Mason-Lake Conservation Report Calendar 2016 by Shoreline Media

PHOTO BY Ryan Gerard

Mason-Lake Conservation District 74th Annual Report 2014-2015 Activities Celebrating 75 years of Conservation

2016

2015 aCCoMPLisHMents The Mason-Lake Conservation District and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Office provided natural-resource related technical assistance to hundreds of walk-in and call-in customers and provided on-site assistance to dozens more. The District took 156 spring tree sale orders, selling over 21,900 tree and shrub seedlings. A MAEAP Phase One educational meeting was held February with 80 participants and a Farm Tour was held in August with 83 people in attendance. The District also assisted with Breakfast on the Farm, held at Stakenas Farms, which brought in 2,300 people. The District continues to host a Clean-Sweep/ Household Hazardous Waste Collection day, which in 2015 hosted 305 participants, disposing of 16,205 lbs of hazardous waste and 5,450 lbs of electronics.

neW oFFiCe ManaGer Dani McGarry joined the staff at MasonLake Conservation District in November. She will be managing administrative tasks for the District as well as assisting with grant writing and project management. Dani has a background in biology and has largely focused her career thus far on habitat restoration and invasive species management projects. After working with universities, non-profits and the National Park Service, Dani spent a year working for Oceana Conservation District, where she quickly had to learn about local agriculture to assist growers with Farm Bill programs. At Mason-Lake, Dani is looking forward to learning about natural resource-related projects going on around Mason County,

The Conservation District was awarded a Sustain Our Great Lakes Grant for a total of $424,888.00, with an additional $242,000 in cash and in-kind match from local partners. This money will go towards streambank restoration and stabilization a former log-roll site and three road crossings of the Pere Marquette River. Mason-Lake is also part of the North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) which was awarded $94,000 through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program to manage invasive species in our area.

CUrrent DistriCt staFF Jordan DeVries – Manager/MAEAP Technician Murray Stall – MAEAP Technician Dani McGarry - Office Manager Seth Earl - NRCS District Conservationist Josh Shields - District Forester Vicki Sawicki - Coordinator for North Country CISMA

Mission stateMent and applying her knowledge and skills to help Mason and Lake Counties continue the great work that’s being done to protect our natural resources.

The mission of the Mason‐Lake Conservation District is to provide leadership, technical assistance and education to aid individuals, groups and units of government conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment.

MessaGe FroM tHe Conservation oFFiCe

by Jordan DeVries

History has a way of shaping the future. The Pere Marquette River has followed a course that has wavered very little throughout the years, conforming to the path taken by raindrops and melted snowflakes as they cross gravel banks, snaggy bends, deep holes, and silty marshes on their way to Lake Michigan, just like the millions of their predecessors before them that shaped these features. These countless actions of history created channels of passive resistance that gave

way to impressive rivers that had the ability to move downed trees and even wash-out whole riverbanks. Just like the Marquette, our collective history in the creation of this area has been a wild and twisty affair, sometimes full of lost channels and often able to change landscapes but ultimately awe-inspiring and something we ought to be proud to call our own. This summer, the Mason-Lake Conservation District turned 75 years old.

disTricT cONTAcT iNfO: MAsON-LAKE cONsErVATiON disTricT Phone (231) 757‐3707 x5 • fax 855‐813‐7695 www.mason‐lakeconservation.org | http://www.facebook.com/Masonlakecd | 655 N. scottville rd., scottville, Mi 49454

Mason-Lake Conservation DistriCt 2015 FisCaL Year FinanCiaL stateMent subject to financial audit finalization

inCoMe

State Grants

MAEAP .....................................................70,883.67 Local Contribution & Grants Lake County................................................2,000.00 Mason County ..........................................17,750.00 Great Lakes Energy ........................................267.84 Charges for Sales & Services .............................................53,146.22 Interest & Drill Rental.........................................................3,558.77 Grant Reimbursed Expenses & Other Revenue .................20,107.87 Total Income .......................................................................167,714.37 Cost of Goods Sold............................................................12,673.75 Gross Profit..........................................................................155,040.62

eXPense

Total Wages/Taxes and Benefits .......................................35,662.30 Office Supplies & Postage...................................................2,502.72 Other Expenses ..................................................................1,055.24 Audit ..................................................................................1,900.00 Organization Dues and Subscriptions .................................2,108.86 Plant material & Planting Services ...................................29,118.87 Mileage..............................................................................1,594.56 Marketing & Newsletters ..................................................8,811.32 Vehicle & Drill Expense.......................................................2,700.67 Liability/Bond/Vehicle Insurance .......................................1,196.00 Great Lakes Energy Grant ...................................................1,759.93 DEQ Water Trail Gant Expenses ................................................87.80 Community Foundation Expenses .........................................125.00 MAEAP .............................................................................65,873.75 Total Expense ......................................................................154,497.02 Net Income ............................................................................$543.60

BoarD oF DireCtors left to right are George Budzynski, Tom Stakenas, Scott LaPointe, Sarah

Slater, Paul Bigford

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LUDINGTON PAINT & GLASS Mixing Paint & Service Since 1948

213 S. JAMES, LUDINGTON 843-8250 www.ludingtonpaint.com

2016 voLUnteer events mason-Lake Conservation District Annual meeting (set-up and clean up) February 25 @ Scottville Optimist Hall Tree packing day (pack tree seedlings for tree sale) April 25-26 @ Mason County Fairgrounds Tree sale day (distribute pre-packed tree orders to customers) April 29-30 @ Mason County Fairgrounds Invasive Species Treatment Pesticide workshop May 21 @ Chittendon Nursery in Wellston Native Plant Sale (assist with set-up and sales) June 4 @ Mason-Lake Conservation District clean sweep & Household Hazardous waste collection day August 20 @ Mason County Rd Commission Mason county farm Tour (assist with setup and clean up) August 9 location to be determined

onGoinG voLUnteer ProJeCts Trail maintenance and building Cut brush to clear trails, build boardwalks, manage erosion invasive species surveying Identify and record locations of invasive plants and animals Invasive Species management Work with the project coordinator to remove invasive species Building rain Barrels Help us to build some of the conservation products that we sell in our office

February 25, 2016, 6PM Scottville Optimist Hall, 105 W. State St. Scottville, MI 49454 Tickets $13 at the Conservation District Office Guest Speaker Randy Showerman of the Michigan State University Ag Tech Program will be sharing details about their program and the upcoming expansion of the program to West Shore Community College. Following dinner, Conservation District staff and Directors will present a summary of the 2015 activities at the District, as well as what’s in the works for 2016 and beyond. In addition to the guest speaker, there will also be a 50/50 raﬄe and special award presentations for Conservationist of the Year and the Legacy Award.

