HVC Archives

Programs

2024

23 January 2024 (two talks!)

Evolution of glyphosate resistance in an agricultural weed affects plant-herbivore interactions - Grace Meixin Zhang
Plants face many stressors, both naturally occurring and anthropogenic, that can shape how they evolve. With the advent of modern agriculture, chemical herbicides have become the primary tool for weed control, imposing strong selective pressures on treated plants. This has led to the evolution of herbicide resistance in more than 250 weed species to date. Importantly, the evolution of herbicide resistance occurs in the context of natural, long-standing stressors like insect herbivory. How both herbicide and herbivory may act in concert to shape plant evolution is unknown. We investigated this question using the noxious weed Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory) and the widely-used herbicide glyphosate (RoundupⓇ) in common garden experiments. Our results show that glyphosate application can increase herbivory levels and alter plant-herbivore interactions. Additionally, we found that glyphosate resistance is positively correlated to resistance to herbivory, suggesting that the two traits may evolve together. As herbicide use continues to increase globally, these results suggest that herbicides may alter the eco-evolutionary dynamics of plant-insect communities in unforeseen ways, contributing to higher levels of resistance to both herbicide and herbivory.
Grace Zhang is a PhD student in the Baucom Lab at the University of Michigan, having previously earned her BA in Conservation Biology at Middlebury College. She loves science museums and enjoys plants, bugs, and being outside.

Hormetic Dose Response to herbicide in a ubiquitous wild plant - Anah Soble

The synthetic auxin herbicide DicambaⓇ is increasing in popularity as many weeds have gained resistance to other herbicides like RoundupⓇ. However, DicambaⓇ introduces its own problems, specifically an ability to volatilize and drift onto nearby agricultural fields and wild plant populations. Small community experiments have previously shown Oxalis stricta (Oxalidaceae) produces more flowers under dicamba drift conditions. This falls under the concept of ‘hormesis’-- a stimulatory effect of a low dose of a toxic substance. Through larger field experiments we have been able to confirm this trend. What does this hormetic dose response mean more broadly for ecosystems under herbicide drift conditions? What explains this reproductive overcompensation from DicambaⓇ drift, knowing that DicambaⓇ is a synthetic Auxin? Auxin influences every developmental stage of a plant. Depending on which stage is being affected, this can result in shifts in weed populations. Through field common garden experiments, we have asked what traits are impacted by auxin exposure and how those changes impact fitness. Through gene expression analysis we also ask which biological pathways are inhibited or stimulated under drift. More broadly, what would this mean for evolution and ecology of this species, and potentially others that exhibit hormetic dose response?

Anah Soble is a master’s student in the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. She has a BA in biology from Oberlin College and is passionate about science education and botany.

27 February 2024: Herbicide adaptation as a model for integrating across genetics, ecology, and evolution - Gina Baucom

Plant adaptation to extreme forms of stress such as herbicide exposure can provide a useful window into the evolutionary process. Historically our understanding of weedy plant adaptation to herbicide has centered on the genetic basis or mechanism of herbicide resistance along with the potential for evolutionary constraints on resistance evolution. While more evolutionary questions are beginning to be addressed using herbicide resistant weeds as models, examining questions that exist at the nexus of genetics, ecology, and evolution can provide insight into potential community-wide consequences of resistance evolution. For example, does the evolution of herbicide resistance influence crucial plant-insect interactions, or influence plant traits that underlie defense to other agents of damage? I present data on the evolution of herbicide resistance in the common morning glory and recent research that delves into the broader-scale repercussions of resistance evolution for plant populations and their interactions with insects.

Dr. Regina Baucom is an ecological geneticist who studies plant adaptation to extreme, human-mediated environments from a range of perspectives--adaptation to herbicide in agricultural weeds, climate change, and nanoparticle exposure. The majority of her graduate student advisees examine how use of the novel herbicide dicamba in agriculture--which can cause ‘dicamba drift’ and thus unintended herbicide exposures--may alter important plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore interactions, ultimately disrupting natural community processes. In addition to her research, mentoring and teaching, Baucom has worked to promote white women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented minorities in ecology and evolution by co-developing and maintaining the listserv ‘DiversifyEEB’ and by serving as the first chair of the American Society of Naturalist’s Diversity Committee. She graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens with a PhD in Genetics after obtaining a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

26 March 2024: Evaluating impacts of experimental removal of Frangula alnus (glossy buckthorn) in a lake-basin prairie-fen - Jamie Brackman

