Michigan is known for its beautiful natural resources, however, not everyone is able to experience them the same way. Accessibility is an important topic and we the JLW CISMA are committed to bringing awareness towards the issues. Before we can fully implement meaningful change, it is important to understand what some of the barriers are, and we invited our intern Christopher to do a blog takeover and write a two part series on the issue! Written by Christopher Szmadzinski (part 2) Michigan’s public spaces provide many opportunities for education, research, and learning. From children reading signs allowing them to match animal pictures to their footprints, to providing written information about gardening, to videos about invasive species and how to identify and prevent their spread; all of us have taken advantage of this public resource. In Michigan, our videos tend to be in spoken English. Nearly every natural resource organization, CISMA, and parks and rec department has a social media presence and most of them regularly post videos on Facebook and YouTube. Hearing people who are fluent in English can peruse these videos at their leisure day or night and learn new techniques for safely removing poison oak or where to find a public dock. What does this mean for Michigan’s deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind populations (DHHDB)? Approximately 7.4% of Michigander’s identify as deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. These communities often rely on captions or another format to understand the information on videos. In a recent survey of Michigan’s DHHDB population, respondents reported a perception that public access to captioning was low. Captions: Good and Bad Captions are often platform dependent. Facebook allows for captions through a challenging process whereas YouTube allows a creator to turn automatic captions on or off as needed. Automatic captions have an accuracy rate of around 60-70% assuming low background noise and clear speaking. YouTube allows a content creator to go through their video and correct subtitles where they are inaccurate. This is the only way videos can typically be fully understood with captions. Captions are not the end of the story however--it’s necessary for a videographer to create content with the idea of subtitles or an interpreter in mind. A content creator should reduce background noises, limit speakers from talking over each other, and ensure information doesn’t appear in the video under the caption: subtitles that cover important information in the video will undermine the purpose of the content. Content creators can also provide transcripts that can also help researchers search for key terms and phrases in an efficient manner. Subtitles Are For Everyone Subtitles have a spillover effect as well--for example, 80% of television subtitle users are neither deaf nor hard of hearing! How many of us have been in a coffee shop or library where we wanted the information in a video but did not have the ability to listen to it? People who are learning English as a second language, visitors, injured people, children, and people who are trying to get the spelling of websites or complicated technical terms just a few examples of people who use subtitles as well. Considerations for Using Interpreters Many deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people use American Sign Language (ASL) and would prefer to see the message in their native language. If you are going to interpret the message into ASL, keep in mind that while people are watching the interpreter, they will not be able to watch your movie or see your images at the same time. You should consider leaving pauses so that people utilizing an interpreter have time to see the message and then look at your content. If you are, for example, trying to show the different features of a plant with pictures, but you are speaking at a fast rate, the audience will be forced to choose between seeing your visual aid or understanding your words, leaving them with an incomplete understanding of your message. Michigan’s Population Providing this access can ensure that all 9.9 million of us can continue to learn how to take advantage of our natural resources safely and effectively! For More Information: Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind people in Michigan: Not Without Us https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138--507797--,00.html How Many People Use Subtitles? Not Just the Deaf or Hard of Hearing https://www.3playmedia.com/blog/who-uses-closed-captions-not-just-the-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/ Michigan is known for its beautiful natural resources, however, not everyone is able to experience them the same way. Accessibility is an important topic and we the JLW CISMA are committed to bringing awareness towards the issues. Before we can fully implement meaningful change, it is important to understand what some of the barriers are, and we invited our intern Christopher to do a blog takeover and write a two part series on the issue! Written by Christopher Szmadzinski (part 1) Michigan is known for its lush forests, beautiful rivers and Great Lakes. Visitors and Michiganders alike take advantage of these resources for recreation, education, and physical activity. While these parks are open for all, are they accessible