GINLC Newsletter: Stewardship Corner

Doug Thiel, chair of the Stewardship Committee, led 20 volunteers during the Kiwanis Island Cleanup on April 2, at all Conservancy properties. Some, like Aaron Bickel and friends, were eager scavengers on hands and knees. Not everything could be removed, but several volunteers have already made plans to go back before the township’s Dump-the-Junk weekend to retrieve larger items. Doug is also leading several special projects.

BASF/Wackman-donated property: A prescribed burn will take place as soon as the ground is dry enough to proceed (see article on back page). Doug has been working with a BASF engineer to design a shoreline observation deck and boardwalk over the swale crossing the property. BASF has pledged up to $5000 for this project. Many thanks to Site Manager, JD Purvis, for supporting this “making communities better” project. Approximately 60 BASF employees live on Grosse Ile.

Kobiljak-donated property: We have budgeted funds to move forward with converting this land from residential lawn to a low maintenance, more natural landscape. A few parking spaces, shoreline improvement and kayak launch have been planned. A nature area designer/botanist will be assisting us this spring-summer so work can start in the fall.

Intrepid Pond at Commerce Park: Larger trees planted with the 2010 Ford Motor Better World Grant survived their first summer and winter, however, maintenance and replacement of some bushes, hemlocks and arbor vitae will occur this year. A water aerator will be installed and, to combat the Eurasian milfoil, we will purchase a natural enemy — tiny aquatic beetles, known as the milfoil weevil from EnviroScience. They provide long-term, effective control and are completely eco-friendly and safe. Ken Tilp will be organizing work dates for this site.

If you can assist, call 734-675-7633 or send an . To assist with stewardship activities, contact Doug at 734-671-0771 or to get on our e-mail distribution list. Volunteer time, donations and kind words are always appreciated.