NEWSPAPERS Special Edition
WEST BLOOMFIELD WELCOMES
MARVIN’S MARVELOUS MECHANICAL MUSEUM
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD/FARMINGTON HILLS
— Amid community support for Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, the West Bloomfield Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant two variances for the long-time Oakland County establishment to operate in West Bloomfield Township at a meeting Jan. 21.
Variances allow a business to deviate from established ordinances if doing so will not be a detriment to the community or impose a burden on the neighbors and in cases when a business cannot operate without a variance. It can be a useful tool to bring new businesses to properties that are operating under decades-old ordinances, allowing modern businesses to operate in a manner in keeping with the times.
Marvin’s is an arcade and museum that has been a “destination” for fun in Farmington Hills since opening in 1980 in Tally Hall, which was originally a food court located at 31005 Orchard Lake Road.
After the ownership of the shopping center where Marvin’s is located opted to bring in Meijer as an anchor store, along with some other reportedly mixed-use buildings, the museum began to search for a new location.
The museum’s new home is set to be located at 6427 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. It is located in the Orchard Mall, approximately one mile from its former location.
Its owner, Jeremy Yagoda, is looking forward to the new space.
Legislators work to alter wage and sick leave changes
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Drastic changes to Michigan’s paid sick leave and minimum wage will go into effect Feb. 21. Both of Michigan’s major political parties are currently trying to rein in these efforts in the Legislature.
Republicans hold a majority in the state House of Representatives, and Democrats hold a majority in the state Senate. This month Republicans passed a pair of bills in the House, and Democrats in the Senate have an alternate plan
in its early stages.
The whole issue began in 2018, when two petitions for increased wages and paid sick time received enough signatures to get on the ballot. To block this, the petitions were adopted and amended by Republicans in the state Legislature, dramatically changing what would’ve appeared on the ballot.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined on July 19, 2022, that the adopted and altered acts were unconstitutional. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals but was ultimately upheld by a 4-3 Michigan Supreme
Court ruling July 31, 2024.
The current minimum wage is $10.33, or $3.93 for tipped workers.
If nothing happens
If the revisions by Republicans or Democrats are not made, the court’s ruling will go into effect as planned in February.
All workers will receive a pay bump to $12.48 an hour this year, with tipped workers gradually reaching $12 in
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes There are multiple options for entertainment at Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. The museum is set to be relocated from Farmington Hills to West Bloomfield.
Waltonwood supports residents’ active and independent lifestyles and removes the worry that seniors — and their family members — often experience when they’re living on their own. Move to Waltonwood and spend time doing the things you love most. We’ll take care of the rest.
LEFT: National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week
Local nurse anesthetist spreads awareness during National CRNA Week
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — January 19-25 marked National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Week, a field that dates back to the Civil War, when nurses provided anesthesia to soldiers on the battlefield.
“We are close to 74,000 strong across the nation, and we are one of the largest organized nursing groups,” said Julie Staczek-Marx, who works as a CRNA at Henry Ford Providence in Southfield.
She explained that CRNAs play a unique yet critical role at the head of the bed, particularly in rural settings, such as in northern Michigan and in the thumb.
She shared that in 2021, Michigan became the 20th state to allow CRNAs the ability to work independently and collaboratively with physicians when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4359, which opted out of Medicare regulations that require physician supervision.
By opting out, this increased access to anesthesia care by qualified anesthesia providers and allowed for facilities in rural areas to continue operating.
Staczek-Marx is a Bloomfield Hills resident of over 20 years and a 1997 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy’s nurse anesthesia program. She serves as the federal political director of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists, a role she has held for four years.
Staczek-Marx got her start as a nurse in 1988, working in an emergency room, a trauma intensive care unit and a post-open heart cardiovascular intensive care unit.
She explained that CRNAS are with their patients “every second, every breath, every heartbeat,” providing comfort and care to ensure they are adequately sedated or asleep for their procedure and awake comfortably.
Staczek-Marx shared that CRNAs deliver more than 50 million anesthetics to patients, operating in every setting where anesthesia is administered, from Level 1 Trauma centers to endoscopy or infertility suites, to dental offices and more.
“There is not a place where CRNAs cannot practice, where other providers can,” Staczek-Marx said. “So physician anesthesiologists can relieve us for breaks and lunches, we relieve them. We are providing the same service, using the same medications, using the same epidural trays. There is just one standard of care for anesthesia.”
