How You Can Help

By Julia Nerbonne

Through strong winds, drought and disease CSA forests continue to grow and change.  The good news is that many of our interventions are working! Steve Fouch was back again this summer to treat both beech and ash trees and reports that things look great!  Overall CSA continues to treat over 50 trees throughout the grounds and we are very pleased with the success.  While hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in Benzie County, we have yet to see this pest show up at the CSA.  

Old growth maple near Lion Lane. Notice the bark appears twisted. This is a strategy these trees use to build their strength as the reach for the light.Here are some things you can pay attention to help our forests:

1) Do you have beech or ash trees that you would like to protect? It's not too late.  Contact a forest specialist for options. Steve Fouch (231) 715-6022 and Dan Schillenger (231) 633- 8733 are both working with the CSA.

2) Is the forest around you a healthy multigenerational forest?  Are there young trees growing up that can take the place of the older trees when they die?  Start planting now.  Evan Hammon is our former Forest Care Fellow.  He can suggest options for you. Contact him at 231-651-9769.  And see a video about the CSA restoration project. 

3) Are there dead or dying trees that are a danger to you or others? Please schedule to have these removed during the winter months when the ground is frozen.  This protects the forest floor and helps prevent invasive species.

4) Are there Hemlocks around you?  Check to see if there might be hemlock woolly adelgid.  HWA is often spread by utility vehicles brushing against branches. Trimming branches can help.  If you see a Hemlock hanging over a road or driveway or think you might have HWA, call Dave Belknap at (512) 848-4430. 

LANDOWNER CONSENT FORM: Survey for Eastern Hemlock Trees, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and Elongate Hemlock Scale. Click here to download the form that authorizes the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) to enter your property for the purposes of surveying the property for eastern hemlock trees, the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid and elongate hemlock scale. Complete and mail the form to: Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685