Mason-Lake conservation district – 75 years in the making As we celebrate 75 years of conservation, we wanted to share some of the history of how we came to be. The District was established August 6, 1940 at a public hearing held in Amber Town Hall. We began as the Mason County Soil Conservation District and ours was the

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OUR MISSION: “To provide THE most advanced crop production technology with the goal of maximizing our customers return on investment”

Please contact our oﬃce or check out our website for more details! www.mason-lakeconservation.org

Mason-Lake Conservation District’s 74th annual Meeting

Richard Burrell, Operations Manager Gerrit Herrygers, Technical Sales Representative Nate Wittkamp, Technical Sales Representative Brian Wernstrom, Technical Sales Representative 2797 OCEANA DRIVE, HART 873-3630 • 1-800-545-1273 • 873-5090 www.wilburellis.com

6th district in Michigan to be established. Later, the district was expanded to cover all of Mason County and the west half of Lake County resulting in the Mason-Lake Soil Conservation District. Recently, the “Soil” was eliminated from the name to better reflect the broad range of District activities.

Established with similar goals as the federal Soil Conservation Service (now Natural Resources Conservation Service), our office was created to help protect our soil resources by reducing erosion. Many of the projects and assistance that we provide today still focus on soil health

FARM DRAINAGE • Tile Laying • Dozer Work • Excavator Work • GPS Laser Guidance • 36 Years Experience

730-2901 John Near (231) (231) 861-4424

DiD YoU knoW? February is a great time to work towards MAEAP verification. Call our office to find out how to get MAEAP verified. We have over 50 farms verified in our counties, and more on the way!

Sun

Mon 3rd Quarter

February 2016

Valentine's Day

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

Tue

Wed

2 Groundhog Day

New Moon

Presidents' Day 1st Quarter

Full Moon

10 Ash Wednesday

Thu

March 2016

Fri

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

W 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

Sat

12 Lincoln’s Birthday

district board meeting @ noon

T 1 8 15 22 29

MAEAP Phase one meeting @ 8 @ scottville optimist hall

3rd Quarter

mason-lake annual meeting @ 6 @ scottville optimist hall

2 3 invasive sPeCies iD

DEADLINE TO PRE-REGISTER FOR CHAINSAW SAFETY WORKSHOP

Hemlock Wooly adelgid – This invasive beetle feeds specifically on Hemlocks, causing trees to lose needles and branches, grow more slowly and appear grayish-green in color. Wooly white tufts can be seen at base of needles Oct-June where beetles were feeding. Recently found in Ottawa County; not yet known here.

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

Sustain Our Great Lakes – a new project for the PM watershed In 2015, the Conservation District was honored to be awarded a $424,888 grant to restore eroded banks and stream-road crossings of the Pere Marquette River. This work will help to reduce and improve in-stream habitat for native fish in this blue ribbon trout stream. The grant was awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, through the Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) Project. In addition to grant funding, an amazing $242,000 has been pledged by local partners to help finance the two-year project. Major partners include the Conservation Resource Alliance, PM Watershed Council, Lake County Road Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Amber Township and Pere Marquette Township. The work will address 47 river miles and over 320 acres stretching from Baldwin down to the marsh at the river mouth. The River crossing sites to be addressed include the Carr Creek crossing at Tyndall Rd, Sanborn Creek crossing at Queens Highway, and the Black Creek crossing at Custer Rd. A final site is known as the “log-roll” or “Chinnery log-roll”. Located on private property, this was historically a site where timber was brought from all across the area to be rolled into the Pere Marquette River and floated down to the sawmills (see photo). Now, 150 years later, this area is still very steep and has a highly eroded bank that

continues to slough sediment into the river at high rates. The SOGL project hopes to reduce erosion and stabilize this slope by either rock rip-rap or a natural streambank restoration. Engineering studies will need to be completed in the first year of the project to plan for field work, which will be conducted late 2016 and throughout 2017. The SOGL project is not actually the first time that the Conservation District has been part of river restoration work on the Pere Marquette River. A partnership agreement was signed in 1987, commencing the 10 year project that addressed 30,800 linear feet of streambank and 172 individual erosion control sites. The Forest Service was lead partner on the project, and the Conservation District contributed a work force through its Michigan Youth Corps crews. Nature is ever-changing, and the Conservation District continues to preserve and protect the natural resources of our area.

VAN DER ZANDEN CONSTRUCTION 4441 W. Hogen Rd. Pentwater, MI 49449

CUSTOM HOMES POLE BUILDINGS & MASONRY WE DO ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL BUILDING NEEDS

231-869-5191 CELL: 231-590-4322

A log-roll site previously in use along the Pere Marquete river.

rivers that were once the highway for transporting logs to the sawmill now serve as a recreation avenue for fishing and canoeing.

Partners complete 10 year Pere Marquette river erosion control project with a “last rock ceremony “ pictured left to right are Bill stakenas, MLcd director; dick schweikert, PM watershed council; corbin Newman, forest service; Ellen Berlein, Michigan Trout unlimited; dan Hubbel, conservation resource Alliance; Tom rozich, dNr fisheries.

Cold Stream Farm ~ Specializing in Native Trees and Shrubs for wildlife habitat ~ visit www.coldstreamfarm.net

DID YOU KNOW? The Pere Marquette River was vital to logging in the area, with the first Mill built in 1859. It was estimated that the watershed held three billion board feet in 1870.

March 2016

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

3rd Quarter

New Moon

April 2016

Fri

20 Spring Palm Sunday

27 Easter Sunday

Daylight Saving Time starts

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

1st Quarter

Full Moon

Invasive Species ID

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

F 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

12 CHAINSAW SAFETY TRAINING 8-5

3rd Quarter

St. Patrick’s Day

Sat

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING @ NOON

Good Friday

New Zealand Mud Snail - this light-tan to brown snail only grows to ¼” but creates large populations that can alter the food web of an entire river system. They were recently found in the upper reaches of the Pere Marquette River, so be sure to clean your boats and fishing gear after leaving the river!

EARLY LOGGING AND TREE PLANTING IN THE DISTRICT

Deforestation to Reforestation: Past and Present Mason County, like most of Michigan, was extensively logged beginning in the 1840s. The first mill was established by Baird and Bean in Pere Marquette Lake in the 1840s, and by 1870 there were 14 mills around the mouth of the river. Log roll sites were located along the Pere Marquette streambank to get the logs into the river and float them down to the Mills. By 1917, the lumber industry was coming to an end. This left a large amount of acreage in the county in need of replanting, and that was not nearly as quick and easy to do as the clearing had been. Much of the interest in beginning a Soil Conservation District stemmed from the residents’ desire to reduce soil loss and replant the land. In the early 1950s, the District had a Reforestation Chairman, Tom Alway, who wrote about the reforestation efforts in an Annual Report, “The demand for transplant stock continued; supply became almost non-existent. In 1947 the district began the operation of a nursery lineout bed on the Carl Schulz farm in Amber. Planting seedlings and harvesting transplant stock. The nursery was continued on the Russel Mavis Farm in 1949.” Some photos of that tree nursery are included on this page. In 1954, the District made an arrangement with the US Forest Service to use the site of a CCC camp in Walhalla for a tree nursery. At this time, they estimated that they had between 1 and 1.25 million tree seedlings ready for landowners, and the areas that needed replanting required 53 million seedlings! We are not quite sure what became of this nursery, but the demand for trees still remains in our District. Our annual spring tree sale will be held April 28-30th, with extra trees to be available for sale on the 30th. Please place orders by April 8th! See our order form in the back of the calendar.

