Marx Wetlands LLC/Vara Environmental LLC

03/01/2025

🌱Do you know this Native Wetland Plant?
(Intermediate Level)- Spring Blooms
☀️🌱Groundwater Indicator Plant!

Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
Common Name: Skunk-Cabbage
Wetness Index: OBL - Obligate Wetland
Physiognomy: Native Perennial Forb

Skunk Cabbage is a unique wetland plant found in North America, known for its large, glossy (cabbage-like) leaves and purple, hooded flowers that bloom early in spring. Bruised leaves smell skunky!

Key Features:
Flood Tolerant: Grows in saturated soils and standing water.

Distinctive Flowers: Purple, hood-like flowers with a strong, musky odor.

Heat Production: Can generate heat to melt surrounding snow.

Fun Facts:
Pollinators: Attracts flies and beetles.

Name Origin: Named for its skunk-like smell.

Traditional Use: Used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, though toxic if consumed incorrectly.

Photo credit: Gary Marx (from our archives).

Have you seen this plant yet?

05/28/2024

Description Michigan’s landscape includes a remarkable array of Wetland Natural Communities. These natural communities are critical lands necessary for conserving the diversity of native plants and animals that represent the natural heritage of Michigan. These rare wetlands are afforded additional...

05/28/2024

Name of Class: Wetland Bird Identification (1 Day) Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Date: May 30, 2024 Location: Field: 2 sites in/near Holland, MI: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464) Window on the Waterfront (E 6th Street & Central Avenue, Holland, MI 49423) Optional C...

03/30/2024

In Berkeley, California, a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk lay dead in a pool of its own blood on the sidewalk. Paul Randall and his eight-year-old son Gabe were walking their dog when they discovered the co**se of the bird, which had hatched just two months earlier. The Randalls flagged down their neighb

03/24/2024

Spring is right around the corner. 🥰

02/13/2024

Hi Professionals and Certified Arborists, who will be at the ArborCon in Lansing this week?

I will be there Todsy and tomorrow, See ya there!

https://www.asm-isa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=883139&module_id=282075

02/02/2024

Happy World Wetlands Day!

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the intergovernmental treaty called the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Ramsar Treaty, signed by 158 countries, provides a framework for international action and cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. As part of the treaty, countries must designate sites for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. Sites are designated based on their international significance in terms of ecology, hydrology, and/or biological communities, as measured by criteria set forth by the Convention. We have our very own wetland of international significance here in Michigan, Humbug Marsh, along the Detroit River. It is a Great Lakes coastal marsh, a globally imperiled community, and one of the last unaltered wetlands in the Detroit River corridor. It is a critical stopover site for migrating waterfowl, passerines, and raptors and is vital habitat for regionally rare fish, birds, insects, and plants.

02/02/2024

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NjTj-kJaQH2cJjalAkjbSQ #/registration

Modernize workflows with Zoom's trusted collaboration tools: including video meetings, team chat, VoIP phone, webinars, whiteboard, contact center, and events.

02/01/2024

💧🌿🌍World Wetlands Day!💧🌿🌍
Feb 2nd is celebrated as World Wetlands Day.

Why are Wetlands Important?

🐢🐟🐸Fish & wildlife habitats
💧🚰water quality improvement
🌊flood protection and management
🏝️🌊💧shoreline erosion control
🏕️🎣🛶🥾Recreation activities
🌅🏞️😍aesthetics and beauty
🍚🪵🫐natural products

I am fortunate to work in wetlands on a regular basis. I am dedicated to the identification and protection of wetlands. Wetlands are so valuable to the world. Hope everyone has a great World Wetlands Day this Friday.

How will you celebrate?



https://lnkd.in/dk69WMsV

www.worldwetlandsday.org

01/03/2024

Happy new year! Hope everyone had a restful and relaxing holiday season.

2024 marks our 16th year, and 6th year under new ownership. We are so grateful for all our connections and opportunities with each passing year.

Thank you again for your support! Wishing you all a fruitful and happy 2024! Cheers!

Sincerely,
Bryana Guevara, Owner
Marx Wetlands LLC

11/10/2023

Fall days are beautiful, but it is also hunting season. Always remember to wear orange in the field, check with property owners to see if hunters will be out, and plan accordingly.

Today I startled a couple hunters, which I felt bad to have ruined their day, but luckily my high-vis vest and orange hat helped them spot me!

Next week in Michigan 11/15 is firearm season, be aware and stay safe.

First two photos is a buttonbush swamp. The bottom photos are of sassafras! Nice upland native tree 🙂

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09/21/2023

Want to know where Midland County’s best spots to see wildlife are?! This class will discuss both the well known and secret places in Midland County for excellent wildlife viewing. Discover some great birdwatching and other wildlife viewing opportunities as spring migration begins!