Saginaw Bay CISMA

 
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It is the mission of Saginaw Bay CISMA to educate the public on invasive species impact on the environment, economics and human health in the Saginaw Bay, to help build and improve our partners’ invasive species programs, and to provide technical and treatment assistance to land managers and partners using economically and environmentally responsible best management practices for invasive species.

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Upcoming events

The Saginaw Bay CISMA is always excited to host and support engaging, educational events focused on invasive species awareness, prevention, and management. From hands-on workshops and community trainings to partner-led programs, all upcoming opportunities will be posted right here on our events calendar.

Click the button below to visit our full Events page and learn more about the programs, workshops, and outreach efforts the CISMA has to offer.

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The invasive black and pale swallow-worts are vines that grow in very dense mats. Swallow-worts often show up along roadsides, fields, forests edges, and even in backyards. These vines spread quickly, outcompete native wildflowers and grasses, and
The invasive black and pale swallow-worts are vines that grow in very dense mats. Swallow-worts often show up along roadsides, fields, forests edges, and even in backyards. These vines spread quickly, outcompete native wildflowers and grasses, and can reduce wildlife habitat. It has been found that due to their close relationship to the milkweeds, Monarch butterflies often mistake the swallow-worts for a food source and will lay their eggs on the plant. This becomes and issue because the swallow-worts act as a trap in that they do not support the growth of the caterpillar. If you find swallow-wort on your property, do not remove it without proper guidance, as improper removal can cause the plant to spread further. Instead, contact your local CISMA for identification assistance and management recommendations. You can also report swallow-wort sightings to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) using their online reporting tool or mobile app. Reporting helps natural resource professionals track its spread and prioritize management efforts across the region.
As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our partners, volunteers, landowners, and community members. Winter is a time for rest, reflection, and planning, and we’re looking ahead to another year of collaboration, learning, and stewardship
As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our partners, volunteers, landowners, and community members. Winter is a time for rest, reflection, and planning, and we’re looking ahead to another year of collaboration, learning, and stewardship. We can’t wait to continue this work together in the new year. Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful New Year!
As you gather greens and create festive arrangements, be on the lookout for Round-leaved Bittersweet an invasive vine that is often mistaken for a pretty addition to wreaths, garlands, and porch decor. While its bright berries may look decorative, u
As you gather greens and create festive arrangements, be on the lookout for Round-leaved Bittersweet an invasive vine that is often mistaken for a pretty addition to wreaths, garlands, and porch decor. While its bright berries may look decorative, using or moving this plant can accidentally spread it to new areas where it crowds out native species and harms local habitats. What to do: ✔ Avoid harvesting or using Round-leaved Bittersweet in holiday arrangements ✔ Choose native alternatives like winterberry holly, red osier dogwood stems, pine, cedar, or spruce ✔ If you spot bittersweet climbing trees or fences, snap a photo and report it to your local CISMA or the MISIN reporting app Let’s keep our holidays festive and avoid the spread of invasive speices!
Last weekend we had the pleasure of presenting at the Saginaw Conservation District’s Twilight Growers Gathering and what a great turnout! A huge thank you to Saginaw Conservation District and Marcia, who was kind enough to let us use her beau
Last weekend we had the pleasure of presenting at the Saginaw Conservation District’s Twilight Growers Gathering and what a great turnout! A huge thank you to Saginaw Conservation District and Marcia, who was kind enough to let us use her beautiful blueberry farm as our demonstration site. We walked through how to properly manage autumn olive using the cut-stump method, and it was wonderful to see so many growers, landowners, and community members engaged and asking great questions. Events like this strengthen our conservation community and help us work together to protect our fields, farms, and natural areas from invasive species. Thank you to everyone who came out!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced you to some of the spookiest invaders lurking in our wetlands, woods, and waters from bloodsucking fish, grave breaking plants and viney monsters creeping across the land. They’ve worn their Hall
Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced you to some of the spookiest invaders lurking in our wetlands, woods, and waters from bloodsucking fish, grave breaking plants and viney monsters creeping across the land. They’ve worn their Halloween costumes well... but here the truth At the end of the day, they’re not evil. They’re just plants, pests, and problems and like any good monster movie, they can be stopped. Managing invasive species isn’t hopeless. Every patch of phragmites removed, every knotweed site treated, every invasive caught early makes room for native plants to grow, for wildlife to return, and for healthy ecosystems to thrive. You don’t need garlic or silver bullets just tools, teamwork, and a little bit of patience. Because the scariest thing isn’t an invasive plant it’s doing nothing at all. So this Halloween, let’s celebrate not just the spooky side of nature but the people who fight for it and the species we seek to protect. Wishing you crunchy leaves, clear skies, invasive-free trails, and a pillowcase full of candy! Happy Halloween from the Saginaw Bay CISMA
It doesn’t shamble or groan but kudzu is a real-life monster, creeping across the landscape at up to a foot per day, smothering everything in its path. This invasive vine climbs over trees, homes, powerlines, and native plants, forming a green
It doesn’t shamble or groan but kudzu is a real-life monster, creeping across the landscape at up to a foot per day, smothering everything in its path. This invasive vine climbs over trees, homes, powerlines, and native plants, forming a green curtain that blocks out sunlight and suffocates biodiversity. It alters ecosystems, damages infrastructure, and once it's established it’s nearly impossible to remove. Kudzu isn’t widespread in Michigan… yet. That’s why it’s on the Michigan Invasive Species Watch List. We still have time to stop the spread before it becomes a true nightmare. How Michigan Stays Ahead: Early detection through public reporting Monitoring by invasive species programs and CISMAs Education and outreach to help identify new sightings If you see something suspicious, report it Visit misin.msu.edu to report any sightings!
Tall, silent, and spreading fast Phragmites is the ghost that haunts Michigan wetlands. It grows up to 15 feet tall, forming dense walls that block sunlight, dry out wetlands, and choke out native wildlife. What once was a thriving, biodiverse marsh
Tall, silent, and spreading fast Phragmites is the ghost that haunts Michigan wetlands. It grows up to 15 feet tall, forming dense walls that block sunlight, dry out wetlands, and choke out native wildlife. What once was a thriving, biodiverse marsh can become a dry, lifeless monoculture. And as it dies back in fall, it creates a perfect fuel source turning marshes into fire hazards. How Michigan Fights Back: Mapping infestations using satellite imagery and surveys Targeted herbicide treatments Mechanical control cutting and mowing in some areas Restoration with native plants after treatment Fighting phragmites is tough but not impossible. With coordinated efforts, we can bring wetlands back from the dead.
Japanese knotweed is the underground horror show Michigan communities dread. Even in fall, when it dies back on the surface, its roots are still active lurking underground, waiting to resprout. And all it takes is a tiny piece of root to start a bran
Japanese knotweed is the underground horror show Michigan communities dread. Even in fall, when it dies back on the surface, its roots are still active lurking underground, waiting to resprout. And all it takes is a tiny piece of root to start a brand-new invasion. Why it’s scary: Damages roads, buildings, and natural areas Outcompetes native vegetation Incredibly difficult to eradicate once established How We Manage the Mayhem: Do NOT cut or mow it that spreads the plant Use licensed professionals for herbicide treatments Repeat treatments over several seasons are often required
Sea Lamprey: Vampires of the Great Lakes They may not fly or sleep in coffins, but sea lamprey are real-life bloodsuckers and one of the creepiest aquatic invaders in the Great Lakes. These jawless fish attach to native species like lake trout and
Sea Lamprey: Vampires of the Great Lakes They may not fly or sleep in coffins, but sea lamprey are real-life bloodsuckers and one of the creepiest aquatic invaders in the Great Lakes. These jawless fish attach to native species like lake trout and salmon with a round, suction-cup mouth lined with teeth, rasping a hole in their host and draining their blood and body fluids. One lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of fish making them a serious threat to native fisheries. How Michigan Fights Back: Targeted lampricide treatments in streams Barriers and traps to stop them from spawning Collaborative efforts with Great Lakes states and Canada This Halloween, beware what lurks beneath the surface…
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the Tractor Treat event in Arenac County and what a fantastic time it was! I set up a booth to help educate kids and families about the spotted lanternfly and other watchlist invasive pests.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the Tractor Treat event in Arenac County and what a fantastic time it was! I set up a booth to help educate kids and families about the spotted lanternfly and other watchlist invasive pests. It was so rewarding to see the kids get excited about learning through a fun, hands-on activity we had prepared . They were curious, engaged, and full of great questions! One of the highlights of the day was seeing so many creative and adorable costumes. Events like these are such a great way to combine education and community fun, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. Big thanks to the organizers and everyone who stopped by the booth I can’t wait for the next one!