Ken Adams & Sons Excavating Let's Get R Done

• Hydraulic & Mechanical Dredging, Hauling & Disposal • Permit Service • Docks • Excavating • Steel, Vinyl & Rock Sea Wall Installation & Repair • Gravel Crushing • Septic Systems • Farm Agriculture Lime

• Dump or Spread • Ditching • Manuer Pit Digging • Trenching & Piping • Site Prep for new Buildings • Shoreline Protection • Heil Coils Installed • Diesel Pile Driver • 30 Ton Hydraulic Truck Crane

Pentwater, MI • 231-869-5928

DID YOU KNOW? In 1947, the district started a tree seedling nursery bed with the Charles Schulz farm in Amber. This continued at the Russel Mavis farm in 1949. In 1954, the Conservation District had a forestry committee that established a tree nursery at an old Walhalla CCC property.

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 2016

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

May 2016 S 1 8 15 22 29

Fri 3rd Quarter

New Moon

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Thomas Jefferson's Birthday

M 2 9 16 23 30

W 4 11 18 25

T 5 12 19 26

F 6 13 20 27

Sat April Fools’ Day

9 DEADLINE TREE SALE ORDERS

Full Moon 22 Earth Day

1st Quarter

T 3 10 17 24 31

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

Invasive Species ID

Lyme grass - this aqua-green grass grows 1.5’-5’ tall (including flowers) and can form dense clumps on beaches and dunes, outcompeting native grasses and rare dune species such as Pitcher’s thistle.

TREE SALE AND PICK-UP, 9 AM- 7 PM MASON CO. FAIRGROUNDS

3rd Quarter

TREE SALE AND PICK-UP, 9 AM- 4 PM MASON CO. FAIRGROUNDS

TREE SALE EXTRAS 9 AM- NOON MASON CO. FAIRGROUNDS

S 7 14 21 28

top 5 invasive Plants to Watch For garlic. 4. invasive buckthorn - an An invasive to ecologists because attractive shrub with red to black species is an of the ripple effect that berries. 5. oriental bittersweet - an organism that this sort of populaaggressive climbing vine with red/ is not native to tion shift can have on orange berries that are revealed an area and has natural food webs. negative impacts when the berries yellow skin splits Oriental bittersweet open. on the economy, covers and smothers The top five watch species were environment, or native vegetation from chosen because they are known to human health. the ground level all the The North Country be in our area, but are not yet so way up to the treetops, widespread that their control would Cooperative overtopping trees and vicki Sawicki be cost prohibitive, and also because Invasive Species spreading from crown garlic Mustard Management Area (NCCISMA) was established in these five species, if left unchecked, to crown at the top of are likely to have various detrimental effects on the spring of 2015 to coordinate invasive species the forest. These vines can be up to 4 inches in the economy and the natural education, inventory, and control in environment. Phragmites five counties, including Lake, Mason, and knotweed both decrease Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford. property values where they The top five watch species for the grow, the former due to its NCCISMA is as follows: 1. Phragmites tall dense growth that blocks - a huge grass species that grows waterfront views, and the to over 10 feet tall. 2. knotweed - a latter by its virulent growth bamboo look-alike; if you have a form that is known to bust “bamboo” in your yard, this is what Oriental bittersweet through pavement and you have. 3. garlic mustard - a small Japanese Knotweed forest understory herb that smells and tastes like building foundations. Garlic mustard completely replaces all native vegetation on the forest floor where it invades and, as it is unpalatable to deer, lowers the value of land for hunting. Invasive Sanitation Service, Inc. buckthorn is also known to be associated with Prompt Service By Experienced People lower deer populations, but perhaps the worst 231-843-2007 impact of this invader is its effect on frog and • Septic system installation salamander populations. Invasive buckthorn • Custom backhoe work exudes a chemical into the soil that prevents am• Service on drain fields, sewers & water lines phibians from hatching, likely contributing to the • Septic tanks - cleaned and installed mysterious drop in numbers of amphibians over 231-843-2007 • 231-869-4343 Pentwater Common buckhorn the past 20 years or so. This decline is troubling 5030 W. Progress Dr., Ludington

Malburg’s

diameter and 60 to 70 feet tall with many branching vines off of one stalk. This aggressive vine strangles trees and shrubs cutting off their flow of water and nutrients, killing the tree, and ultimately pulling them down by its massive weight. To learn more about Phragmites the NCCISMA program visit our webpage at NorthCountryInvasives.org. For help with invasive species identification and control, or to find out how you can get involved with our program, e-mail the Program Coordinator at vicki.sawicki@macd.org or call 231-429-5072.

LaBranz Asparagus Farms Seasonal Help Needed Fresh Asparagus 2011 Outstanding COnservatiOnist MaeaP verified 626 E. Conrad Rd., Scottville (231) 757-3880

DiD YoU knoW? Mason-Lake Conservation District was just an idea discussed on May 22, 1940 at an Amber Town Hall hearing attended largely by local farmers, along with township and state officials

May 2016

Sun

Mon

Tue

8 Mother's Day

Wed

Thu

June 2016

Fri

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

W 1 8 15 22 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

F 3 10 17 24

S 4 11 18 25

Sat New Moon

1st Quarter

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

30 Memorial Day

2 3 invasive sPeCies iD

3rd Quarter

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

INVASIVE SPECIES PRESENTATION 1 PM LUDINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Full Moon

INVASIVE SPECIES WORKSHOP 9 AM- 4 PM CHITTENDEN NURSERY

New Moon

asian long-horned beetle – Though not observed in MI yet, this beetle could cause enormous damage to our hardwoods, such as maples and poplars. This shiny black beetle is 1-1.5” long with white spots on its back and long antennae. It’s most visible summer-early fall.

Lake Michigan Property now under new management During 2015, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Mason-Lake Conservation District formed an agreement to allow the Conservation District to manage a 40 acre parcel of state land along Lake Michigan. This parcel is located in Pere Marquette Township on Lakeshore Drive, between Bradshaw and Chauvez Rds. The Conservation District currently holds a 10 year lease with the DNR, with the opportunity to extend following DNR approval. The property is largely forested, and includes a high bluff on Lake Michigan. Many native, as well as invasive plant species can be found in this area. Some species such as bitternut hickory are rare finds on this property, and the bluff provides crucial habitat for bank swallows. Foot paths and two-track roads exist throughout the property from local usage, but no official trails or roads are present. Due to the sandy soils, erosion is an issue on this property, both on the bluff as well as inland where vehicle usage has occurred. The Conservation District hopes to keep in one Now nient v con e n! t loca io

this property as a natural area and use it as a living classroom. Some current ideas include birding or botany studies, soil and erosion management, surveying, orienteering, GPS mapping and trail development. In the upcoming year, the Conservation District aims to recruit volunteers and school groups to help plant native trees and shrubs to curb erosion, survey for invasive plant species, mark trails and clear brush. The Conservation District has also put together a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wish listâ&#x20AC;? of activities that will hopefully be accomplished in the future with successful fundraising. A few examples include placement of benches along trails and overlooks, placement of a safe fire ring at a lookout point, removal of invasive species, procuring a forest management plan, placing educational signs along a nature trail, and signs about erosion to help protect the bluff. If you are interested in volunteering, or have other ideas for the property, please contact the Conservation District office (231) 757-3707 ext 5.

From Pebbles To Boulders, Man Made To God Made.

