Watch Out for Invaders

March 25, 2023

Spring is here—cue the trumpets! But while we’re thrilled about the return of warmer days, we’re not so stoked about the reawakening of invasive species. Whether it’s balsam wooly adelgid, spotted lanternflies, autumn olive, or a smear of rock snot, we don’t want it around! The Michigan Invasive Species Program—a team up between the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development—has recently released their Michigan Invasive Species Program 2022 Annual Report, and in addition to a lot of helpful info about what the state is doing to mitigate these pests, you’ll also find a list of invasive species in the area and ways to help spot, report, and remove them. Head to michigan.gov/invasives to read the report and learn what you can do to stop the spread. (Or better yet, contact your local conservation district and see how you can get involved in the fight!)