Yesterday I was able to take part in the Standish 5th Grade Tour, where Saginaw Bay CISMA lead a station focused on invasive species education. It was a great chance to engage with students and help them learn about the role they can play in protecti
Yesterday I was able to take part in the Standish 5th Grade Tour, where Saginaw Bay CISMA lead a station focused on invasive species education. It was a great chance to engage with students and help them learn about the role they can play in protecting our local ecosystems. At our station, we discussed: What is an invasive species and how did they get here How these species once introduced impact both aquatic and terrestrial environments What students can do to help prevent their spread We ended the session with an interactive game that demonstrated how the introduction of invasive species can reshape and disrupt ecosystems. The students were super engaged and asked some great questions! Our station was just one of many throughout the day, all focused on conservation practices and environmental awareness. It was inspiring to see so many young learners excited about making a positive difference in the environment.
Over the past week I was able to visit a site in Michigan where spotted latterly was present. This species is a watchlist invasive that has recently been detected in our state. This species poses a threat to our grape and fruit tree industries. While
Over the past week I was able to visit a site in Michigan where spotted latterly was present. This species is a watchlist invasive that has recently been detected in our state. This species poses a threat to our grape and fruit tree industries. While this species is not widespread the more eyes we have on it will allow land managers to respond and keep its population in check. It is often found with its host species tree of heaven. At the SB-CISMA we have diy spotted latterly circle trap kits available. If you are at all interested in using a trap to monitor for this species please reach out and we will get you a trap. If you would like more information about spotted lanternfly please reach out to your local CISMA and report any sitings to MISIN
The invasive black and pale swallow-worts are vines that grow in very dense mats. Swallow-worts often show up along roadsides, fields, forests edges, and even in backyards. These vines spread quickly, outcompete native wildflowers and grasses, and As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our partners, volunteers, landowners, and community members. Winter is a time for rest, reflection, and planning, and we’re looking ahead to another year of collaboration, learning, and stewardship As you gather greens and create festive arrangements, be on the lookout for Round-leaved Bittersweet an invasive vine that is often mistaken for a pretty addition to wreaths, garlands, and porch decor. While its bright berries may look decorative, u Last weekend we had the pleasure of presenting at the Saginaw Conservation District’s Twilight Growers Gathering and what a great turnout! A huge thank you to Saginaw Conservation District and Marcia, who was kind enough to let us use her beau Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced you to some of the spookiest invaders lurking in our wetlands, woods, and waters from bloodsucking fish, grave breaking plants and viney monsters creeping across the land. They’ve worn their Hall It doesn’t shamble or groan but kudzu is a real-life monster, creeping across the landscape at up to a foot per day, smothering everything in its path. This invasive vine climbs over trees, homes, powerlines, and native plants, forming a green Tall, silent, and spreading fast Phragmites is the ghost that haunts Michigan wetlands. It grows up to 15 feet tall, forming dense walls that block sunlight, dry out wetlands, and choke out native wildlife. What once was a thriving, biodiverse marsh Japanese knotweed is the underground horror show Michigan communities dread. Even in fall, when it dies back on the surface, its roots are still active lurking underground, waiting to resprout. And all it takes is a tiny piece of root to start a bran Sea Lamprey: Vampires of the Great Lakes They may not fly or sleep in coffins, but sea lamprey are real-life bloodsuckers and one of the creepiest aquatic invaders in the Great Lakes. These jawless fish attach to native species like lake trout and This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the Tractor Treat event in Arenac County and what a fantastic time it was! I set up a booth to help educate kids and families about the spotted lanternfly and other watchlist invasive pests. Yesterday I was able to take part in the Standish 5th Grade Tour, where Saginaw Bay CISMA lead a station focused on invasive species education. It was a great chance to engage with students and help them learn about the role they can play in protecti Over the past week I was able to visit a site in Michigan where spotted latterly was present. This species is a watchlist invasive that has recently been detected in our state. This species poses a threat to our grape and fruit tree industries. While
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