We Always Bid With You, Never Against You.

You Can Put Your Trust In Us 605 S. PM Hwy. LUDINGTON

231-845-5196

231-845-0329

605 S. PM HWY. LUDINGTON

Preservation of our soil is as important as taking good care of your spine and nervous system.

Dr. Lewis G. Squires Chiropractic Physician Scottville

757-3356

DiD YoU knoW? In the 1950s, there was a Mason County Pasture Improvement Association, which hosted a Better Pastures Contest, and awarded eight local farmers with awards ‘at the Scottville Harvest Festival.

Sun

3rd Quarter

June 2016

Mon

Tue

Wed

30 Memorial Day

Thu

July 2016

Fri

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

F 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

Sat

New Moon

native plant sale

fish day @ mason - lake conservation district office

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

1st Quarter

Father's Day

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

Full Moon 20 Summer

3rd Quarter

Flag Day

invasive sPeCies iD

Pale and Black swallow-worts - Grows as a vine and tolerates a variety of light and soil conditions, ranging from open farm fields to shaded forests. Toxic to mammals, including livestock. Dark-green, narrow, waxy leaves, opposite each other on the stem. Five-petaled, rotten-smelling flowers June-August. Seedpods resemble those of milkweed.

state soil surveys Guide Decades of Conservation Work

Mark your calendars for our 2016 concert line-up!

Saturday, July 23 Saturday, July 30

Scan the code with your smart phone or tablet or visit RhythmAndDunes.com for more information.

ing our soil provides a wealth of knowledge. The details provided in this soil survey tell us which areas are best to plant crops, and which types of crops will be most successful. We can look up areas that will be most useful for sand or gravel mining, or where we would most likely find oil and natural gas reserves. We can understand water table depth to know how deep to put a well, and if that well water will be protected by clay, or open to infiltration through sand. The soils also tell us where it will be easy and not so easy to build structures, lay pipelines and site landfills based on slope, soil type, and moisture. Though the survey was completed in 1991, we use the information nearly every day at our office to help provide guidance on tree plantings, erosion management and ground and surface water protection. Today, you can get a free copy of this survey at our office or even find this information online at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/.

McCormick

Sawmills

LLC

BUYING AND MANAGING TIMBER SINCE 1945

(231) 462-3917 mccormick.llc@sbcglobal.net

Left to right: Joe calus, Erik Johnson, Bruce Knapp, Jeff Bruggink, Bob Evon, Tom Bauer

YOUR AUTO

In the spring of 1987, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation Service began a daunting 5 year project to map out all the soil types in Mason County. This would expand on a basic survey that was conducted in 1939 and provide more details regarding locations of different soil types, moisture, depth, etc. Erik Johnson, of the MI Department of Ag and Joe Calus of the Soil Conservation Service were responsible for the project in Mason County. By using aerial photography, topographical maps and taking countless soil borings out in the field, Erik and Joe mapped out the soils of our county. They were tasked not only with the behemoth undertaking of completing the survey in the field, but also compiling all of their findings into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soil Survey of Mason County, MIâ&#x20AC;?; a guide to county soils with over 500 pages of descriptions and maps. While we may not often consider what kind of dirt is under our shoes, understand-

PARTS SUPERSTORE

The Parts You Need.

The Price and Service You Want. Automotive Replacement Parts Licensed Repair Facility

Only Locally Owned Parts Company

MASON COUNTY AUTO PARTS & SERVICE

720 W. U.S. 10-31, SCOTTVILLE

757-4733

July 2016

DiD YoU knoW? Your help as a citizen scientist is needed! The Eyes on the Forest project is looking for help just by monitoring the health of a tree in your yard. Check out the back cover of the calendar for more information.

Sun

Mon

3rd Quarter

Day 4 Independence New Moon

1st Quarter

August 2016 S 7 14 21 28

M 1 8 15 22 29

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

mason - lake well nitrate screening tests

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

mason - lake CD @ Mason County Fair

Full Moon

3rd Quarter

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

mason - lake CD @ Mason County Fair

Gillison’s

W 3 10 17 24 31

mason - lake CD @ Mason County Fair

4 invasive sPeCies iD

S 6 13 20 27

mason - lake CD @ Mason County Fair

New Moon

T 2 9 16 23 30

Purple loosestrife – found in wetlands, streambanks and ditches, this invasive has escaped from ornamental plantings. It has a square stem, leaves whorled around a square stem and spikes of purple flowers. It is actually illegal in Michigan to possess this plant, due to its invasive characteristics.

thank You to anyone who has helped make the last 75 years a success!

Orchard Market Celebrating 56 Years of Family Tradition FREE SOIL 8400 N. US 31 (231) 464-5534

LUDINGTON 212 S. Pere Marquette Hwy. (231) 843-4603

MIDWEST FORESTRY, INC. 3636 N. US-31, Scottville, MI 49454 Phone: 231-757-4925 FAX: 231-757-4926

Consulting Foresters: Robert Talsma, Forester Home: 231-757-4327 Tony Papes, Forestry Technician Home: 231-464-5577

DID YOU KNOW? The Mason County Fairgrounds were purchased in 1935 from the Wing Farm. The first Western Michigan Fair was held in 1936, making 2016 the 81st year for the big event.

August 2016

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed New Moon

Thu

Fri

1st Quarter

September 2016

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22 29

F 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24

Sat

mason lake Soil conservation district was established

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Full Moon

clean sweep and household haz. waste collection 9 AM - 2 PM

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

3rd Quarter

Invasive Species ID

New Moon

Baby’s Breath - occurs in sunny, sandy locations of lakeshores, dunes, prairies, and barrens. It has greyish-green foliage and narrow, pointed leaves, with a multitude of tiny white/pink flowers. This flower is often found in rose bouquets, but a single baby’s breath plant produces up to 14,000 seeds!

John and Kurt Tiles of Eden Township stand proudly next to the Haybuster

The No- Till Drill Keeps on Truckin’ Mason-Lake Conservation District has been providing rental services of a no-till drill for farmers since 1985. When the rental program began, the Haybuster Drill was in use from 1985 to 2000 and its use helped prevent an estimated 72 million pounds of soil loss during that time. In 2000, the District purchased a new John Deere No-Till Drill, with the help and pledges of local farmers. Since that time, the drill has been used to plant 7,059 acres of soybeans, alfalfa, clover, small grains and wildlife plots. For 2015 alone, the drill was rented 24 times by 22 people for a total of 444 acres. Thank you to everyone who has switched to no-till planting to protect our soils! A no-till drill allows for planting seed without plowing. Instead, the one piece of equipment will open a small trench in the soil, drop a seed, and close up the soil. This process preserves topsoil and crop residues, which helps to hold in nutrients and moisture for the soil and future plantings.

You can do your part... Through Soil Conservation... Preserving the land is our future... in food supplies, economic growth and natural resources. The best investment we can make is saving the land...and it will save us.