to all? Mike Passo, wheelchair user and the executive director for American Trails recently testified at a hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in late April on transparency of access at public parks. In a Forbes magazine article, he points out that the universally understood wheelchair symbol doesn’t allow people to make nuanced decisions. Disability is a continuum. People with disabilities are diverse and have wildly varying needs. What does that wheelchair symbol mean? A wheelchair appropriate turning radius in bathrooms? Braille signage? Presence of adult changing tables? Does it mean the walking trail is flat? Is it paved? Does it have a low grade? Making a Plan When a site isn’t fully accessible, it’s useful to have information that allows the recreationalist to make a fully informed decision about whether they are able to continue on or turn back. Information such as steepness and length of the trail, signs that show the distance of trails and connecting pathways can be informative. A route may give a total distance but not the length of each segment--something that can help a person decide if they can make it all the way around a loop, or if they need to turn back at a signpost. This helps people with limited mobility plan their route rather than guessing. Useful information that can empower a person to make a successful trip include:
The Spillover Effect The idea of universal design has recently been gaining traction in some circles: universal design is a global movement of inclusive design practice that aims for “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design”. Building with universal design principles creates a spillover effect for those who are temporarily experiences barriers. For example, a wheelchair ramp may be used by a parent with a stroller. Captions on a video may be used by someone learning English as a second language. A corner with a wide turning radius can be used by paramedics with a stretcher. Designing for diverse groups creates retention at parks, increases market reach, and improves our public persona. The more we create spaces that acknowledge the diversity of human experiences, the more people can benefit from Michigan’s bountiful resources. For more information, the DNR manages a page that contains information about accessibility at Michigan parks and recreational areas (michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility). Things you can do to advocate for increased accessibility at local natural areas include attending public meetings to share concerns, make recommendations for your local area, share accessible locations on social media! For More Information: Learn about the congressional hearing on National Parks: https://www.forbes.com/sites/allisonnorlian/2021/05/05/accessibility-and-the-great-outdoors-in-congressional-hearings-disability-advocates-call-attention-to-barriers-in-national-parks/ You may learn more about Universal design at North Carolina State University’s UD page https://projects.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/cud/ There is a curated collection of images, workshops and resources about being disabled outdoors on IG at https://www.instagram.com/disablednoutdoors/ Lansing Michigan recently broke ground on a “universally accessible” park. Read more at: https://lansingcitypulse.com/stories/community-foundation-breaks-ground-on-universally-accessible-playground,18295 Mulch...something many gardeners buy, but don't realize its potential as a vector for spreading invasive species. Mulch can help your garden/lawn as it can help retain soil moisture, prevent erosion, keep the ground cool, and can provide an element of beauty to the landscape. Mulch can also suppress weeds, however, if you are not careful, it can be a potential source of invasive species! Mulch can be made from a variety of materials that are both natural and synthetic. Natural materials can include leaves, peat moss, wood chips, straw, or biodegradable mulch such as wheat and corn. You can also have mulch made of cardboard, newspaper or old construction materials. Rubber, plastic and carpet are also commonly used to make mulch. There are pros and cons to each type of material, but we will be focusing on mulch from an invasive species perspective. When purchasing mulch, one thing to look for is the "certified weed-free" label. Here, manufacturers must adhere to strict standards that can range from storage to sourcing of materials, treatment of nearby weeds and plants at a certain life stage, and include field visits and site inspections. Look to buy mulch from reputable sources, and avoid unregulated mulch sold in informal settings such as roadside stalls, farmers markets, social media etc. Without proper certification, you can't tell if the source material was taken from landfills, construction sites, open fields, or gathered from a variety of sources and mixed. These batches could contain the seeds of invasive plants, rhizomes and plant fragments, or pests such as gypsy moth or brown marmorated stink bugs. Another thing to consider is buying mulch from local sources to avoid inadvertently transporting species that are not currently found in Michigan. In addition to being concerned about what is in the mulch, one should also look for potential egg sacs on the outside of packages as many stores have outdoor garden centers. We