Prairie fens are a vulnerable wetland community, both globally and at the state level, and can support 36 rare animal species and 20 rare plant species. St. Pierre Wetland is a University of Michigan property along the only undeveloped shoreline of Bass Lake in Hamburg township, and it contains both marsh wetlands and lake-basin prairie-fen. The fen was evaluated for floristic quality and conservation value by Mike Kost in 2014 and had a total Floristic Quality Index (FQI) of 39.2, with 35.8% of plant species having a Coefficient of Conservatism Value of 7-10. This community is currently threatened by a spreading stand of Frangula alnus (glossy buckthorn). As part of a School for Environment and Sustainability master’s project, a small-scale experimental non-herbicide removal of buckthorn was initiated in winter 2023. Treatments included a standard cut removal, a cut and sunlight exclusion (bagged) treatment, and a below-water-level cut treatment. I will share initial results of these treatments in terms of buckthorn resprouting and native species presence in fall 2023, and discuss recommendations for future studies that will be a part of a 2024-2025 master’s project to further restoration, research, and education on this valuable site.

Jamie Brackman, MS: Sustainability and the Environment, University of Michigan (April 2024), is a multidisciplinary researcher interested in the intersections of restoration ecology, urban and regional planning, climate resilience, food systems, and environmental justice. His ongoing work with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is supporting tribal land-management in the southern Appalachians through partnerships with the US Forest Service. His independent research in the St. Pierre Wetland analyzed the impacts and efficacy of experimental non-herbicide treatments of the invasive Frangula alnus in a lake-basin prairie-fen. During his graduate studies he has also emphasized the study of US environmental policy, agroecology, landscape ecology, community led conservation, and climate adaptation and mitigation planning. His past work with Conservation Legacy involved the development of the national AmeriCorps Stewards program, which partners with various land management agencies under the US Department of the Interior and local nonprofits across the US. He also has extensive grant writing and project development experience working with local community organizations and government agencies in West Virginia and Michigan. Jamie began his professional career as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team in 2012. He grew up in southern Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, just 2 miles from the Appalachian Trail, where there is still no cell phone reception or high-speed internet access, and where his parents still use a wood stove as their primary source of heat.

23 April 2024

Environmental Toxidromes: Notes from the Emergency Department, Part I: Allergies and Rashes - Robert Ayotte

(***the talk on Documenting Plant Biodiversity at EMU's Parsons Center for Arts and Sciences has been postponed).

What is a Toxidrome?  Join Naturalist and retired Emergency Department Physician Assistant, Robert Ayotte, for a primer on outdoor related toxic exposures that are common to the Great Lakes Region.  This is a 3-part series that focuses on; Part I Allergies and Rashes, Part II: Poisonings, and Part II Bites and Envenomations.  This evening, we will discuss Part I.  Throughout the series we'll review real emergency cases and track their management and outcomes.  

Environmental Medicine is a very broad field which addresses temperature related conditions and injuries, elevation sickness, chemical toxins, lightning strikes, infectious diseases, as well as allergies/rashes, poisonings, bites, and envenomations.  For more information see The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) (aaemonline.org)

Robert is a naturalist, and former Emergency Department Physician Assistant with 28 years of experience treating emergency patients in both Traverse City and Chelsea, MI.  This is a talk that he has given to the PA Fellowship Program at St. Joe's Hosptial and to the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants.

24 September 2024: Wildflower Images for Fun and Science - Bob Smith

In a panoramic review of our local flora, we will consider our perception of beauty and how floral patterns determine pollination, seed development, and fruit dispersal.

Bio: Bob is a botany enthusiast and photographer extraordinaire. He has submitted over 4000 specimens for the University of Michigan Herbarium and has contributed myriad excellent photos for its associated Michigan Flora Online project. His focus has been on the flora of Lenawee County, where he may be found leading field trips at Ives Road Fen and other choice locations along the River Raisin.

22 October 2024: Native Orchids of Michigan, Presenter - Michael Kielb

Topic: A discussion about native Michigan orchids, where to find them and when they should be blooming.

Bio: Retired Biology faculty at Eastern Michigan University. Has written books on birds and natural history. Goes all over Michigan in search of orchids and has found and photographed over 90% of the species present.

26 November 2024: Flora of Craig Lake State Park - Scott Warner

Topic: Scott conducted forest inventory at our most remote state park. He will discuss the interesting plants he encountered while traversing sedge meadows, conifer swamps, and granite cliffs. These plants include Hippuris vulgaris (mare’s tale), Carex pauciflora (sedge), and Gentiana linearis (narrow-leaved gentian).

Bio: Scott is a botanist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory and instructor of Plant Systematics at Michigan State University.

