[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”wt-grey-curve-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_class=”valign” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Title” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][dipl_breadcrumb breadcrumb_layout=”layout2″ separator_text=”\/” separator_color=”#8fa7c5″ admin_label=”DP Breadcrumbs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”3486″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dipl_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission is creating land management plans for every park and open space. Plans will document physical characteristics, natural features, and relevant history, as well as set clear goals for the future of the properties and proposed strategies for reaching those goals. Individual park plans will be components of the system-wide plan.<\/p>\n
Land management includes monitoring and natural features inventory (plants, reptiles, amphibians, birds, etc) to study the health of ecosystems at park properties. Other techniques are varied and include:<\/p>\n
Learn More About Land Management Projects<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Invasive species living on land (terrestrial) or in the water (aquatic) create issues on natural lands all across North America. Each species has its own arsenal, but all of them displace (or kill) native species and disrupt ecosystems. They threaten our forests and farms alike, creating ecological and economic damage.<\/p>\n Since the early 2000’s, the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission has managed invasive species within its parks and open spaces. Initially, the primary target species was garlic mustard, but now our Stewardship Crew and volunteers work on a variety of species including, but not limited to:<\/p>\n Volunteers and staff began by focusing efforts on areas that are high quality sites and on small, new infestations that have the potential to grow larger. This technique is commonly referred to as early detection, rapid response (EDRR). Although, as the volunteer\u00a0Park Stewards<\/a> become more specialized, we are able to work on larger, more difficult to manage areas. The\u00a0Prescribed Browsing Team<\/a>\u00a0(eco goats!) have helped push back some of our worst areas.<\/p>\n For more information about invasive species, or to report invasive species,\u00a0visit MISIN<\/a>\u00a0or the\u00a0West Michigan Conservation Network (WMCN)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Spongy moths, an invasive species introduced in 1869, have since spread throughout the United States and Canada. These moths, emerging as caterpillars from fuzzy egg masses in April, feed on leaves until late June.<\/span><\/p>\n Spongy Moth FAQ<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In addition to\u00a0<\/span>becoming a volunteer<\/a>\u00a0and helping remove invasive plants from public lands, you can also manage your land at home, work, or school!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Create an ecosystem in your yard by choosing flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants that are native to this region of Michigan. Doing so creates habitat for pollinators and vital insects whose populations are in serious decline.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/CmrYJXqvbPU” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To learn more about native gardening at home and the impact it can have on our environment check out Homegrown National Park<\/a> co-founded by Doug Tallamy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ready to get started? You can find native plants at your local conservation district – there are usually sales in the spring and fall.<\/p>\n Join a local\u00a0<\/span>Wild Ones\u00a0<\/span><\/a>chapter for more information about getting started and other retailers with native plants.<\/p>\n Another great way to get involved is to join a citizen science group to share your own observations and explore what others are sharing. We recommend the following groups:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Natural Resources ManagementInvasive Species Management<\/h2>\n
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Spongy Moths<\/h2>\n
How Can You Help?<\/h2>\n
Plant a pollinator garden<\/h3>\n
Resources For You<\/h3>\n
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