are currently concerned about spotted lantern fly, Asian longhorned beetle, and the recently found mile-a-minute weed. Once people have brought the mulch home or to the place of use, they might have extra left over. Once opened, unused mulch is susceptible to contamination from windblown seeds or insects that recently landed on it. This is especially true of mulch that has been left open or exposed to the elements for long periods of time (opened packages, a pile in the shed, or a loosely covered pile in the yard). Avoid selling it or giving it family, friends, or strangers who are not your immediate neighbor or live in other regions. It is also not a good idea (and could be illegal) to collect materials from public lands since you don't know what is nearby or in that mulch. By responsible sourcing of mulch and proper storage of unused materials, you minimize the risk of bringing in unwanted species to your yard and transporting invasive species to new areas. It is very important to keep an eye out for new weeds or plants that sprout, and if you find one that is unknown, identify it before you cut or pull it! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email ([email protected]) or phone (517-395-2089). For more information: Michigan Crop Improvement Association. 2021. Certified Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage and Mulch Certification Program Standards. Date Accessed: May 11, 2021 Link: https://www.michcrop.com/seed-producers/field-inspections/certified-noxious-weed-seed-free-forage-and-mulch/ With third winter hopefully behind us, many of us are seeing signs of spring in our gardens or as we hike in area parks! This means many are preparing to put their gardening gloves on and start tidying up their gardens and yard. Before you bring out the rakes, leaf blowers and wheelbarrows, please consider a request to leave some areas of your property "leaf strewn" and "messy" a little bit longer, and hold off on applying pesticides during these critical migration periods. With the coming of spring, a variety of native plants are starting to be visible, as are native birds returning from their southern vacation! During the fall months, we had requested homeowners and land managers to leave some leaves and dead branches for habitat and shelter. That brush, log, and leaf litter may now have egg masses from native species such as praying mantis, or overwintering woolly bear caterpillars (Smithsonian, 1999). Over winter, rocks and soil may have moved or shifted, which may also have some insects underneath. By clearing out leaves and logs prematurely, you may be eliminating an important population of local pollinator species needed for your garden, nearby trees, and flowers. These insects are also a food source for returning birds. Brush, dead logs, and leaf litter also provide shelter for migrating species, as well as snacking points as they rest along their journey! Various amphibians such as salamanders and frogs are trying to reach vernal pools in order to breed or fulfill a critical part of their lifecycle. Vernal pools are temporary and isolated pools of water that are devoid of fish, found in forested areas, experience peak water volumes around spring, and often dry out by the end of summer. As amphibians breath through their skin, chemicals can harm and kill them. Holding off on applying pesticides and herbicides during this time of year can ensure migrating species can safely reach their destination as they pass through your yard. It is suggested to wait until the temperatures have been consistently warm (50°F) for several days. Tips from the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation include waiting until you need to start mowing your lawns, or are able to plant your tomato plants outside, as by then, pollinator species should also be out and about (Wheeler, 2017 ). If you need to clear away brush, to give species more time to hatch, consider moving leaves or brush to one area instead of bagging leaves, burning, or composting (Hudson, 2019). If this article has inspired you to create a more reptile or amphibian friendly yard, DNR has a site with some tips and suggestions for how to attract reptiles and amphibians, found here. References: Hudson, G. 2019. Remember to 'Bee-Friendly' as you clean up your garden! University of Minnesota Extension. Date Accessed: April 5, 2021. Link: https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2019/04/remember-to-bee-friendly-as-you-clean.html Sargent, M.S and Carter, K.S., ed. 1999. Managing Michigan Wildlife: A Landowners Guide. Michigan United Conservation Clubs, East Lansing, MI. 297pp. Date Accessed: April 4th, 2021. Link: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/landowners_guide/species_mgmt/Frogs_Turtles_Snakes.htm Smithsonian. 1999. Where Do Insects Go in the Winter? Date Accessed: April 4th, 2021. Link: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/winter Wheeler, J. 2017. Don’t spring into garden cleanup too soon! Date Accessed: April 4th, 2021. Link: https://xerces.org/blog/dont-spring-into-garden-cleanup-too-soon A brand new species was recently added to Michigan's invasive species watch list! Beech leaf disease (not to be confused with Beech bark disease), while not yet detected in Michigan, is present in nearby states. Please read on for more information about this species.
