April – September | Second Tuesday | 10 am-Noon * Fourth Tuesday | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. A discussion to identify these plants will take place before we begin. AFFEW partners with the City of Ludington, Mason-Lake Conservation District and North Country CISMA to eradicate these aggressive plants. Below is more information on some of the challenging invasive plants at Cartier Park.
Check the schedule on our Events and Activities page for dates we’ll be meeting. Meet at the Ludington Central Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.
Japanese barberryUnfortunately some of these invasive examples below can still be bought at nurseries. When considering plants for your property choose native species over invasive. Once an invasive plant escapes into a natural area it can cause significant issues for native plants and wildlife. This includes altering soil chemistry in a way that gives future generations of invasive plants a competitive advantage.
Learn more about invasive species and how to report them on North Country CISMA‘s website. View their High Priority Species page for more information on identify invasive plant species in Michigan.
Invasive Plant Species Identification
Native Species Alternatives
- Native Shrubs to replace Autumn Olive
- Phlox instead of Dame’s Rocket
- Garlic Mustard replacements
- Alternatives to Japanese Barberry
- Michigan Rose rather than Multiflora Rose
- American Bittersweet instead of Oriental Bittersweet
- Other options to Tree of Heaven
The North Country CISMA and AFFEW will host a walking tour in Cartier Park led by Dave Dister. He’ll focus on identification of invasive plant species, recommended treatment methods and the benefits to native plant species. Participants will be able to partake in hands-on identification of plants and view past treatment areas. Information will be distributed to all in attendance. Please bring a mask and plan on maintaining an appropriate distance from others on the tour. Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.
be pulling Mugwort and starting on Buckthrorn. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start. Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, heavy gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes. A spade or shovel may be helpful. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. Depending on turnout, we’ll be splitting into two groups and work on weeding the native plant garden around the gazebo and installing a rock border. In addition, we’ll be pulling the plant mugwort east of the pavilion. Meet at the gazebo parking lot by Lincoln Lake. Bring water, heavy gloves and wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Small shovel or hand tool weeder is also helpful. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.