According to Staczek-Marx, the 3,200 CRNAs practicing in the state of Michigan make up 70.4% of the anesthesia providers in the country, and over 580 reside and work in Oakland County.
“Few people really understand what CRNAs do or the amount of education and training they obtain to do their jobs. CRNAs are not just providers, they are specialists with critical care experience before they begin formal anesthesia education, making them uniquely equipped to handle complex cases,” Staczek-Marx said.
She shared that five accredited programs in Michigan offer CRNA training, including Wayne State University, the University of Detroit Mercy, Michigan State University, Oakland University, and the University of Michigan-Flint, all of
Rochester Hills awarded grant to fight invasive species
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Efforts to keep the city of Rochester Hills’ green spaces free of invasive species just got a boost.
Rochester Hills was awarded a portion of $13.8 million in funding via the National Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain Our Great Lakes grant program for habitat restoration.
The Sustain Our Great Lakes partnership is awarding the $13.8 million in competitive grant funding for 33 projects that will restore key habitats for wildlife, improve water quality and enhance urban greenspace throughout the Great Lakes basin. The grants will leverage approximately $12.1 million in additional project support from grantees, generating a total onthe-ground conservation impact of $25.9 million.
“These projects will benefit communities and wildlife that depend on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Will Meeks said in a statement. “We’re excited to continue
Photo provided by the city of Rochester Hills Volunteers assist the city in the manual removal of invasive garlic mustard from the understory during a garlic mustard pull at the Harding Green Space.
was recently recognized.
Photo provided by Julie Staczek-Marx
RIGHT: Four Oakland University-Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia students learn the basics of anesthesia induction at a simulation lab.
Photo provided by Andrea Bittinger
Marvin’s
from page 1A
“We realized we wanted more space but we never had the opportunity,” Yagoda said at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. “So we’ve been pushed in the corner to do what we always wanted to do.”
Yagoda is excited about the new location and what’s to come for Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. This includes kids’ private party rooms, more antiques, modern games and more photo booths.
“I am very happy your family business has found a new home, a better home in West Bloomfield,” David Barash, who is the chair of the West Bloomfield Zoning Board of Appeals, said. “I serve on the Parks Commission as well and it aligns with things that we do for our community for every age group, so it’s so exciting to see you’re still here.”
The first variance that was granted will allow Marvin’s to operate within 80 feet of a residential lot line. The township currently requires businesses to be 100 feet from a residential lot line. However, since the part of the building closest to the residential property line is for the business’ storage and no mechanical amusements are in that area, the variance was allowed.
The second variance allowed for an entrance from a front exterior wall rather than a common entrance via the mall.
Board members concurred that the property could not be renovated to have a mall entrance and supported the museum using the same entrance as the businesses that formerly occupied that space.
Those businesses used a front exterior wall entrance.
“I think that is (the) most prudent thing to do, to use that entrance that is already there,” Kathy Hagopian, who is a voting Planning Commissioner member, said at the meeting. “It is a good spot for him to stay in the area. People want that viable mall
Marvin’s Marvelous Museum has been a popular destination for children and adults alike over the years. The West Bloomfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals recently voted unanimously to grant two variances for the establishment to operate in the township.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
and it will bring people to the town center district. I think it’s a win-win for all of us.”
According to Barash, the West Bloomfield Zoning Board of Appeals received more than 200 letters, in addition to calls and emails, expressing support for Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum.
Community members at the meeting expressed their support.
“There are thousands of people who are in favor of this business on Facebook,” said resident Miriam Leary, who has been going to Marvin’s since 1980. “And it can only bring good things to West Bloomfield. It is well-loved internationally.”
Those who love Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum range in age.
Ross Miller, 18, of West Bloomfield said, “I’ve been going to Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum since I was a kid.”
He further explained there are not many arcades in the area and that he and his friends love going there.
Karen Amick of Bloomfield Hills described herself as an older mom during the public address portion of the meeting.
“I just want to speak for all the kids that just love, love, love that place. It’s fun to show these kids a little of my world,” Amick said.
“It’s a connection between my 12-yearold son and me.”
Before votes for the variances were taken, Shane Kolo, who is the vice chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, said, “No opposition was made known to this Board.”
The Board voted 4-0 to approve the variance.
According to Kolo, Marvin’s is a familyfriendly destination that is consistent with “what we want in our township.”
