“The River Raisin Stewardship Network” is Born

he RVLT’s directors have recently acknowledged that our organization must do more than hold conservation easements in perpetuity. Much of the 500+ acres in our nine easements is “natural” habitat, but most of these natural areas have been heavily impacted by human activities over the past two centuries. Non-native, invasive species introduced either purposely or unintentionally have displaced many plant and animal species native to our region. Some natives are rarely if ever found anymore. These uncommon, threatened and endangered species, if given a helping hand, can provide the genetic and biological diversity to help restore the natural ecosystems in some key areas of the watershed.

To be good stewards of the land entrusted to our care, we need access to experts in natural areas management, and to a pool of trained volunteers. In hope of finding those resources, RVLT joined with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to call a meeting of organizations with environmental interests in the Raisin area to see if there would be support for the formation of a River Raisin “cluster” of the Southeast Michigan Stewardship Network (SMSN). Participants at the first meeting included representatives of the River Raisin Watershed Council, Adrian Parks and Forestry Department, the Lenawee County Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, as well as several interested individuals with expertise in native habitats.

After just two meetings, two clear objectives emerged: to provide training in natural areas stewardship, and to establish a contingent of volunteers who are willing to offer their time and energy. As of this writing, SMSN staff members are working out a schedule of training sessions to take place in the Raisin watershed throughout the management season (all year, in fact!). In these workshops, professional land stewards will discuss management theory and teach techniques for controlling particular species.

Watch for a separate mailing, coming soon, with more information; or send email to raisinstewardshipnetwork@umich.edu if you would like to participate in the workshops or in the RR Stewardship Network meetings.

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Design by Kenny King.