Conservation News

The WCCD has been receiving reports of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar L., formerly gypsy moth) caterpillar infestations from multiple landowners across Washtenaw County who have experienced the caterpillars and their frass (excrement) rain down on belongings, pets, and themselves. Spongy moths are an invasive species, meaning they are not native and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Soon our gardens will be alive with pollinators, including butterflies and moths. If you would like to encourage butterflies and moths to your garden, here are steps to take to create a habitat for them.

In 2021, Linda was involved with just about every volunteer opportunity with the WCCD. As legend has it, she was asked to help take some photos for the rain gardens, and, in her words: “I’ll do it until I get bored, and that was 8 years ago!”

Tom and Marti Burbeck’s Beacon Springs Farm was recently verified in the MAEAP program. If you feel like you heard that before, that is because it was only in August that Tom and Marti were featured for becoming verified in their Farmstead and Cropping systems. This time around, Beacon Springs Farm became verified in the Forest, Wetland and Habitat system.

Within 10 years, approximately 35% of all Michigan farmers will retire. While these impacts to the region’s farming landscape and culture have been significant, Washtenaw County is fortunate to have several land conservation groups working to address these challenges. One example if the City of Ann Arbor’s Greenbelt Program.

As with most I to am finding many new ways to enjoy my property. I live in the woods on 5 acres and I have 1 acre of nothing but flower gardens. I have over 100 different types of hosts, ferns etc.

Woodbine Farm is an equine event center owned and operated by Sari Clapperton. The first equine center in the county to be verified in any system, Woodbine Farm was recently verified in its Farmstead and Livestock operations.

Carol Caplan uses organic practices on her farm. A member of the member of the Michigan Flower Growers’ Cooperative, the farm joins other area farms in providing flowers for wholesale. But there is more happening at The Farm on Jennings then just this.

Morley Stevenson, whose farm was verified in its Cropping and Forest, Wetland and Habitat system, has been a great asset to the WCCD for many years. He has assisted during WCCD’s tree and native plant sales.