“It will be an additional pillar in our community,” Kolo said. “It will be part of what makes West Bloomfield the place we love to live.”
According to Yagoda, his plans are to open the museum in the new location in early summer.
“It’s going to be really fun,” he said.
Farmington Public Schools offers a wide variety of learning opportunities, both in the classroom and online, in a diverse community. In Farmington Public Schools, you will find:
• Students who consistently score well above average on assessments
• A 96% graduation rate
• Numerous opportunities for students to achieve in academics
• Free full-day Young 5s program providing extra time for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally
• A wide variety of experiences in award winning arts and athletics
• One of the largest CTE programs in Oakland County
• A diverse student body where more than 67 languages are spoken
• A highly acclaimed high school International Baccalaureate Programme
• No Pay to Participate fees which increases opportunities for students to be able to participate in the athletic program
Winter weather brings unique birds — if you can find them
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the air chills and days get shorter, it’s common for snowbirds to take their flights south.
But while our senior set heads for the Florida coast, some of nature’s feathered fellows find their way to Michigan from the Arctic.
These seasonal guests from the high north, along with being interesting company, make the winter a fascinating time for dedicated birders.
“A lot of people don’t necessarily think of a lot of birds being around in the winter,” said Stephanie Beilke, senior manager of conservation science at Audubon Great Lakes. “You hear more birds singing in the spring and summer and there’s more obviously around, but in the winter there’s still a lot of bird activity in Michigan.”
Winter birders keep their eyes out for a number of unique birds. Raptors, notably the snowy owl and various hawks, are some of the most famous
winter birds. Another unique winter sight is the arrival of “weird ducks” with striking feather and beak patterns. Notable winter ducks include the bufflehead, northern pintail, common goldeneye and the ruddy duck.
“They’re looking for anywhere that just has open water because that’s all they need to find food,” Beilke said. “They’re looking for fish or plants that are underwater.”
Small birds, too, make southerly journeys for the warmer weather of frigid Michigan. Those birds, like the dark-eyed junco, can be best spotted at properly-equipped bird feeders — one of the least chilly ways of winter birding. Finches also may make an irruptive migration south due to what kind of seed crops have grown over the year.
“True sparrows … like the darkeyed junco like to feed on platforms, so getting a tray feeder or a larger hopper feeder where you’ve got an edge to it that they feel comfortable sitting on,” said Rosann Kovalcik, owner of
See BIRDS on page 9A
TOP LEFT: A snowy owl, spotted in St. Clair County, is a raptor that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Barb Baldinger
BOTTOM LEFT: Female, left, and male redhead ducks are one species of waterfowl that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Lynette Spence, provided by Audubon Great Lakes
ABOVE RIGHT: A dark-eyed junco, spotted around 26 Mile Road, is a songbird that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Barb Baldinger
West Bloomfield student recognized with award
EXHIBIT SHOWCASES WOMEN GLASS ARTISTS
ROYAL OAK — Habatat will be presenting the “Matriarchs of Mastery: Women Shaping the Future of Glass Art” Feb. 14 to March 15 at Habatat, 4400 Fernlee Ave. in Royal Oak.
The exhibit is celebrating over 20 visionary women artists who have “propelled the medium of glass art to unprecedented heights,” according to habatat.com.
The show features work from artists Jen Blazina, Christina Bothwell, Karen Browning, Nancy Callan and more. According to habatat.com, the artists have redefined glass art, showcasing their innovative techniques, conceptual depth and exceptional craftsmanship.
For more information, visit habatat.com.
Lucy Lyon Wolf’s work will be on display during the Habatat exhibit “Matriarchs of Mastery: Women Shaping the Future of Glass Art” Feb. 14 to March 15 at Habatat, 4400 Fernlee Ave. in Royal Oak.
Oakland Schools recognizes school boards
OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland Schools joined 537 local and 56 intermediate school districts across Michigan in celebration of January as School Board Recognition Month.
Their commitment and service were recognized during a board meeting Jan. 14. Board members were presented with certificates of appreciation as part of School Board Recognition Month.
“This past year brought many challenges to public education, but our school board members stood strong, making thoughtful decisions to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students,” Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman stated via a press release. “I’ve witnessed their dedication, countless service hours, and deep care for our school community. School Board Recognition Month is just one small way to express our gratitude for all they do.”
Entries open for State of the State program design contest
LANSING — Michigan K-12 students are called upon to submit entries for a State of the State Address program design contest.
