April 25 – September 26 | Second Tuesday | 10 am-Noon * Fourth Tuesday | 6 pm – 8 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. Please note: both September events will be at 10 am. To receive a reminder email about upcoming events and cancellations due to weather, email Sara Bolan at sarab@affew.org.
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
- American Bittersweet
- Other options to Tree of Heaven
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plants species at Cartier Park. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place at 6:30 pm. Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave.
The North Country CISMA and AFFEW will host a walking tour in Cartier Park, and 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, view past treatment areas and a native wildflower demonstration garden. Please bring a mask and plan on maintaining an appropriate distance from others on the tour. Those interested in joining are invited to bring a bag lunch and stick around after the walk for a dispersed picnic lunch (likely on the lawn around the gazebo!) and further discussion on invasives. 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.
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plants species at Cartier Park. This month we will be removing oriental bittersweet. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place. Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes.
Due to Covid-19 we have postponed AFFEW group outings until July. Visit our 