Needlefast Evergreens, Inc. 4075 W. Hansen Rd., Ludington, MI

843-8524

Member Services

106 S. Main St. Scottville

757-3833

www.michfb.com

DO’S AND DON’TS OF NO-TILL DO’S 1. Select fields that are fertile, well drained and relatively weed free. 2. Use insecticides and herbicides as recommended and at recommended rates, in a timely manner. 3. Fertilize and lime according to soil test. 4. Plant seed varieties that are recommended for no-till. 5. Monitor fields after planting for possible insect damage. 6. If necessary apply additional herbicide on escape weeds. 7. Wait until soil warms up (50°-55°) before

planting. 8. Use higher seedling rates. 9. Plan your fertilizer program in advance especially how to apply nitrogen. DON’TS 1. Substitute no-till for drainage! 2. Cut corners with herbicides and fertilizers. 3. Expect no-till to be successful on poorly drained and compacted soils. 4. Chop, disc, chisel, plow or disturb old crop residues in any manner before no-till planting. 5. Use a planter that is not adapted for no-till. 6. Plant too fast – (3-5 m.p.h. maximum)

Cold Stream Farm ~ Specializing in Native Trees and Shrubs for wildlife habitat ~ visit www.coldstreamfarm.net

DiD YoU knoW?

The Conservation District’s 1st beachgrass nursery was established in 1941 to provide plant stock to mitigate erosion prior to tree planting. Today, the District has 4 different beachgrass nursery sites and distributes plants around the country to help with erosion.

September 2016

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

5 Labor Day

Fri New Moon

Patriot Day

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

invasive sPeCies iD

Autumn

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

Sat

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

October 2016 S

1st Quarter

mason - Lake farm Tour

Full Moon

3rd Quarter

New Moon

Japanese knotweed - These plants are escaped ornamental plantings and can tolerate a variety of moisture and soil types in sunny to shady conditions. Stems look like bamboo and have hollow chambers within the stem. Height ranges 3’-12’. Leaves are simple, alternate and heart-shaped. Blooms late August through early October.

S 1 8 15 22 29

Joel and sally Lipps proudly holding their MAEAP sign

Pete conrad and MAEAP Technician Murray stall displaying conrad’s MAEAP sign

Art Lister Jr & Ethel Lister of Lister Orchard inc. and Josh Appleby, MdA- MAEAP verifier

celebrating 10 years of MAEAP verified farms in the district The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP or “meep” for short) was started in the state in 1997 as a way to provide further education to local farmers on protecting our natural resources. This voluntary program was actually signed into law by Governor Snyder in 2011 and continues to grow. To become MAEAP verified, producers must complete 3 steps: 1) Attend an educational event 2) Work through a confidential, on-farm risk assessment with a MAEAP Technician, and 3) Take part in a third party verification process, which assesses the farm’s imple-

mentation of a risk assessment action plan addressing environmental risks Producers can become verified in Farmstead, Cropping and Livestock and a new system of Forest, habitat and wetlands. Verification in a system shows that producers are using the best on-farm practices to protect our natural resources. Farms that are MAEAP verified can display a MAEAP sign to tout their environmental stewardship. Farms must be re-verified every 5 years to hold this status. The first farm verifications for MasonLake took place in 2005, on the farms of Pete Conrad, Joel Lipps and Art Lister Jr. With

the assistance of groundwater technician Murray Stall, these producers were able to become verified in 3 Farmstead systems and 1 cropping system. At a time when only 51 verifications existed in the state, this was very significant for our community. Thinking back on the 10 years of being MAEAP verified, Conrad said “As farmers who rely upon the condition and productivity of our land, we need to be the best stewards of our environment. On our farm, taking part in the MAEAP program for this past decade, has kept us aware of and focused upon various environmentally sound practices that we

continue to utilize. Besides the direct impacts that these practices provide to our operation, they also assist us in meeting the requirements of other programs we have chosen to implement, such as the Good Agricultural Practices Audits and the Conservation Stewardship Program”. Today, Mason County alone boasts 52 verifications among 28 different farms. Manistee County, which is also covered by our technicians, has 4 farms with 7 verifications. To inquire about this project, please contact our technicians at (231) 757-3707.

Look to us for your seed, feed, fertilizer, chemical, petroleum and farm needs. • Bulk, Bag, Liquid Fertilizer • Lawn & Garden Supplies

• Feed • Seed • Chemicals • Farm Hardware

• Fuels & Lubricants • Custom Application

Together, hand in hand, the staff works for the farmers in Mason, Oceana and Newaygo counties.

LAKE CITY

4363 S. Morey Rd. (231) 839-8660

BIG RAPIDS

18880 Northland Dr. (231) 796-6302

NORTH CENTRAL CO-OP 3 East Main, Hart

231-873-2158 1-888-591-8211

DiD YoU knoW? Mason-Lake Conservation District has a resident forester who can help you plan a timber sale, improve wildlife habitat on your property and help you to identify and manage tree pests and diseases.

October 2016

November 2016 S

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

1st Quarter

Columbus Day

T 1 8 15 22 29

W 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24

F 4 11 18 25

Sat New Moon

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Full Moon

New Moon

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

Halloween

2 invasive sPeCies iD

3rd Quarter

Phragmites - grows in wetlands, roadside ditches and stream banks. Huge grass (6-13 feet tall), dull, yellowish-green in color with leaves attached alternately up the stem and large flowering heads. Pulling, cutting, mowing, or burning may increase the rate of spread of this plant!

S 5 12 19 26

Outstanding Conservationist of 2015 – Julia Chambers Julia Chambers is being honored with the 2015 Outstanding Conservationist award to recognize her decades-long achievements with AFFEW and contributions to environmental education and awareness in our area. Julia co-founded A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW) with Kate Love in 1990. The goal of the organization is to raise awareness on environmental issues, lead Mason County’s participation in a cleaner, greener future, and promote a healthier ecosystem. Julia has been president for 22 of the group’s 26 years. In that time, AFFEW has organized events involving Lake Michigan Beach Sweeps, Household Hazardous Waste Day, Household Battery Recycling, Christmas Tree recycling and annual Earth Day Celebrations. The group also hosts public forums on prominent environmental issues to help provide balanced information on the topic. Under Julia’s leadership, AFFEW expanded its board from 7 to 9 directors and has about 70 members that volunteer at various events throughout Mason County. All of this work is accomplished in her free time, as Julia is a full-time art teacher of 3-6 grades in Manistee. She plans to retire from teaching in 2016, so who knows what we’ll see from her next, but she knows her work is here, so her gifts will continue to be shared with Mason County.

Legacy Award of 2015 Bob Thurow

Legacy Award of 2015 Ed Malkowski Ed Malkowski is being honored with the 2015 Legacy Award for his important contributions to beekeeping in our area. Ed got his start in beekeeping 62 years ago, when his father gave him nine colonies to raise as pollinators for the family orchards (at the current location of Orchard Market in Free Soil). Ed says that at that age, “I couldn’t tell a honeybee from a horsefly”, but he must have been a quick learner. At the height of his operation, Ed had 300 colonies and was taking them to orchards ranging from southwest Mason County, all the way up to Manistee. This generated about 36 barrels or 11 tons of honey! Over the years, Ed has also worked to get others interested in beekeeping. In total, he has trained about 30 beekeepers, and is currently coaching 8 that are getting started. He also had a fulfilling career with Custer schools and presented to many school groups through events like the Old Engine Club’s Fifth Grade Trip. Thank you, Ed, for your important contributions to our area!