Set to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26, students are asked to develop a design around the concept of “Think Michigan” using crayons, markers, paint or any other material.
Submissions are accepted through the website somgovweb.state.mi.us/ArtContest and are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.
WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield High School student Ashlee Frankford was recently a recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award.
The Piety Hill Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, recognized 16 local high school students with the Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Essay Contest Jan. 9 at the Bloomfield Township Public Library.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. The students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate those qualities to an outstanding degree.
Michael Bouchard honored with Sheriff of the Year award
OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard was named “National Sheriff of the Year” during the Major County Sheriffs of America annual policy conference last week in Washington, D.C.
This is the third year that Bouchard has been awarded this title. In 2024, Bouchard was honored with the Sandra S. Hutchens “Sheriff of the Year” award.
In 2022, Bouchard was awarded the “Sheriff of the Year” by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, and in 2016 he was the recipient of the Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year award from the National Sheriffs’ Association. He is the only sheriff in Michigan to receive both awards, according to a press release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Major County Sheriffs of America represent the largest sheriff’s offices in the country being led by the most proactive future-driven law enforcement leaders in the world,” Bouchard said in the press release. “To be named by them as their national Sheriff of the Year is a huge honor. I am very appreciative and humbled.”
Bouchard is a past president of and currently serves as vice president of government affairs for the Major County Sheriffs of America, where he has served in leadership positions for 25 consecutive years.
In his seventh term, Bouchard is now the longest-serving sheriff in Oakland County history.
According to the press release, Bouchard was appointed on Jan. 11, 1999, to succeed the late Sheriff John F. Nicols. Bouchard now oversees more than 1,400 employees and an annual budget of more than $210 million.
Under Bouchard the Sheriff’s Office has grown, providing law enforcement for 15 communities and more than 350,000 of Oakland County’s 1.2 million residents, according to the release. Bouchard
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Photo provided by West Bloomfield Schools
Photo provided by Aaron Schey
CRNA
from page 3A
which filter through Henry Ford Providence, where Staczek-Marx serves as a preceptor for CRNA residents.
Andrea Bittinger, the primary clinical coordinator for the Oakland UniversityBeaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia, said, “This program is one of just a few programs around the country that is operated under what we call shared authority. So it is owned by both Oakland University and William Beaumont University Hospital.”
“COVID really caused a huge influx of nurses coming into nurse anesthesia. Number one, they saw what nurse anesthetists were capable of doing because we were the ones going up to the floor and putting the breathing tube in patients and acting quickly with patients who were decompensating quickly,” Bittinger said.
She added that CRNAs were working side-by-side with RNs because operating rooms were not working during COVID. She also shared that nurse anesthetists returned to the ICU to provide assistance, which helped more nurses become familiar with the profession.
Bittinger explained that some nurses looking to move away from bedside care while still working in a high-acuity environment opted to transition to nurse anesthesia.
“I mean, our numbers jumped astronomically, almost doubled, the amount of applicants we had,” she said.
According to Bittinger, the program has grown exponentially, as there were 873 applicants in 2024, which is more than double the number of applicants there were in 2020.
Upon completing a CRNA program, students will have 36 months of training, with 9,000 hours of anesthesia training on top of their four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing studies, and at least one year of ICU experience.
“As we celebrate National CRNA Week, it is important to recognize not only the exceptional care CRNAs provide, but also to continue raising awareness about their vital role in our healthcare system. We thank Oakland County and all Michigan residents for placing their trust in CRNAs every day,” Staczek-Marx said.
For more information on the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists, visit www. miana.org. To learn more about Oakland University’s CRNA program, visit www. oakland.edu/nursing/graduate-programs/ DNP-NA.
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Workers
2029. The final amounts will be determined by the state’s treasurer.
All employees, including part-time and temporary workers, are entitled to paid sick leave. Every 30 hours an employee works generates one hour of paid sick leave. Employees get 72 hours paid sick time per year at larger companies. However, employers with fewer than 10 employees need to only pay for 40 hours of sick leave a year.
Proposed Republican changes
Two Republican-led bills have passed through the Michigan House of Representatives that would augment the court’s ruling.
“These bills are now bound for the Senate where they will face another vote,” Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, said in a press release. “I urge each senator to consider the needs of the small business in their communities and vote yes. It would be a massive win for Michigan if the Senate followed the example of the House and sent these bills to (the) governor’s desk.”