2023

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

16 January 2023: The Miniature World of Bryophytes - Dr. Robert Klips

Mosses and liverworts are small organisms with an amazing capacity to grow in places too nutrient-poor or dry to support higher plants.  They are small but when viewed up close show remarkable intricacy in the structures they use to attach to substrates, capture sunlight, and reproduce.  We will see close-up photographs showing the life cycle and ecology of these charming but often overlooked members of our flora and learn how to recognize several of the most common ones.

Robert Klips is an associate professor emeritus in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at Ohio State University (OSU).  He currently manages the bryophyte and lichen specimen collections in the herbarium at OSU’s Museum of Biological Diversity.  Skilled in botanical macrophotography, Klips served as the photographer for the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s 2017 Common Lichens of Ohio Field Guide and is the author of the newly-published Common Mosses, Liverworts, and Lichens of Ohio: A Visual Guide (Ohio University Press).  He frequently conducts field work and educates nature study groups about the identification, ecology, and distribution of Ohio plants and lichens. 

 20 February 2023: Biological Collections: From Dark Data to a Global Accessible Digital Resource Documenting Life on Earth - Reed S. Beaman

For more than 300 years, biologists have documented research by preserving samples, known as voucher specimens, in biological collections.  These specimens are the direct evidence for recognition, description, and publication of the millions of species known to science. The basic data and information within collections worldwide underwrite our knowledge about biological diversity, the history of life on Earth, molecular and cellular biology, and organismic and ecological systems.  Downstream applications in biomedical research, agriculture, and management of genetic and natural resources also directly use or indirectly benefit from collection knowledge bases.  However, access to the physical specimens and data associated with them has traditionally been available only to specialists based on the credentials and academic background.  Our national and international infrastructure of biological collections is a treasure trove of data; but these are dark data, much of which is still hidden away in the physical archives.  This program will address how advances in technology are changing how collections are curated, maintained, secured, and made accessible, increasing their relevance to science and society.  It also will illustrate examples of how long-term investments in collections are paying off, along with the challenges for supporting and managing the infrastructure critical to their maintenance, growth, and effective utilization.

Dr. Reed Beaman is a Program Director at the National Science Foundation (NSF) with primarily responsibilities for the Capacity: Biological Collections and Biology Integration Institutes programs.  Previously, Reed’s research interests have focused on Southeast Asia, particularly on Mount Kinabalu, a biodiversity hotspot on the island of Borneo.  His dissertation work involved the description of eight new plant species and landscape level biogeographic analysis using remote sensing imagery and geographic information systems.  He has engaged with researchers in Asia as the Biodiversity Expedition lead for the Pacific Rim Applications and Middleware Grad Applications (PRAGMA) network, a community of practice that facilitates cyberinfrastructure experimentation on an international scale and served as an Embassy Fellow in Vietnam.  Reed earned a BS in Botany at the University of Michigan and a PhD in Botany at the University of Florida and held postdoctoral positions at the Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney and the University of Kansas.  Prior to coming to NSF, Reed held leadership positions in informatics at the Yale Peabody Museum and at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

 20 March 2023: Flora of Middle-Earth: Plants of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium - Walter Judd

Description: The illustrated talk will introduce the most important of the 140+ plants explicitly mentioned and described in Tolkien's Middle-Earth writings.  Tolkien's books are meant to reconnect us to important elements in our internal and external landscapes -- and Middle-Earth's plants are part of this task -- correcting our cultural blindness to things green!  Tolkien's love of the world of plants will be explored, using examples that we see every day, such as oaks, pines, and waterlilies, as well as those "lit by a light that would not be seen ever in a growing plant" as with elanor, niphredil, or kingsfoil.  Finally, the talk will address Tolkien's views relating to stewardship of the natural world.

 Walter Judd is a plant systematist and distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Florida; he now resides in St. Paul, MN, where he has a courtesy appointment at the University of Minnesota herbarium.  He is currently working on the systematics of Ericaceae (Vaccinieae, Lyonieae, and Gautherieae) and Melastomataceae (Miconieae, Henrietteae, and Rhexieae) and on the fifth edition of the popular textbook, Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach.  He is a coauthor of Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms: Revised and Updated Edition and the Flora of Middle-Earth, and he has contributed to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group and the Flora of North America.

 17 April 2023: Plants of the Galapagos Islands: the wretched-looking little weeds that troubled Darwin - Conley McMullen

For many individuals, mention of the Galápagos Islands conjures up thoughts of giant tortoises and finches' beaks.  And rightly so, for these animal residents have long been recognized as examples of adaptive radiation within an island ecosystem.  What many persons don’t know is that the plants of the Galápagos are just as unique as their animal neighbors.  The genus Scalesia, for instance, comprises 15 species and is the plant world’s version of Darwin’s famous finches. Most natural history buffs are aware that the finches have beaks that differ in shape and size, primarily as an adaptation to the food sources available on the island they inhabit. In like manner, members of Scalesia show a similar radiation of morphological types in differing habitats. But instead of beaks, they differ in their overall habit, leaf shape, leaf margin, and inflorescence type. These differences troubled Darwin initially, but eventually helped him formulate his hypothesis that we now know as natural selection.