Bob Thurow is being honored with the Legacy Award to recognize his and his families long-term dedication to the agriculture community and soil conservation in Mason County. Bob’s Grandfather William started farming in the area with 40 barely tillable acres in 1896. Bob’s father, Ranold, took over the farm in the early 1940’s and ran a produce route in the area. After spending a year at Central Michigan University, Bob decided he was better suited to working on the farm. He eventually ended up buying his parents farm from them in 1968, and it now totals 1600 acres. Farming for their family has included everything ranging from dairy cows and egg chickens to asparagus and alfalfa. Thurows were even some of the early adopters of cover crops in our area, helping to mitigate soil erosion. Bob served as a Director of the Conservation District for 3 terms in the 70’s, helping to guide and build the District during a crucial time. He also has a bounty of entertaining stories to share, if you find yourself so lucky to catch a few. Thank you, Bob, for all that you and your family have done for farming in our area!

TIMMICH CONSTRUCTION Authorized Dealer

TOM 231-861-5886 Do-it-yourself energy. Right in your backyard. If you choose to heat with wood, you know the value of having a readilyavailable heat source right in your back yard. With the E-Classic’s efficient design and operation, you can heat your entire home, shop and more with up to 50% less wood than traditional wood heating. CentralBoiler.com

7584 S. 102nd Ave. Rothbury, MI Classic EDGE Wood, E-Classic Wood & Maxim Pellet 13-0519

November 2016

DiD YoU knoW? In 1948, the Conservation District had a weekly radio program on Conservation Topics with Ludington station WKLA.

Sun

New Moon

Saving Time 6 Daylight ends

Mon

Tue

Wed

8 Election Day

Halloween

1st Quarter

Thu

December 2016

Fri

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22 29

F 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24 31

Sat

Veterans Day

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Full Moon

3rd Quarter

24 Thanksgiving Day

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

New Moon

invasive sPeCies iD

Garlic mustard - often invades forests, where it can outcompete all native vegetation and form dense monocultures. Adult plants up to 3’ tall with toothed, opposite leaves having a distinct garlic scent when crushed. Small, white, four-petaled flowers in clusters bloom late April through early June.

The Building Blocks of Conservation For 75 years the Mason-Lake Conservation District has served as the single voice of conservation. The U.S Department of Agriculture formed the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1935 to focus on providing soil erosion awareness and prevention through technical assistance and education. In 1994 the Soil Conservation Service became the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In order to have a local NRCS office, the county had to have an established Soil and Water Conservation District. The Mason-Lake Conservation District was established in August of 1940 and the Soil Conservation Service soon followed suit. Our goal has been constant in an ever changing world. In Scottville our purpose has been

Seth Earl, NRCS District Conservationist

simple; to provide you the landowners with the most professional assistance possible. There have been many faces within our office. Since the Soil Conservation Service was founded, I serve as the 4th District Conservationist. The first three are: Pete Tullis 1942-1947 Paul Smith 1947-1948 Lindo Bartelli 1948-1950 William W. Russell 1950 - ? Robert Ambsterburg 1965- 1983 Fred Kirchner 1984- 2004 Kelly Bushong 2005-2010 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through the work of those gentlemen that I have been able to build upon the blocks of conservation that they established. Bob completed thousands of miles of tile drainage. Fred dedicated his career to the Pere Marquette River and surrounding watersheds. Kelly devoted time to establishing relationships with farmers with incredible stewardship practices. There is seldom a day that goes by that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think about the efforts of my predecessors. My focus has been simple; to establish long lasting relationships with landowners and to provide them with the best conservation practices possible. While 75 years seems may seem like an eternity, to us at the USDA Service Center it serves as a road map to work with YOU the landowners. While the faces may change, the quality and professionalism will remain the same. We look forward to working with you.

A meeting between a landowner and soil conservation service staff to create a soil conservation plan.

One of the earliest conservation plans, put together by L.J. Bartelli of the Soil Conservation Service for Elmer C. Jacobson and approved by District Director Tom Alway in 1948.

DID YOU KNOW? Mason-Lake Conservation District is a non-profit (170c1) government organization and your tax deductible donation would greatly help continue the important work of protecting our natural resources.

December 2016

Sun

Mon

Tue

New Moon

M 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

W 4 11 18 25

T 5 12 19 26

F 6 13 20 27

Wed

Thu

24 Christmas Eve

1st Quarter

Fri

January 2017 S 1 8 15 22 29

S 7 14 21 28

Sat

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Full Moon

3rd Quarter

25 Christmas Day

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

Winter

Invasive Species ID

New Moon

New Year's Eve

Oak Wilt – winter is a great time to prune trees and avoid spreading tree diseases. Oak wilt is a rapid browning and loss of leaves from top down on an oak, happening in mid-summer. It is spread by a native sap beetle carrying a fungus that infects the tree. Avoid pruning April-July to help protect your trees.

a look back on past conservation projects

DID YOU KNOW? Mason-Lake Conservation District is one of 3,000 conservation districts across the country. Michigan is home to 78 conservation districts helping to managing natural resources across the state.

Sun

Mon New Year's Day

Year's Day' 2 'New observed

January 2017 Tue

Wed

Thu

February 2017

Fri 1st Quarter

Full Moon

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

W 1 8 15 22

T 2 9 16 23

F 3 10 17 24

Sat

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Gillison’s

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

3860 W. Monroe Rd., Hart, MI 231-873-0143 • 800-392-6059

info@gillisons.com • www.gillisons.com

Martin Luther King Day

3rd Quarter

New Moon

1st Quarter 2 Invasive Species 3 ID

Common buckthorn and Glossy buckthorn are not well known to our area yet, but can be as aggressive as autumn olive. Both species have opposite to sub-opposite toothed leaves with a pointed tip, and bunches of black berries in the fall.

S 4 11 18 25

Select Species Descriptions for Mason-Lake Conservation District Tree Sale, Spring 2016 (See full catalog descriptions at www.mason-lakeconservation.org)

deciduous trees Alternate Leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) or Pagoda Dogwood. Native to MI. Mature Height: 12’. Plant in partial to full shade in moderately drained soils of rich woods, rocky slopes or coastal plains. Flower is white in spring/ early summer, yielding black or blue berrylike fruit. The fruit is consumed by numerous species of birds and mammals; larval host for butterfly larvae. American Basswood (Tilia americana) or Linden. Native to our area. Mature Height: 60-80’. Tolerates sun, to full shade in rich, well drained loamy soils of upland woods and forested ravines. Flower is yellow in spring / summer, yielding brown, nut-like capsules on stalks. Sprouts are heavily browsed by mammals; considered the “Bee Tree” because of its value to native and honey bees. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) Native to our area. Mature Height: 80’. Tolerates sun, partial shade in dry to well-drained soils of closed canopy or open woods. Flower is white in spring/ early summer yielding a small dark

cherry. Fruit consumed by numerous species of birds and mammals; special use for native bees and honey bees; Used as an ornamental tree; wood is prized for furniture; cherries (without pits) eaten raw or used in pies or as a flavor extract

by many birds and mammals; thickets providing nesting habitat; attracts butterflies; special value to native bees and honey bees. Also great for cross-pollinating fruit trees. The apple is edible to humans and often used for jelly and cider.