House Bill 4001, introduced by Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, would tweak the minimum wage changes. It was passed Jan. 23 with a 63-41 vote. Six House members sat out for the vote.
The bill would set the new minimum wage to $12, which is 48 cents less than what would go into effect automatically Feb. 21. The wage would increase by 50 cents in 2026, and then increase by $1 each Jan. 1 until 2029. Starting in 2030, the state treasurer would calculate the annual increase.
Tipped workers would receive 38% of
whatever the minimum wage is for all other workers.
House Bill 4002, introduced by Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, would alter the paid sick time changes. It passed the same day as HB 4001 with a 67-38 vote. Five members abstained from the vote.
The bill excises the earned sick time for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Workers at larger companies would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, not including hours used as paid leave. Sick leave accrued can carry over from year to year, or an employer can pay the employee the value of the time. Employers do not have to allow more than 72 hours of accrued sick time in a year. They also don’t have to carry over more than 72 hours from one year to the next.
“We have heard again and again from thousands and thousands of restaurant workers whose jobs are at risk,” Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, said in a press release. “The Legislature has both the duty and ability to protect this vital industry and its employees. But the clock is ticking; we need Senate Democrats to do the right thing and join us in the fight to save Michigan’s threatened hospitality industry.”
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association supported the changes in HB 4001.
“The House has acted to protect 1,000 independent restaurants from closing permanently,” Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, said in a press release. “Now it’s critical for the Senate to follow suit and pass House Bill 4001 immediately. Every day of inaction puts more Michigan restaurant jobs and businesses at risk.”
While some Democrats joined GOP members in approving the votes, some cast a vote against them. Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said in a release following the vote that the bills could have been better.
“We need to support workers receiving wages and benefits they deserve — along with creating a positive climate for employers to thrive,” Tate said in a press release.
Senate Democrats weigh in
Michigan Democratic senators have their own proposed legislation to counter Republican efforts. Sens. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, have introduced bills that would adjust the changes set to take effect in February. The bills are currently being discussed in their respective committees.
Senate Bill 8, introduced by Hertel, changes the schedule of the wage increases. The initial change in February would remain at $12.48. Each subsequent increase would happen Jan. 1. Next year it would be $13.73, and in 2027 it would rise to $15. After that, the treasurer would update the rate each year.
Unlike the Republican legislation, SB 8 would increase the wages of tipped workers. The first year tipped workers would receive 38% of the $12.48 minimum wage. The wage would rise in 2%-3% increments each Jan. 1 until hitting 60% in 2035.
SB 15, introduced by Singh, deals with paid sick time. This bill attempts to keep some of the court ruling’s original intent, while sanding down some of its edges.
Earned sick time would stay relatively the same as the Supreme Court ruling, though the threshold for a small business would change from fewer than 10 employees to fewer than 25.
Too much meddling?
The passage of the two Republican bills wasn’t met with enthusiasm everywhere.
“Today, in a bipartisan fashion, the Michigan House of Representatives caved to corporate lobbyists and betrayed Michigan workers by voting to gut the state’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws,” Sam Inglot, the executive director of Progress Michigan, said in a press release.
He said that the majority of Michigan residents supported the original changes as laid out by the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision. He urged the Senate to not make the two pieces of legislation into law.
“HB 4001 and HB 4002 strips workers of a well-deserved and overdue raise and strips too many workers of paid sick leave they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” Inglot said.
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber accused the GOP of “unconstitutional tricks” when adopting and amending the original petition. Bieber advocated for keeping the court’s decision in place.
“Now, less than a month before workers are about to finally get the pay and benefits they deserve, the new Republican majority is trying to pull the rug out from under working families,” he said in a press release. “Every legislator, regardless of their party, should be held accountable for their vote to cut the pay and benefits for workers most in need.”
Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Some bird feeders are enjoyed by being directly watched, while others use technology to catch visiting birds with camera feeders.
“What’s good about them is that you can be in your house, you can have the camera set to be transmitting to your laptop or your phone and you can take pictures from that to help identify (birds),” Kovalcik said. “The camera feeder that we sell actually has identification built in it. There’s a huge surge of that going on. There’s still probably a much larger group of people that go out and they just want to look with their binoculars and they’re just getting into the hobby.”
For those looking to get more outdoors but still close to heat, car caravans organized by Audubon and Bird Alliance groups are a great way to seek birds out.