Dr. Conley K. McMullen is Professor of Biology and Herbarium Director at James Madison University. His classes and research focus on the floristics, systematics, pollination biology, and conservation of plants in the eastern U.S. and the Galápagos Islands.  He has served both the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society and the Virginia Academy of Science as President, the Association of Southeastern Biologists as Secretary, and the Society of Herbarium Curators as editor of The Vasculum.  He is an Honorary Research Associate of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Vice President of the Flora of Virginia Project, and a Governing Member of the Charles Darwin Foundation. He is a Fellow of the Virginia Academy of Science and the Linnean Society of London, and he is a leader at the West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage.  He is author of Flowering Plants of the Galápagos.

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

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.

2022

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

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

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: Underexplored and Underappreciated: The Habitats and Plants of the Western Upper Peninsula - Nate Martineau

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: An introduction to the genus Medinilla (Melastomataceae) - Peter Quakenbush

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.

19 September 2022: Boat Times with Bassett and his Band of Brutish Brethren - Tyler Bassett

Great Lakes islands provide critical habitat for native biodiversity and support rare and endemic natural communities. A diverse assemblage of approximately 600 islands occurs across Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Superior and the connecting channels.  While private ownership prevails on many of the larger and better-known islands, lands owned and managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, the United Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and other public agencies are crucial to regional biodiversity conservation.  These islands are managed to support the abundant biodiversity they support – threatened and endangered species, resident wildlife, and migratory bird and pollinator species that use these islands as stopover and nesting habitat.  This biodiversity is associated with several high-quality examples of natural communities, including unique communities that form on exposed limestone bedrock and cobble, and more widespread communities such as mesic and boreal forests.  Many of these islands occur along the Niagara escarpment, a band of dolomitic limestone arching from Niagara Falls through the Straits of Mackinac to Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula.  In 2021-2022, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory conducted botanical and ecological surveys on 31 of the 36 islands in the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) system in the Great Lakes across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio.  These islands are generally remote, difficult to access, and challenging to survey, but their remoteness underscores their conservation value.  This presentation will cover some the highlights of these surveys, focusing on rare plant species such as climbing fumitory (Adlumia fungosa), calamint (Clinipodium arkansum), and rock whitlow grass (Draba arabisans), and the natural communities where they are found … maybe a little bit about the feral humans that documented them.

Tyler is a botanist and plant ecologist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension.  He studies the ecology of natural communities, with a focus on the rare plant species they support.  He has a particular passion for understanding and restoring the fragmented prairie-savanna landscapes of the upper Midwest.  His familiarity with the ecosystems of the upper Midwest from two decades as a field biologist, combined with a broad knowledge of ecological processes and the theory that describes them, inform Tyler’s efforts to bring the science and practice of conservation and restoration together to improve outcomes for biodiversity.  Communicating both the necessity and process of achieving these outcomes to a range of audiences is an essential step in that process, and one he enjoys.  He has worked in private, public, non-profit, and academic spheres, including with the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Michigan State University, the ecological restoration firm Native Connections, and as an independent consultant.  He earned a B.S. in Biology from Western Michigan University in 2000 and PhD from Michigan State University in 2017.  

 17 October 2022: Seed and Rhizome Banks: Ecological changes at Cecil Bay Marsh from 1971-2022 - Denny Albert

 Wetland plants were collected along a 200 meter transect at Cecil Bay along the south shore of the Mackinac Straits as part of Dr. Edward Voss’ Boreal Flora class, with continual sampling through 2005, and additional sampling from 2012 to 2022, providing a summary of vegetation response to changing Great Lakes water levels.  Seed banks, rhizome banks, and erosional and depositional processes will be discussed.

 Dennis Albert is a Research Professor in the Horticulture Department of Oregon State University, where his research has focused on wetland restoration and Oregon’s native plants.  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.

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

Dr. Albert wrote the Ecological Overview of the Flora of Oregon, as well as books on Michigan’s original vegetation, plant communities, coastal wetlands, sand dunes, and ecoregions.    While an ecologist at Michigan’ Heritage Program in the 1990s, he proposed the Nature Conservancy’s Northern Lake Huron Bioreserve, and his biological surveys of northern Michigan resulted in over 30 miles of Great Lakes shoreline acquisition for natural areas and addition to state of MI ownership.