We are still in the process of learning about just what exactly beech leaf disease is, however it is thought to be associated with the presence of a microscopic nematode (Litylenchus crenatae). Carta et al. (2020) have published some microscopy images in their paper, which also contains pictures of beech leaf disease symptoms. Thus far, mainly American beech trees have been impacted, but disease has been reported on European beech trees and other ornamental beech trees in nurseries located in USA (Invasive Species Centre, 2021). This is a relatively new species that was first discovered in 2012 in Ohio but has since expanded to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and the province of Ontario. It's so new that as of today, even Wikipedia only has one sentence on it! The worms are about 2mm long, and have been found in Asian beech trees in Asia (but has not been found to kill trees in Asia). Popkin (2019) summarizes the current debate on if and how these worms "may or may not" kill beech trees. One of main symptoms of diseased trees is the darkening of tissue between the veins of the leaf. Other symptoms can include puckered or curled leaves (DNR, 2021). The best time to observe symptoms when leaves are out up until fall. Due to the relative newness of this species, we currently do not an established control or eradication plan in place. Hence, prevention measures become even more important! The best suggestion is to inspect any beech trees purchased from a nursery for insects and the distorted leaves. As always, burn firewood where you buy it, and avoid bringing unused firewood home. For more information: Carta, L.K. et.al. 2020. Beech leaf disease symptoms caused by newly recognized nematode subspecies Litylenchus crenatae mccannii (Anguinata) described from Fagus grandifolia in North America. Forest Pathology. 50e: e12580 Date Accessed: January 22, 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/jrnl/2020/nrs_2020_carta_001.pdf DNR. 2021. Beech Leaf Disease. Date Accessed: January 25, 2021. Link: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/0,5664,7-324-68002_71242-549867--,00.html Invasive Species Centre. Beech Leaf Disease. Date Accessed: January 22, 2021. https://forestinvasives.ca/Meet-the-Species/Pathogens/Beech-Leaf-Disease#86226-host-trees Popkin, G. 2019. A mysterious disease is striking American beech trees. Date Accessed: January 25, 2021. Link: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/11/mysterious-disease-striking-american-beech-trees If you follow us on social media, you may have noticed that we have been posting a lot about spotted lantern fly (Lycorma delicatula) of late. This is because officials have reported a few cases of this insect being found outside Pennsylvania (where it first arrived in 2014), and this bad news for fruit, beer and wine lovers!
Originally from Asia , this insect was first discovered in 2014 in Pennsylvania. Since then, it has spread to other regions of the country. Adults have a black head, greyish-brown wings with black spots, and when open, reveal a crimson colored set of hind wings. Juvenile insects (called instars) start out black and transition to red, before molting to the adult form. The picture below shows the spotted lanternfly throughout its life cycle. Adults will lay eggs on a preferred host tree species, tree of heaven, that has also been brought to the United States. Adults will hop from plant to another, and can spread quickly and far by laying eggs on stationary objects such as cars, pallets or boxes. Adults can also hitch a ride on shipped containers and packages. These insects will suck sap out of the plant, thus weakening it over time as they need lots of the sap. Also concerning is the copious amounts of sugary "honey dew" they excrete, which attracts other insects and mold and further exacerbates the tree. As mentioned above, tree of heaven is its preferred host (and is also considered an invasive species), but it will also feed on hardwood trees, fruit trees, grapes and hops...making it especially worrisome for our farmers! If you have any questions or would like to pass on a sighting, please contact me at [email protected]! With the fall holiday season approaching, many decorating enthusiasts will look to the outdoors for materials and inspiration. One plant that many use as wreaths and decorative pieces is Oriental bittersweet. While it is a pretty plant, you can inadvertently cause an infestation at your property if you use real berries and twigs. After Halloween decorations get taken down, fall and Christmas decorations will soon dot doors, fences and tables in homes across the country. The advantage of using branches and twigs off of some trees is that they wont' necessarily harm the plant, or they are on the ground anyway, and can be easily carried home. These natural themed decorative pieces can be composted when not needed anymore. Another added bonus is that you can find these materials for free if you or friends have wooded areas on your property. One such species that Martha Stewart and other famous lifestyle influencers promote and create "do it yourself" videos on is Oriental bittersweet. Oriental bittersweet is a woody vine that originates from Asia, but was introduced as an ornamental plant in the the late 1800s. It can spread both laterally and vertically, and can be found pretty much anywhere. It can spread via wind, water, people (through a variety of activities) and animals like birds. Research has found that seeds are viable after passing through the gut and its eventual gut release. Larger seeds will likely be released earlier than smaller seeds, thus, smaller seeds likely remaining in the gut longer but dispersed further away (Fukui, 2003). Like most invasive species, bittersweet will sprout leaves earlier than native species, blocking