“What’s fun is just the discovery,” Kovalcik said. “What could I possibly see as I’m driving through this area of Macomb County near Algonac, and that day (Dec.
20, 2024) my partner and I had a screech owl, we had a bald eagle, we had a redshouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier. We had so many raptors that we could see that were out during the day or you could play tapes of and they’d call back. It’s such a treat to come across that and to see it and to know that I’m only going to get this (experience) this time of year.”
Locations close to water — such as Lake St. Clair Metropark, Belle Isle and almost anywhere along the Detroit River/ Lake St. Clair coast — offer a wide variety of bird-sighting opportunities due to optimal plants and prey. Wooded areas like the non-coastal Metroparks offer great opportunities to view birds. Kovalcik says not to discount open fields, such as in northern Macomb County, when planning your winter bird watch; songbirds like snow buntings will take to open fields to scour about for seeds and insects.
“And flying over them would be shortreared owls, which are also out because they are looking for voles and mice in the same fields,” Kovalcik said.
Those with technology on their side can stay up to date on the latest bird sightings throughout the region.
“(The website) eBird is a great resource
for finding birding locations called eBird Hotspots, which provide up-to-the-minute information on the very best locations and what has been seen there,” Barb Baldinger, long-time birder and former vice-president of the Macomb Audubon Society, said via email. “Another place to check is the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail website, which has information about 38 bird viewing sites in St. Clair and Macomb counties.”
While coming across an exotic bird can be a cool experience, it is best for the birds to keep your distance.
“One of the best things to remember
Editors: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
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is to use good birding ethics to keep your distance from any owl or other sensitive species,” Baldinger said via email. “Using your vehicle as a photo blind, if possible, is much less intrusive than walking too close to an owl and perhaps causing it to fly, when it needs to conserve energy.”
The largest birding event of the winter is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 5 every year. Groups like the Detroit Bird Alliance, the Oakland Bird Alliance and the Macomb Audubon Society organize field trips throughout the season.
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Grant
to be a partner in this effort and help support the conservation outcomes that it delivers for the Great Lakes.”
In Rochester Hills, Natural Resources Manager Matt Einhauser said the city will receive a total of $300,000 over the next three years from the grant to fight invasives. The funding, he explained, will allow the city to use herbicide, mechanical removal, and prescribed fire methods to reduce invasives in the natural areas in Rochester Hills and the Clinton River watershed.
The city is required to provide a $375,000 cash match under the terms of the grant.
“The city was able to leverage funding and projects that we had already planned on doing in our green spaces through our Green Space Fund, which made our application competitive and ultimately awarded,” Einhauser explained.
The funding, he said, will help the city restore over 130 acres of suburban greenspace and permanently preserve woodlands and wetlands around the city — including in the Avon Nature area, as well as the Harding, Innovation Hills, Clear Creek, Auburn, and Ruby, Cloverport and Childress green spaces. The project aims to reduce invasive species cover by 70% and expand removal on previously restored areas.
Invasive species must be targeted for multiple years to keep at bay, Einhauser said.
“In a lot of cases, when you are doing woody invasive species treatments, like for Buckthorn, your first year, you’re doing some type of cutting the trees down — whether its with a forestry mower or by hand — and
maybe doing some type of application to the cut stumps. The following year, a lot of times these invasive species will kind of try to pop back up with a vengeance. They will try to take advantage of this now open area, which was densely covered with the invasives, and they will be the first ones to try to pop back up, so you are usually doing follow-up treatments for maybe even multiple years afterwards to try to eliminate the seed bank that’s been there from the years of the invasive species being established there,” he said.
Natural features stewardship of the city’s green spaces began in 2014 and has continued over the past 10 years. The city has invasive species management, native vegetation plantings, habitat restoration, and natural features preservation.
Since 2006, Sustain Our Great Lakes has awarded 529 grants worth more than $142.4 million and leveraged an additional $180.9 million in matching contributions, generating a total conservation investment of more than $323.3 million.
Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership that supports habitat restoration throughout the Great Lakes basin and advances the objectives of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative — a federal program designed to protect, restore and enhance the Great Lakes ecosystem. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the program receives funding and other support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Caerus Foundation, Cleveland-Cliffs, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Forest Service.
To learn more about Sustain Our Great Lakes, visit www.nfwf.org/programs/sustainour-great-lakes-program.
