Stewardship Network News

Stewards pause after completing a short course in buckthorn control.

he third in a series of stewardship workshops was held at the Goose Creek Fen1 in Lenawee County in late June. The site is owned and managed by the Michigan Nature Association (MNA), one of the partners that form the Raisin Cluster2 of the SMSN.3 The problem plant at the site is glossy buckthorn, an aggressive European shrub that threatens to crowd out the diverse array of native species that make this fen special. Workshop participants got hands-on experience using a control method that involves loppers, herbicide and a specially designed herbicide applicator.

This “cut and paint” control method, which targets established plants, is often used in conjunction with prescribed burns, which discourage new seedlings. Both strategies are appropriate for any of the aggressive woody shrubs that are common in our area, such as autumn olive, common buckthorn, honeysuckle and multiflora rose. These invasive opportunists are prevalent in fields after cultivation is stopped, or anyplace where native populations have been disturbed.

It may seem incongruous for stewards to use herbicides. By definition, aggressive invasive plants have unbeatable advantages over native species and indigenous control agents. They are so successful, control strategies that rely on human muscle and mechanical means are often ineffective. More and more naturalists are recognizing that herbicides are often a necessary compliment to sweat. Applied properly and in the context of a science-based control plan, herbicides can be safe for humans and the environment.

Attention to detail ensures the effort will help to restore the fen.

In this workshop, staff from the Nature Conservancy discussed factors to consider when using Glyphosphate, a common herbicide that breaks down after application from microbial action. The concentration of the solution, the method of its application and the amount applied may all be dependent on features of the particular habitat and of the targeted species. Actually applying the herbicide according to specification is no small task, especially when the crew are volunteers; so TNC developed an inexpensive hand-held device to contain the pre-mixed solution and allow the volunteer to minutely control its distribution. A blue dye is added to the solution to clearly show that the stem has been treated.

If you are interested in learning more about controlling woody invasive plants, obtaining the specifications for the applicator, or participating in future workshops, please contact the RVLT at stewardship@rvlt.org.

Fall workshops are being planned. Check the RVLT web site for current information: www.rvlt.org.

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Design by Kenny King.