sunlight from reaching plants under it. As it climbs up the tree, the vine gradually encircles the tree and cuts into the outer layer of the bark, eventually cutting off the flow of nutrients and water (called "girdling"). In winter, if the tree has a lot of bittersweet growing on it, the added weight of snow can result in tree damage. So this fall and winter, consider using locally sourced native species for decoration, especially materials that are already on the ground! However, avoid taking all of the berries and brush as this is key habitat and food for your bird and animal friends. For more information: MDNR. 2012. Invasive Species Best Control Practices: Oriental bittersweet. Date Accessed: October 16, 2020. https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/OrientalBittersweetBCP.pdf Fukui, A. 2003. Relationship between seed retention time in bird’s gut and fruit characteristics. Ornithol. Sci. 2: 41-48. Date Accessed: October 16, 2020 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/osj/2/1/2_1_41/_pdf For many, September and October signals the start of various hunting seasons! Many are gearing up for hunting waterfowl, deer, rabbits, hares, squirrels etc. While in the field, we ask you to consider implementing some of the best practices listed below into your hunting protocol, and keep any eye out for new infestations, especially areas that you are very familiar with. Invasive species can negatively impact your hunting or fishing experience, both directly and indirectly. Hunting involves interacting with terrestrial or aquatic environments, sometimes both during the same outing, and invasive species can make navigating those areas difficult (even un-manageable). Woody shrubs and vines can create dense thickets that prevent people with equipment from passing through. Multi-flora rose and Japanese barberry also have the added bonus of small thorns that can snag on clothing/gear (resulting in rips) and scratch exposed skin. If you paddle or boat out to your hunting site, or your hiding spot within the cattails, aquatic plant infestations can clog motors or tire out your arms if you must paddle through them. European frogbit is one such aquatic plant that when left unchecked, can result in such infestations. New infestations of frogbit are popping up across Michigan, and waterfowl hunters might be the cause of some of these infestations due to contaminated waders, gear, boats and dogs. Not only do invasive species negatively impact your hunting experience, it impacts your target species. Deer and birds generally prefer eating native plants as they are more palatable and nutritious, and turkeys cannot easily move through thickets of Japanese barberry. Deer have also been observed to avoid garlic mustard, Japanese stiltgrass and Japanese barberry as food sources (Averill et.al., 2016). If deer over browse native species, it makes it easier for invasive species to take over (they generally pop up earlier than native species) as they crowd out native species, eventually resulting in less deer visiting. Thickets of barberry can also host more ticks than those of native species! Oriental bittersweet is a vine that can girdle (and eventually kill) trees, and crowd out native species. Dense stands of phragmites can discourage waterfowl from nesting in that region, and prevent deer and other fur bearing mammals from penetrating those stands, and change salt marsh* species composition (FWS, 2007). Now that we know why invasive species are problematic, what can you do to prevent their spread? 1. Check waders, clothing, boots, gear and dogs for burrs, seeds and plant matter before moving to another site (and when leaving a site) 2. Drain water from boats, kayaks, canoes and decoys (including live wells in boats) 3. Clean water crafts (cloth or spray) and remove plant materials 4. Check anchor lines and trailers for invasive species 5. Do not use invasive species such as phragmites and cattails for camouflage for yourself or a blind 6. Use elliptical, bulb shaped or strap anchors as decoys 7. Burn firewood were you buy it 8. When bringing in harvested deer, ensure you are not dragging brush in as well Buy following these suggestions, you can do your part in preventing the spread of invasive species to new areas. In addition to protecting wildlands and lakes, you will also be preventing undesired species from showing up at your house, cottage or hunting lodge! To learn which species you should be on the look out for, how to identify them, or report invasive species, please visit the following link: https://www.misin.msu.edu/ You can download this app on to your phone, or use on the computer. For current Michigan DNR hunting and fishing guides/digests, please click this link: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79136_79772_80260---,00.html * Michigan does have a few salt marshes, see Albert (2001) below For more information: Albert, D.A. 2001. Natural community abstract for Inland salt marsh. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 4 pp. Date Accessed: September 2020 mnfi.anr.msu.edu/abstracts/ecology/Inland_salt_marsh.pdf Averill, K.M. et. al. 2016. Deer feeding selectivity for invasive plants. Biological Invasions. 18: 1247-1263. Date Accessed: September 18, 2020. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-016-1063-z FWS. 2007. Phragmites: Questions and Answers. 11/07. Date Accessed: September 25, 2020. https://www.fws.gov/gomcp/pdfs/phragmitesqa_factsheet.pdf |
AuthorShikha Singh is the coordinator for the JLW CISMA. She has a BSc. in Biology from University of Western Ontario, and her master's and PhD at Michigan State University from the Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife. Her areas of expertise include water quality, water policy, invasive species, education/outreach and public speaking. |