 21 November 2022: An Evening with Conifers - Bill Brodovich

We’ll start by looking at why the world’s 630 conifer species comprise a natural group, whereas gymnosperms (in which conifers are traditionally placed) are not a natural group. This is true despite the fact that many conifer species lack cones (e.g. yews), whereas some non-conifer gymnosperms (e. g. cycads) possess cones. Then we’ll look at the biogeography of the world’s conifers and discuss what factors likely contributed to the absence of conifers in some regions, and their dominance in others.  We’ll also discuss the factors that have led to the gradual decline of so many conifer genera, whereas other genera (e. g. the pines of Mexico) continue to thrive and actively evolve.  Finally, we’ll examine some little-known and quite remarkable conifer species, and discuss the urgent need for ex situ cultivation of the rare ones.

Bill is a native of Detroit who has degrees in botany and biology from U-M.  His teachers included Herb Wagner, Ed Voss, Howard Crum, and Larry Nooden.  He spent one summer at the U-M Biological Station where his fellow students included Robert Ayotte, Denny Albert, and Mike Penskar.  Bill has worked for many years for private companies mapping wetlands, conducting tree surveys, and even doing an occasional rare plant survey.  Over the years, he has come across many interesting plants, which he has collected and contributed to the U-M Herbarium.  He has a long-standing interest in the world’s conifers and has quite a few of them in his garden.  When he finally retires, he hopes to do conifer research.

2021

18 January 2021: Back to the Roots - Monique Weemstra

This presentation concerns 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 Edwin 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, Postdoc 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 ;-)

15 February 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 Emeritus 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. 

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

 The Michigan Botanical Club 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 (Roo-Shell) 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).

19 April 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.  Julie will elucidate the challenges and benefits of working to protect this declining natural community – which is now in 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. 

20 September 2021: Ecological species groups and post-fire forest succession at Mack Lake - Julia 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.

 18 October 18 2021: What’s in Our Watershed? - Kris Olsson and Kate Laramie

 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

15 November 2021: 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 Club, having served 2016–2021.

2020

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

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.

17 February 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.

16 March 2020: Identifying Invasive Plants - Don Drife

Naturalist 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.

20 April 2020: Modern Systematics and Illuminating Hidden Relationships of Plants - Tony Reznicek

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.

21 September 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.

19 October 2020: Collaborative Management of a New Invasive Species: Managing Stiltgrass in Southeast Michigan - Alice Elliott

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!

16 November 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.

2019

21 January 2019:  The Other New World Temperate vegetation Zone: Patagonia -  Anton Reznicek

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.

 18 February 2018: The Complex Environmental Web of Northern Lower Michigan: Climate, Soils, Forests - Randy Schaetzl

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.

18 March 2018: Creating Near Native Habitats in Built Environments - Matt Demmon

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.

15 April 2019: Spring Flora with Bob and Bob - Bob Smith & Robert Ayotte

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.  

2018

17 September 2018: Glacial Geology of Michigan and Formation of the Great Lakes: Larry Bean

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. 

Larry Bean: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

 15 October 2018: Factors Influencing the Distribution of Natural Communities in Michigan - Michael Kost

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.

Michael Kost: Curator of Native Plants, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, University of Michigan

19 November 2018: Ecological Surveys of Southern Michigan: reflections on the importance of public land. 

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.

Jesse Lincoln: MSU-Ext Michigan Natural Features Inventory

2017

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.

2016

18 January 2016: Annual Potluck - WILDFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY AND TECHNIQUES - 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= 

15 February 15, 2016: Kissing Cousins and Family Skeletons - The Michigan Flora and Modern Evolutionary Biology - Anton 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.

21 March 2016: Ecosystem Conservation at The Nature Conservancy’s Erie Marsh Preserve - Chris May,

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.

Chris is Director of Restoration for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan.

18 April 2016: Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan - Barb Barton

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.

Barb is an endangered species biologist and Wild Rice conservationist.

21 November 2016: The Far-Reaching Effects of Soil Fungi on Plant-Insect Interactions - Amanda Meier

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.

Amanda Meier,  doctoral student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan.

17 October 2016:  THE MICHIGAN DUNE ALLIANCE:  RESTORING EASTERN LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS - Shaun Howard   

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. 

SHAUN HOWARD, The Nature Conservancy’s Eastern Lake Michigan Project Manager.

19 September 2016: THE RUBIACEOUS ANT-PLANTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA, LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS FOR ANTS - 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.

Biology on Tap Presentations

Biology on Tap was a public outreach and education program sponsored by and presented by the MBC Huron Valley Chapter. Most were held at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, MI. The format included students and faculty from University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University giving 2-3 stacked 20-30 minute powerpoint presentations. HVC conducted a trivia session after the talks - with the winner getting a prize (uisually some type of field guide). Attendance varied from 35-85. The program was put on hold secondary to Covid-19.

