West Michigan CISMA

09/02/2026

Hot off the press! The State of Michigan is expanding its Don't Move Firewood campaign to institute a certification program for producers and suppliers to have their firewood products be Certified Invasive-Free. This allows consumers to make the choice to purchase wood that has been heat-treated to kill harmful forest pests, like hemlock woolly adelgid or oak wilt. Look for Michigan’s “Certified Invasive-Free” seal or the U.S. Department of Agriculture certification shield on firewood packaging to avoid spreading invasive species through firewood.

Learn more in the press release linked below!

The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Natural Resources (DNR) are reminding consumers to not move firewood long distances this holiday weekend to help prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases. The agencies are also working to expand access to cert...

09/01/2026

Good reminder to check your trees for ALB!

08/30/2026

We love cooperating with partners to manage invasive species!

08/25/2026

Consider attending this fundraiser for the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition. They have been doing such great conservation and education in Newaygo County over the past few years.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, September 26 for a very special event: “Garden of Dreams: If You Plant It, They Will Come”

During this 2nd annual NCEC Fall Gala Fundraiser you will:

* Be introduced to local native bees, butterflies and other insects who live in Newaygo County's protected habitats.

* Learn why time is of the essence for all of us to help support these threatened pollinators.

* Receive guidance and resources in planning and planting your own "Garden of Dreams" with native plants that will attract and support the very same pollinators that are found in our local habitats.

* Understand that we are all KEY to helping our native bees, butterflies and other pollinators survive, and thrive!

3:00pm Doors Open, Hors d'oeuvres, Silent Auction begins!
Come early to meet with with regional Native Plant Nurseries & Garden Design Landscapers to help you plan your Garden of Dreams

4:00pm Featured Presentations:
Jim Dunn, NCEC Board Member, Professor Emeritus & Entomologist.
“Newaygo County’s Native Bees, Butterflies & Pollinators"

Alysia Babcock, "The Garden Guru", Advanced Master Gardener & Master Naturalist.
“Plant for Pollinators: How to Choose & Grow the Best Native Plants for Your Yard”

5:30pm Silent Auction Ends
Plus optional tour of the Tall Grass Prairie at Fremont Area Community Foundation

We promise you a great afternoon of fun and inspiration!
And you will come away knowing how to:

*Nurture our threatened pollinators with native plants on your property
*Help protect, restore and keep our natural habitats and wildlife healthy

08/13/2026

Attention landowners with hemlock trees in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties! West Michigan CISMA has grant funding to host workshops in each of our lakeshore counties for landowners interested in learning more about hemlock woolly adelgid management. Topics will include chemical control, silvicultural techniques, biological control, and reforestation as tools to manage HWA on the landscape. Landowners may also be eligible to receive free tree tubes as part of the project. Workshop information is below!

Oceana: September 1st, 5 - 7 PM, Oceana Conservation District Office, Shelby

Muskegon: September 3rd, 5 - 7 PM, Muskegon Conservation District Office, Twin Lake

Allegan: September 9th, 6 - 7:30 PM, The Felt Estate, Holland

Ottawa: September 15th, 6 - 7:30 PM, Ottawa County Parks Nature Center, West Olive, MI

Questions about these workshops should be directed to [email protected]. Funding for these workshops is provided through a grant from the Landscape Scale Restoration Fund through the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

08/10/2026

Thank you for 1,000 followers! For those of you who are new around here, the West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is an organization that works with federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal nations, non-profits, individual landowners, and more to manage invasive species across jurisdictional boundaries. Our fiduciary is the Ottawa Conservation District, meaning that they hold our grant funds and other assets. We also closely cooperate with Muskegon and Kent Conservation Districts to manage invasive species across Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo Counties. Thank you for following us as we strive to provide pertinent information about invasive species in West Michigan!

08/04/2026

Have you seen stiltgrass growing near you? Stiltgrass is an invasive annual grass that forms dense monocultures, decreasing native plant diversity. This species is on the State of Michigan's Watch List, meaning it has limited distribution throughout the state, making it a priority for management. Treatment of stiltgrass is available at no cost to landowners while grant funding is available.

Click through these photos to learn more about how to identify stiltgrass.

You can report stiltgrass at https://www.misin.msu.edu/report/ or by contacting the West Michigan CISMA Coordinator, Murielle Garbarino. [email protected] 616-414-2055

07/30/2026

We love to see a wetland restoration 🪷 Go Kent Conservation District and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks!

07/28/2026

Do your part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like European frog-bit. Help protect waterways by remembering to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and equipment and thoroughly remove any visible plants, mud, or debris before moving between locations. By following these simple practices, you can help preserve aquatic ecosystems and prevent the spread of European frog-bit.

07/21/2026

Check those wildflower seed packets and seed cards before planting! They might contain invasive species, and a well-intentioned gardener could plant something ecologically harmful without realizing. So take an closer look at those seed mixes or find a reputable native seed vendor at www.nativeplantguild.com