[2021 MISC Annual Meeting]

I'm sharing a template version of the Expense Tracking Google doc I use to track our CISMA grant funding. I shared this during the session on "Tips and Tricks for Managing FundingMid Mi CISMA Grant Expenses Template.xlsx" session. I am also including a copy of our Contingency Plan, which came in very handy last year. 

Mid-Michigan CISMA Contingency Plan Final 2019.pdf

[Chameleon Plant]

Thanks for your input Katie. Good to hear that you have some evidence that headway may be made with physical removal.

Christina Baugher reached out to her contacts and came back with this information...

Susie Iott reached out to Erin Hill, a weed diagnostician at MSU. Here is her response about the chameleon plant – I hope it helps!

“Here’s a small write up I put together as the control options should be similar to those for other aggressive groundcovers like  goutweed. Note I do not have direct experience with this plant, but this should be effective. It’s tough to find info even within Google Scholar as apparently it has a lot of touted medicinal properties…who knew. 

Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata) is a perennial plant in the lizard tail family (Saururaceae). It is not native to Michigan and often used as an ornamental and for groundcover. This plant has the ability to form large colonies from underground rhizomes but it can also reproduce by seed.

Control of chameleon plant can be very difficult, depending on its location. Digging up the root system and removing foliage are certainly options for control and will weaken the root system over time, but it could take a very long time. The use of landscape fabric plus mulch to deprive the plant of sunlight may work in certain situations on a small scale, however any holes in the fabric for desired plant may offer an avenue for emergence. There are no selective herbicides that will kill this plant and not affect desirable broadleaf plants. Depending on how interspersed it is, how big the area is, and how large of a nuisance it is, it may be possible to spot treating with a herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup® Weed and Grass Killer, amongst others). Products containing glyphosate will injure other plants contacted during application (i.e. green tissue, damaged/green bark, exposed roots). Multiple applications may be necessary for complete control. Glyphosate does not have activity in the soil, so once you are satisfied with your level of control it is safe to replant desired species. Remember, always read and follow labeled directions.

*If it’s even in an all grass situation there are likely some selective herbicide options.”

[Chameleon Plant]

We recently had a report of chameleon plant - houttuynia cordata - which is non-native, but not listed on MISIN or the state's website. Has anyone else had inquires about this plant or been involved in any management or removal efforts?

[Job Opportunities with the Mid-Michigan CISMA]

The Ingham Conservation District is looking to fill two seasonal, part-time positions to assist the work of the Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. Visit inghamconservation.com/mm-cisma for position descriptions and application instructions. 

Invasive Species Crew Member Announcement.pdf Invasive Species Intern Announcement.pdf

[Decon Stations/Tools for Bicycles]

We have a mountain bike trail at the Ingham CD and would like to put in a decon area that will be well suited for these bike trail users. Has anyone seen or installed something like this? I'm thinking brushes on cables for a start, but wondering if there are other good ideas out there. Thanks

[Position Announcement: Mid-Michigan CISMA Coordinator]

Our wonderful Coordinator of nearly 4 years, Erin Pavloski, has accepted a new position. We wish her the best and are seeking a new Coordinator to continue the good work of the Mid-Michigan CISMA. See the attached position description and feel free to share. The posting can also be found at www.inghamconservation.com. 

Regional Invasive Species Coordinator position description.pdf