Field Trips

2025

Saturday 1 February 2025 10:00 AM

Through the Seasons at Nan Weston Nature Preserve (A Four-Part Series), Part I: Winter - Trip Leader: Robert Ayotte

Join naturalist Robert Ayotte for a hike along the trails at Nan Weston for an exploration of plants in their winter condition with a focus on dormant trees and shrubs, evergreens, and persistent fruits.  We’ll also keep an eye out for evidence of insects, birds and abandoned nests, and tracks in the snow. 

Meet at the Nan Weston Nature Preserve Parking Lot on Easudes Rd.  The hike will be 2.5 miles over relatively level terrain.  If conditions are icy wear your Yak Trax. 

This is the first of a four-part series whereby we will visit Nan Weston in each of the four seasons.

2024

10 February 2024: Tour of the University of Michigan Herbarium - Anton Reznicek

While it is still too early to see much blooming outside, there are hundreds of thousands of Michigan plants pressed and stored in the University of Michigan Herbarium reflecting almost two centuries of botanical work in the State. We’ll look at how these specimens are used and “translated” into the Michigan Flora, who the major collectors were, and also specimens from some of the pioneers of Michigan plant exploration. We’ll also have a brief look at the world-wide breadth of the Herbarium beyond Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

Note: the Herbarium is at 3600 Varsity Drive (off Ellsworth) – parking is free on weekends. The building's front doors will be locked, so we’ll have to be near the doors to let people in, so do try to be on time.

13 April 2024: Rendez-vous with Harbinger of Spring at Dexter-Huron Metropark - Robert Ayotte

Heat exposure over time (heat sum or degree heat days) is the main driver for spring blooming and leaf-flushing for Northern Temperate plants (Rathcke and Lacey 1985, Bertin 2008).  Given the recent mild winter, we are expecting an early emergence on the part of  our spring ephemerals.  

The term “spring ephemeral” refers to small woodland perennial herbs that take advantage of a period of high light intensity to complete their life cycles.  They are dormant through the winter as modified underground stems including bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers.  When the soil warms, and is moistened by spring rains, these structures quickly send up leaves, form flowers, and set fruit all before the development of heavy shade from the forest canopy. 

Under the floodplain canopy we’ll expect to see harbinger of spring (Erigenia bulbosa), cutleaf toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), false rue-anemone (Enemion biternatum),  and ramps (Allium tricoccum), and trout lily (Erythronium americanum).  Along the B2B trail we may also observe the blooms of spring-beauty (Claytonia virginica), round-lobed hepatica (Hepatica americana), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and hazelnut (Corylus americana).

Meet at the far-eastern parking lot of Dexter-Huron Metropark

6535 Huron River Drive

Dexter, MI 48130

Park Fee: $10 or Annual Vehicle Pass

20 April 2024: Mason High School Mesic Southern Forest - Scott Warner

Description: Paradoxically, municipal parks can support some of the oldest and richest remnant forests if they were set aside early enough and appropriately protected. This is true of Scott Woods Park in Lansing, Bennett Park in Charlotte, and the high school woodlot in Mason. This woodlot seems to be of little fame among the Michigan botanical community, but this is not for lack of quality. This mesic southern forest supports a canopy of large sugar maple, with lesser amounts of red oak, beech, and basswood. The spring flora is about as rich as any woodlot in southern Michigan, sure to delight the wildflower enthusiast. Among the flowers are Phlox divaricata, Trillium grandiflorum, Erythronium americanum, Dicentra cucullaria, Viola eriocarpa, Uvularia grandiflora, Sanguinaria canadensis, and Hydrophyllum canadense. There is also a diversity of sedges, the identification of which we will discuss, including Carex plantaginea, C. hirtifolia, C. woodii, and C. careyana.

Recognizing that this is a longer drive for many club members, attendees will receive a pamphlet with information about some other beautiful mesic forests in Ingham County, with directions included, to help make the trip worth the drive. Dansville State Game Area is also conveniently en route from Chelsea and Ann Arbor. Though it doesn’t support a rich spring flora, it offers very pleasant hiking.

Meeting place: Directly west of Ingham County fairgrounds, directly south of Rayner Park. Park and meet at trailhead on north perimeter of woodlot, at southern terminus of County Park Rd, 42.57198, -84.43149. From Chelsea, take M-52 N to M-36 W. Take M-36 W into Mason. At Rayner Park on the east edge of town, turn left onto County Park Rd. or Schaeffer Dr. Travel south along the park roads to the meeting location. Note: this is not the same as the rich woodlot on the north side of Mason near the elementary school.

