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U-M divers retrieve 8,900-year-old piece of wood from Lake Huron
Annarbor.com (12/12)
University of Michigan researchers announced they have found a 5 1/2 foot long, pole-shaped piece of wood that is 8,900 years old in Lake Huron.
RIVERKEEPERS: Tending the waterways
Niagara Gazette (2/6)
The goal of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is two-fold: protecting the water quantity and the quality, as well as connecting people to the waterfront.
Internationally renowned ‘Ocean Doctor’ to speak in Grand Rapids
MLive.com (2/3)
Known as the “Ocean Doctor,” David Guggenheim will speak in Grand Rapids, Mich., about the many similarities between the threats to the oceans and to our Great Lakes.
SUNY Fredonia to lead Great Lakes pollution study
Wall Street Journal (2/3)
Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes will be the focus of a study this summer. Led by the State University of New York at Fredonia, researchers will try to quantify the amount of plastic polluting the fresh water Great Lakes.
SSC students taking part in marine science bowl
Arenac County Independent (1/31)
Teams of Michigan high school students will be heading to Ann Arbor this weekend to take part in the annual Great Lakes Bowl, a quiz event that focuses on questions about marine and freshwater systems and biology.
No aquarium for Windsor
CBC News (1/31)
Aquariums in Cleveland, Toledo, and Chicago prove to be too much competition for Windsor.
What's going on in your neighborhood this month? Meet other people and learn together at recreational and educational events! Our new dynamic calendar is updated daily with current educational events.
3 | The importance of native landscaping
Native plants are plants that have evolved in a particular region over many thousands of years. Therefore, they have adapted to the climate, geography and animal populations of the region. Native plants provide habitat to and are a source of food for animals, such as birds, butterflies and mammals.
Native landscaping makes an effort to reestablish native plant populations to a certain area, whether it be as small as your backyard or as large as a nature preserve. Some benefits of planting native plants include the following.
Native plants save energy and reduce pollution
Native plants do not need fertilizer or irrigation, and they can usually resist most native pests and diseases. Plants also absorb rainfall into the soil, reducing soil erosion and runoff.
Native plants provide a diverse landscape
Because native plants are part of a community that includes other plants and animals, a natural balance has developed between the living organisms. Therefore, single species of native plants don't dominate a landscape, like the non-native purple loosestrife does. Native plants also promote biodiversity; therefore, a landscape full of native plants provides many different shapes, sizes, textures and colors.
Native plants help the animals
As discussed earlier, native plants provide shelter and food to birds, butterflies and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity. In contrast, mowed lawns are of little use to most wildlife. Because many animal habitats today are being lost to urban development, consciously creating or maintaining a habitat full of native plants can be of great help and relief to animals looking for a home.
Native plants can save money
Because native plants are adapted to a certain region, they do not need to be watered as often, nor do they need frequent fertilization, therefore reducing the cost of maintaining a large area of plants. A study by Applied Ecological Services (Brodhead, Wis.) estimates that over a 20-year period, the cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses.
Native plants provide links to a region's natural heritage
Native plants are historical, with many playing a significant role in Native American culture and European exploration. Additionally, a garden full of native plants can distinguish your region from another. Imagine what your native plant garden would look like next to a garden found in the desert areas of the southwest!
Graphics: Karner blue butterfly and lupine; Wolf Road Prairie, Illinois (credit: Save the Prairie Society)