Hybrid “Bur-Gamble” Oak (Quercus macrocarpa var ) Bur oak is native to MI and it has been crossed with Gamble Oak which is native to western US states. Mature Height:

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) or White Walnut. Native to southern MI. Mature Height: 60-70’. Plant in full sun on rich soils, especially near streams. Nuts are eaten by squirrels, other mammal sand humans. Inner and outer bark was historically used for medicinal purposes; BUTTERNUT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE BUTTERNUT CANKER, AN EXOTIC FUNGUS THAT KILLS THE TREE.

Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) Native to southern MI. Mature Height: 80-100’. Tolerates sun to full shade on well drained loams and silty clay soils. Brown nut enclosed in a husk. Nuts are consumed by numerous birds and mammals; primary larval host for several species of butterfly and moth. Strong wood is used for ax handles and skis. Prairie Crabapple (Malus ioensis) or western Crabapple. Native to the U.S., not MI. Mature Height ~30. Requires sun and moist soils on edges of forests. Flower is white or pink in spring/early summer, yielding small yellowish green apples. Apples are consumed

Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) Native west Michigan counties. Mature Height: 80-100’. Tolerates sun to full shade on rich soils of upland and bottomland forests. Nuts are consumed by animals but are not preferred due to bitterness. Popular wood for smoking food. Chestnut Crab Very hardy introduction from the University of Minnesota program. Fruits are mostly about 2 inch diameter, ripen

over a long period making it a great tree for cross-pollination of other apple trees. Bronze skin. Distinctive nutty flavor, one of the tastiest apple morsels that can be had. Late-season vigorous fruiting is ideal for wildlife forage throughout the deer hunting season. Semi-compact tree is resistant to cedar apple rust. American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana) Native to northern MI. Mature Height: 10-30’. Tolerates sun to full shade in moderately drained, acidic soils of open fields/yards. Flower is white in early summer, with a reddish/ orange berry. Berries are eaten by birds. Planted as ornamental.

deciduous shrubs Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) or Juneberry. Native to our area. Mature Height: 15-30’. Tolerates sun to full shade of moderate to well drained soils in upland forests, forest edges. Flower is white in spring, yielding reddish or purple berry-like fruit. Fruit is consumed by birds and mammals and buds are browsed by mammals; attracts native bees and predatory insects that prey on insect pests. Planted

THE BUSS GARDENS 2879 W. Townline Rd., 8 Miles N. on Stiles Road, Turn left - 1/3 mile on dirt road

231-464-5833

www.BussGardens.com

Accepting

as ornamental or wildlife shrub; sometimes used as bonsai plant. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) Native to southern MI. Mature Height: 6-12’. Thrives in partial shade or shade and soils should be dry to well-drained soils of upland forests and thickets. Flower is white/green in spring/summer, yielding an edible nut with a papery husk. Nut is consumed by birds and mammals and is edible to humans; used as an ornamental shrub Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) - Native to the U.S., not MI. Mature Height: 6-8’. Tolerates sun to full shade on acidic soils and sands, along stream banks and wet woods. Flower is white in spring/summer, yielding purplish to black small fruit. Numerous birds and mammals consume the fruit and use for nesting habitat; special value to native bees and honey bees. Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) or Common Elderberry. Naturalized in MI. Mature Height: 10-12’. Plant in partial shade on moderately drained soils of ditches, old fields, wetlands, wet forest edges. Flower is white in

spring, yielding dark purple to black berry. Berries consumed by birds and mammals; Berries used for preserves and wine (unripe fruits are toxic to humans) Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) Native to our area. Mature Height: 6-20’. Requires sun and will grow on rocky, sandy, and clay soils in prairies and stream banks. Flower is white to yellow in spring, yielding small reddish orange berries. Fruit is consumed by birds and mammals and is edible to humans but is sour and best eaten after a frost. Used an ornamental shrub. Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) - Native to southwest MI. Mature Height: 10-20’.Tolerates sun to full shade. Soils range from dry to moist well-drained loamy soils, sands, and clay soils in thickets along rivers, rocky slopes, gravelly areas. Numerous birds and mammals consume the seed and use for shelter; provides nectar for butterflies. The fruit has been used as a bitter substitute for hops when making beer; also used as an ornamental shrub.

(Continued on page 31)

SPECIALIZING IN ORIENTAL, ORIENPET, TRUMPET AND TIGER LILLIES - DAYLILLIES, HOSTAS - PEONIES - PERENNIALS Open May - September All the flowers pictured are from my gardens

CONIFERS

BARE ROOT TRANSPLANTS

Size

Age

5 ct

10 ct

25 ct

50 ct

100 ct

Colorado Blue Spruce

18”+

2-2

$15

$33

$60

$90

Norway Spruce

18”+

2-2

$15

$33

$90

White Pine

18”+

2-2

$12

$28

$60 $50

$16

$35

$60

$100

$35

$80

$140

***

White Spruce

18”+

2-2

$10

XL Fraser Fir

2’+

3-2

$20

BARE ROOT SEEDLINGS

CONIFERS

Colorado Blue Spruce

Name _________________________ Address _ ______________________ City __________________________ Phone Day ______________________ Evening _ ______________________ Email _________________________

SHRUBS

Zip _ _________________________

First orders received will take first priority!

Order Number _______________ Date Received _ ______________ Processor’s Initials_ ____________

DECIDUOUS

Office Use Only

Size

Age

5 ct

10 ct

25 ct

50 ct

100 ct

500 ct

1000 ct

10-15”

2-0

$15

$25

$35

$120

$210

10-15”

$15

$25

$35

$120

$210

Red Pine

5-10”

2-0

$15

$25

$35

$120

$210

White Pine

5-10”

2-0

$15

$25

$35

$120

$210

White Cedar

2.5-3’

4-0

$15

$30

$55

$95

***

White Spruce

6-12”

2-0

$15

$25

$35

$120

$210

$10

$19

$40

$70

12-18”

1-0

$95

***

Basswood

2.5-3’

1-0

$14

$25

$60

$115

$225

***

Black Cherry

2.5-3’

1-0

$12

$25

$45

$80

***

Hybrid ‘bur-gambel’ Oak

6-12”

1-0

$20

$35

$60

$420

$670

Pignut Hickory

2.5-3’

2-0

$15

$26

$62

$120

$235

***

Prairie Crabapple

18”-2’

1-0

$15

$30

$55

$110

***

Red Maple

2.5-3’

3-0

$20

$35

$60

$275

***

Allegheny Serviceberry

2.5-3”

2-0

$12

$25

$45

$80

***

American Hazelnut

2.5-3”

2-0

$13

$24

$55

$95

$145

Arrowwood

2.5-3’

1-0

$14

$30

$55

***

Black Elderberry

2.5-3’

2-0

$12

$25

$45

$80

***

Buffalo Berry

12-18”

1-0

$20

$35

$60

$420

$670

Hoptree (wafer ash)

12-18”

1-0

$16

$35

$60

$110

***

Winterberry Holly

18”-2’

1-0

N/A

$15

$35

$60

$105

***

SINGLE BARE ROOT TREES

SIZE

PRICE EACH

Black Walnut or Butternut

5-6’

$16.00

Bitternut Hickory

5-6’

$16.00

Chestnut Crabapple Mountain Ash

5-6’

$18.00

4-5’

$14.00

Sugar Maple

4-5’

$14.00

White Oak

4-5’

$14.00

White Birch

4-5’

$14.00

See reverse for additional products & fruit trees

TOTAL

$80

2-0

Alternate leaf dogwood DECIDUOUS

SPRING 2016 TREE SALE ORDER FORM MASON-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Norway Spruce

QUANTITY

***

Plant a tree in observance of the 144 Arbor Day, Friday April 29th! 50 of each kind available th

25 available 40 available 25 available 70 available 50 available 25 available

It is unlawful for these trees, shrubs and other plants to be resold with roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act. PA 189 of 1931 as amended.