Bio: Scott Warner is a botanist with a focus on the vascular plants of Michigan. He received his PhD in Plant Biology from Michigan State University. Since 2021, he has been a conservation associate at MNFI and since 2023 instructor of Plant Systematics at MSU.

27 April 2024: A celebration of the mesic southern forest community (AKA beech-maple forest type) - Robert Ayotte

Notes from the original Government Land Office surveys (1815-1856) suggest that, in Michigan, the pre-European settlement mesic southern forest community occupied about 6 million acres.  It was, by far, the most common forest type in the southern half of the lower peninsula – with patches from less than one acre to over 400,000 acres (mean size of 9,000 acres).  Land clearing for settlement, agriculture, timber, and development has confined this community to small fragments, often less than 40 acres.  The NatureServe Global and State Conservation Status Categories are Global 2 (imperiled) and State 3 (vulnerable) (NatureServe 2024; Cohen et al. 2020). 

Join the HVC for an exploration of two mesic southern forest fragments including Creekshead Nature Preserve (Legacy Land Conservancy) and Miller Woods (Plymouth Community School District).  We’ll talk about the ecosystem dynamics, especially as regards the historical role of fire, and enjoy spring ephemerals along the way. 

Parking at these sites is extremely limited so we’ll meet at Matthaei Botanical Gardens for Carpooling.  Each of these walks will be about 0.5 miles.  The trails at Creekshead NP are easy-going and flat while those at Springhill NP are gently sloping.  As usual, we’ll be moving at a botanical-club pace!

4 May 2024 - 10:00 AM: Mary Beth Doyle Park - Bev Walters

Another woodland gem! In this case a wet-mesic forest nestled along Mallets Creek in Mary Beth Doyle Park (Ann Arbor's south side) . Here we will find many of the common spring ephemerals: Trillium grandilforum (common trillium), Geranium maculatum (wild geranium) and Erythronium americanum (yellow trout-lily) that are typical in forested habitats in SE Michigan. The woods also support large populations of the more uncommon Erythronium albidum (white trout-lily) and Trillium flexipes (drooping trillium), whose down-turned flowers are sometimes hard to spot among those of its large-flowered cousin. These wildflower displays have been greatly enhanced by the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation restoration activities which have been ongoing in the woods for nearly three decades. Trails are a mix of plank boardwalks and footpaths that may be quite muddy or wet in places, so wear appropriate footwear.

Note: there are several entrances to the park - we'll meet at the SE trailhead at the Verle St deadend, west off Platt Road.

Questions? Guerin (734) 904-1484

19 May: Capstone Master’s Project: Joint program with the UM School for Environment and Sustainability - Robert Ayotte

HVC members will join a University of Michigan School for the Environment & Sustainability 2024-25 capstone master’s project team that is conducting a detailed forest ecosystem assessment at Nature and Nurture Heirloom Organic Seed Farm of Dexter, MI.  The 130-acre Farm, co-owned by Mike Levine and Erica Kempter, displays a mix of forest types home to a wide array of spring ephemerals and pteridophytes. 

The Capstone team would like to collaborate with the HVC in order to develop a greater understanding of the landforms, soils, and flora of the wooded area.  The goals include conducting an assessment of the farm's natural areas, producing a Strategic Stewardship Plan, and demonstrating the concept to the local farming community.   

29 June 2024: Excursion to Pickerel Lake - Guerin Wilkinson & Robert Ayotte

Having fully recovered from the foray in Adrian, let’s meet at Pickerel Lake’s parking lot for a hike around the lake and into the oak barrens. This is a pop-up field trip with Robert Ayotte as FT leader. He’s up north on assignment with MFNI therefore prepping will be minimal, but he and we know enough to make for an excellent and informed outing. We’ll traverse through oak-hickory forest, check out the emergent vegetation in the lake’s shallows, visit the sand barrens with bird’s-foot violets, Tephrosia and dwarf chinquapin oak, scout for Lithospermum (puccoons) and lupines, and skirt some wet depressions dominated by royal and cinnamon ferns.  

Other than a few short up- and down-hill climbs in the woods, we’ll be on mostly level solid ground. For those who remember getting ‘lost’ in the barrens searching for lupines, we’ll skip that part this time. Pickerel Lake is located off Hankerd Rd north of North Territorial in Dexter Township. Last I checked, North T is still closed at Dexter Town Hall Rd; access from the west (Chelsea) likely the easiest approach. Let’s meet at the Pickerel Lake parking lot (the one at the end of the drive, closest to the lake) at 2:00 pm. Questions? E-mail, call or text Guerin Wilkinson at (734) 904-1484.

