Summer is speeding right along! Lots of really HOT days and fun on the water, with memorable sights like this balloon visit. My son Mark has been in Austin, TX for two weeks, and John will be leaving for there shortly. It has been great to spend so much time with my boys this summer, and look forward to seeing them in Texas this winter.
I am so fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time at my wetlands property here at the lake. The wetlands are so beautiful to enjoy and study as they change during the warm season. That cool white sphere is the bloom on my button bushes here!
One problem here is an invasive species known as Purple Loosestrife. PL takes over wetlands, choking out the native plants, and ultimately changing the habitat so it is much less desirable to all the birds, fish, insects and other creatures who live here.
PL is also known as the beautiful killer. Many people who thought it is so beautiful planted it in areas adding to its rapid spread. It is now illegal to plant or possess this invasive species.
The answer now comes from Michigan State University who after many years of study found the safe solution. A small beetle known as Galerucella has been introduced and slowly is saving our wetlands from this major problem. The beetles are host specific meaning all they will eat is PL, they are now spreading across the state and huge progress is being noted. I have a strong interest in this program and will be attending a MSU workshop this month.
Another huge problem concerning invasive species is the asian carp. The picture above shows just how bad it can get. They have no natural predators and grow to 4 foot long weighing up to a 100 pounds! If they get in the Great lakes, they will displace all our perch, walleye, and trout, by eating all the food supply. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of foot dragging by officials about implenting the permanent solution - cutting off the Mississippi from the Great Lakes.
Our new world is a mixing bowl of all species and the system of checks and balances is being severely tested!
Interesting problems and challenges that we face!
