What’s going on?
The impact of exotic invasive species on our forests in the U.S. is staggering. Effects of these unwanted invaders can affect human and ecosystem health, forest products, property values and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Thanks to startup funding from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, a team from Michigan State University is launching a statewide effort to help residents learn about the risks and impacts of invasive forest pests. The “Eyes on the Forest” program links research, outreach and communication activities through MSU’s Department of Entomology and MSU Extension.
The Eyes on the Forest program is targeting three major potential invaders that pose serious threats to Michigan trees and forests.
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Asian Longhorned Beetle |
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Hemlock Wooly Adelgid |
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Spotted Lanternfly |
All three of these invasive pests can kill their host trees. If any one of them becomes established in Michigan, it will be extremely difficult to stop them.
We need YOU!
One way to keep these unwanted invaders out of our woods is to create a network of sentinel trees across the state. The ultimate goal is to recruit trained volunteers who agree to “adopt” an individual tree, and periodically monitor and report on the condition of the tree over time. Changes in the condition of the tree are often important clues about what’s happening with these pests. The more volunteers, the greater the number of sentinel trees, and the greater the chance that we keep these extremely damaging pests and diseases out!
Become a volunteer!
We are looking for people who are interested in serving as a Michigan Sentinel Tree Volunteer. To get started, visit our Eyes on the Forest Sentinel Tree Network site. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact:
Julie Crick
Extension Educator
crickjul@msu.edu
Georgia Peterson
Natural Resources Extension Specialist
petersog@msu.edu
For more information on these and other invasive pests and diseases threatening our natural resources, visit the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.
News
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Spotted lanternfly resources from MSU Extension
Published on January 14, 2025
Learn about this invasive species with these publications by the experts at Michigan State University. -
Priority Plant Patrol encourages community scientists to watch for invasive species
Published on April 25, 2024
Community members can monitor sentinel trees for invasive forest pests and survey local hiking trails for priority list invasive forest plants through the Michigan Eyes on the Forest Priority Plant Patrol Program. -
Reflections on the 40 year anniversary of Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Published on April 10, 2020
Josh Cohen, an ecologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory for the past 20 years, reflects on MNFI’s 40 year anniversary. -
Invasive pests continue to pose a threat to our forest resources
Published on June 4, 2018
The introduction of new invasive insects and disease that become established are causing a decline in many of our important forest tree species. -
Wintertime identification of black walnut
Published on February 28, 2017
No leaves? No problem. Other characteristics can help to identify the species.
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