20 July 2024: Kitty Todd Preserve in Ohio - Todd Crail

The Nature Conservancy’s Kitty Todd Preserve west of Toledo is arguably the most exciting destination for botanists within an hour’s drive of Ann Arbor. And if you’ve had the pleasure of being in the field or hearing a talk by Todd Crail, you would recognize him as among the most dynamic of presenters. Todd proposed this field trip as a follow-up to the one he led during the foray in Adrian. 

Kitty Todd is the centerpiece of the 1300 square mile Oak Openings region. As TNC describes the preserve, It is “composed of low-lying wetlands and windblown sand dunes populated by prairie, oak savanna, woodland and forest in a rural suburban area. Home to the globally endangered black oak savanna community, the preserve has one of the highest concentrations of rare species of any nature preserve in the state.” As members of MBS have learned, It is ALWAYS a treat to visit this area.

At the University of Toledo, Todd teaches a course on the community ecology of the plants and herpetofauna of the Oak Openings region. He is particularly knowledgeable about the effects of both fire suppression and the use of fire as a management practice. He also teaches classes on the ecology and conservation of fresh water fishes and river mussels.  

We will meet at 10:00 at Kitty Todd headquarters at 10420 Old State Line Rd in Swanton, Ohio.  Questions? Call or text Guerin Wilkinson at (734) 904-1484.

24 August 2024: Field trip to Lake Erie (Sterling State Park) - Bob Smith

Of the 103 state parks in Michigan there’s only one on Lake Erie: Sterling State Park in Monroe.  The state claims that the park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored lakeplain prairie habitat. These native ecosystems are ridiculously rare. Our field trip leader Bob Smith has visited this park a number of times in the past, and he has volunteered to lead a field trip there. 

The big draw here is the American lotus (Nelumbo lutea). A lotus flower, here in Michigan! Bob says he also recalls Strophostyles, Echinochloa walteri, Oenothera gaura, and Sagittaria montevidensis. Of course it’s not just about the plant species. We’re doing deep(ish) dives into natural environments that were very common when Europeans arrived, and which now are barely hanging on, and only with great effort. That’s reason enough to join this field trip.  

Sterling State Park is at 2800 State Park Rd. It has its own road (which runs off of Dixie Highway), so just navigate to the park. Interstate 75 will get you very close. It’s a  45-minute drive from Ann Arbor. Meet at the parking lot with a sign that says “Trail head fishing piers.” Enter the park, take the curve around to the right and continue a bit further in that direction.

Questions? Call or text Guerin Wilkinson at (734) 904-1484.

20 September 23024: Return to Nature & Nurture Farm: A Focus on Asters and Goldenrods! Trip Leader - Kate Laramie & The UM SEAS Capstone Crew

Our University of Michigan Capstone graduate team will be meeting with HVC member Kate Laramie from the Huron River Watershed Council at Nature & Nurture Farm for a fall natural areas assessment. As a compliment to our spring assessment, we will add as much fall flora as we can identify.

Robert will bring the key for the Asteraceae. They are a tough family! Be sure to bring your Loupe!

Location: 7100 Marshall Rd. Dexter, MI

21 September 2024: Fall HVC Members Potluck at Furstenberg Nature Area - Julie McLaughlin

2626 Fuller Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Let’s celebrate the end of another fabulous field season! Furstenberg Nature Area is a 38-acre park on Fuller Road just west of Gallup Park. The green space borders the Huron River and comprises floodplain forest, oak savanna, and various wetlands. The Natural Areas Preservation staff has been conducting controlled burns for invasive and shrub removal since 1996.

There are picnic tables sans shelters so we shall hope for good weather and adjust as needed. Bring your favorite dish to share, and a tasty beverage. Consider bringing your fancy mess kit and scout’s utensils. (The M football game is not until 3:30 PM so traffic should not be too bad).

We’ll have a botany ramble after the meal; so, don't forget your loupe!

12 October 2024: Fall Woodies at Leonard Preserve - Neal Billetdeaux

The 259-acre Leonard Preserve is the largest natural area in the County’s system of NAPP preserves. Its diverse remnants and nearly one mile of winding River Raisin shoreline. HVC has not led a trip to this wonderful preserve since 2019. We will focus on trees and shrubs as well as some of the late goldenrods and asters and perhaps a discussion on fall colors. We will be walking mostly on mowed paths which could be a little wet. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Exploring other parts of the preserve is an option following the hike for those interested. These coordinates in your browser will take you there:

42.1513, -84.0503. You can find directions at the link: https://www.washtenaw.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Leonard-Preserve-13

2023

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.

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.

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.   

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 >

2020

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

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 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

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.

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."

 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

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.

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 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.