MacCready Reserve is a 408-acre property that is designated for education, research and outreach programs in wildlife and forestry management. The lush setting includes 6.5 miles of trails, rolling terrain, natural springs, a diversity of wildflowers, mature hardwoods, and a plethora of bird species.

In restoring the Oak-Savanna, Lars and his students in the Brudvig Lab take a plant community approach – coupling restoration and landscape ecology to 1) seek the basic underlying drivers of ecological communities across space and time and 2) apply this knowledge to the field of restoration ecology.

“We address questions about how and why space matters for plant communities and what this means for their restoration. Much of our work is centered on large-scale experiments – among the world’s best experimental tests in landscape ecology. To provide strong linkages between basic science and its application, we collaborate with several land management agencies. See: http://brudviglab.plantbiology.msu.edu/

Workday and Botanizing at Horner Woods

Saturday 15 October 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Trip leader: Dr. Sylvia Taylor

Join Sylvia and mentor Matthaei volunteers on HVC's last field trip of 2012 for trail maintenance, buckthorn removal and botanizing in this wildflower sanctuary and old forest. Meet at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Road (west lobby), Ann Arbor for sign-in and carpooling to the site.

Meetings 2015 - 2016

Monday, April 18 , 2016– Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan presented by Barb Barton, endangered species biologist and Wild Rice conservationist,.

Wild Rice is a staple of the Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes region and was once much more abundant in Michigan than it is today. Learn about the story of Manoomin (Wild Rice), its past and present, and what is being done to restore it to Michigan’s landscape.

March 21, 2016– Ecosystem Conservation at The Nature Conservancy’s Erie Marsh Preserve presented by Chris May, Director of Restoration for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan.

Erie Marsh Preserve on Lake Erie contains some of the last remaining coastal wetlands in southeast Michigan and provides critical habitat for migratory birds and fish. The Nature Conservancy and partners are working at multiple scales to restore native ecosystems and natural processes, not only at Erie Marsh, but along the entire coastline from the Detroit River to Sandusky, Ohio. Work at Erie Marsh provides an example of large-scale restoration that will benefit native plants and animals, while also providing ecosystem services and recreation opportunities for people.

February 15, 2016 - Kissing Cousins and Family Skeletons - The Michigan Flora and Modern Evolutionary Biology presented by Dr. Anton (Tony) Reznicek

Modern evolutionary biology, with its ability to directly access the genetic material of plants, has revolutionized our understanding of the evolution of our flora. This has turned up many interesting facets about how plants in our flora are related, but also has exasperated people familiar with the traditional names and arrangements of plants. We will explore the underlying principles behind the re-working of plant relationships, plus look at some of the interesting and sometimes remarkable new facts about plant evolution and relationships. Meeting combined with Wild-ones Chapter.

MONDAY, January 18, 2016 6:00 PM - ANNUAL POTLUCK 7:30 PM – WILDFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY AND TECHNIQUES presented by Bob Smith, Huron Valley Chapter member and expert photographer. Bob’s program will focus on how to make photographs that are useful for plant identification, illustrated with photos of local plants. For Bob's floral gallery see: https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/search_image.php?newsearch=true&id_photographer=1034&id_collection=

Past Activities of the Huron Valley Chapter are here.