“This area that we're focusing on is a prairie, so we don't want any big shrubs, we don't want any big trees.”
Tyler Lidgard is the Steward for Southwest Michigan with the Department of Natural Resources.
“We want it to stay open for native birds, native grasses, for migrating birds and animals.”
This weekend the DNR is hosting a volunteer workshop at Saugatuck Dunes State Park to remove invasive woody species and open habitat for native species to thrive.
“You can pull the little guys, you can pull them right out of the ground, they'll come with the root and all. Otherwise, we use a method called cut stump treatments. We cut at the base of any woody plant as low to the ground as possible and then immediately apply herbicide to that stump.”
Lidgard explains February is an ideal time because without foliage, it’s easier to access unwanted plants.
“Most species of plants are dormant in the wintertime, and they hold all their energy underground. So, if we tackle these invasive species while the energy is underground, that the herbicide that we use will get soaked into that ground system and really tackle that energy head on.”
The DNR will train and equip volunteers. Just dress appropriately and bring water.
The clean-up is from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, February 22 at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Laketown Township.
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