SUBTOTAL

Old Favorites Heritage Varieties: $60 Ashmead’s Kernal, Newtown Pippin, MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Price Wolf River (2) QUANTITY

$14

TOTAL

$0.25

Tree Flag (specify pink, orange, or yellow)

New Favorites: $60 $3.00 Tree Tube (5’ tall,HoneyCrisp includes stake & (2), zip-ties) KinderCrisp, Pink Pearl, Tree Fertilizer Packet (slow release 16-16-16) $0.50

Hard Cider Varieties: $2.50 $60 Brown’s Apple, Redfield, Smokehouse (2) $5.00

Tree protector (3’ tall wrap for young trees) Native Grassland Prairie Seed Mix 1 oz

Stone Varieties: No-mow Septic Area SeedFruit Mix 1 oz,

$5.00 $60

$6.00 Independence Nectarine, Redhaven Bird & butterfly mix for moist soils 1/2 oz

Peach, Reliance Peach, Stanley Plum, Methley Plum $6.00 Ludington State Park Wildflower Mix 1/2 oz

FRUIT TREES - BARE ROOT SIZE EACH For use with credit card payment ‐ 3% fee required

Ashmead’s Kernal * Semi-Standard

4-6’

$17

4-6’

$17

Card number:______________________________ 4-6 $16 Expiration Date:_____ Security Code (CVV):______

Brown’s Apple * Semi-Standard

Honeycrisp Apple * Semi-Standard

, um

Name on Card:_____________________________ Kindercrisp Apple Semi-Dwarf * 4-6’ $16

MAKE A TAX-dEducTiBLE dONATiON! $25

Stanley/Methley Plum

4-6’

$14

Small Fruit & Vegetables

SIZE

EACH

Tribute Strawberry, ever-bearing (10)

3-6”

Earliglow Strawberry, june-bearing (10)

3-6”

Encore Red Raspberry june-bearing (2)

12-18”

Anne Yellow Raspberry fall-bearing (2)

12-18”

Jersey Supreme asparagus crowns (5)

N/A

Groundcover plants

SIZE

EACH

American Beachgrass,100 per bundle

18”-2’

$15

Bearberry, 10 per bundle (dry sites)

6-12”

$15

Cranberry, 10 per bundle (moist sites)

6-12”

$15

PLANTSKYDD -DEER, ELK & RABBIT REPELLENT 1 qt Pre-Mixed Spray protects 80-100 plants

$22

1 lb Soluble Powder protects 200-400 plants

$28

3 lb Granular Shaker Bag protects 1,800 sq ft

1qt (garlic juice) $22 TheMosquito Mason-LakeBarrier Conservation District is 250 a 170sq (c) fttax-deductible

Newtown Pippin * Semi-Standard 4-6’ $17 organization with the State of Michigan and IRS. Your donation Make a Tax‐Deductible Donation! The Mason‐Lake Conservation District is a 170 (c) tax‐deductible organization with the

will be applied towards conservation education for school groups, education for school groups, scholarships & internships State of Michigan and IRS. Your donation will be applied towards Pink Pearl Apple Semi-Dwarf * 4-6’ $16 scholarships & Internships.

Donation

Please pay in full if purchases come to less than $100, otherwise we request a 50% deposit Redfield Apple Semi-Standard * 4-6’ $16 Smokehouse Apple * Semi-Dwarf Wolf River Apple* Semi-Standard

4-6’

For use with credit card payment - 3% fee required. Send this complete order form and payment to: $17

Mason‐Lake Conservation District (M‐LCD on check) 4-6’ $17 Card Number _________________________

655 N. Scottville Rd. Scottville, MI 49454 Phone: 231‐757‐3707 ext. 5 Fruit Tree Packages (see left) 4-6’ $60 Expiration date ________________________ Rather use the computer? Order forms and Email addresses available at: Independence Nectarine 4-6’ $14 code (CVV) _____________________ www.mason‐lakeconservation.org Security ‐Online store coming soon! Redhaven/Reliance Peach

NOTICE Stanley/Methley Plum

4-6’

$14

Nametoonbe card _________________________ plants It is unlawful resold with the roots attached 4-6’ $14 for these trees, shrubs and other

Small Fruit & Vegetables

EACH *Requires cross pollination — Cross pollination isSIZE old Favorites Heritage Varieties: $60 key to aStrawberry, good fruit cropever-bearing for many apple(10) varieties. 3-6”Ashmead’s Tribute $4Kernal, Newtown Pippin, Wolf River (2) Stone fruit varieties do not need cross pollination Earliglow Strawberry, june-bearing (10) 3-6” $4 $60 new Favorites: HoneyCrisp Himrod white seedless grape vine (1) 12-18” $7(2), KinderCrisp, Pink Pearl,

FRUIT TREE PACKAGES:

Reliance red seedless grape vine (1)

write the underlined

Jersey Supreme crowns (5) package nameasparagus into quantity column

Hard Cider Varieties: $60 12-18” $7

Brown’s Apple, Redfield, Smokehouse (2)

N/A

stone Fruit Varieties: $60 above: Save money and don’t fear PLANTSKYDD -DEER, ELK & RABBIT REPELLENT Independence Nectarine, Redhaven Peach, pollination timing!

Peach, Stanley Plum, Methley Plum 1 qt Pre-Mixed Spray protects 80-100 plantsReliance$22 1 lb Soluble Powder protects 200-400 plants

$28

Total Back Total Front 6% Tax 3% Credit Card Fee Total Due Enclosed deposit Check No.

Please pay in full if purchases come to less than $100, otherwise we request a 50% deposit fiNAL dATE TO OrdEr APriL 8, 2016 Pick up dates and times Thursday, April 28th 9 AM to 7PM Friday, April 29th 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, April 30th 9 AM to Noon Orders can be picked up at the Mason County Fairgrounds Concession Stand 5302 W. US-10 Ludington

Send this complete order form and payment to:

Mason-Lake Conservation District (M-LCD on check)

655 N. scottville rd., scottville, Mi 49454 Phone: 231-757-3707 ext. 5 Rather use the computer? Order forms and Email addresses available at: www.mason-lakeconservation.org Online store coming soon!

Select Species Descriptions for Mason-Lake Conservation District Tree Sale, Spring 2016 (See full catalog descriptions at www.mason-lakeconservation.org)

deciduous shrubs (Continued from page 29) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) or Winterberry Holly, Michigan Holly. Native to our area. Mature Height: 6-10’. Tolerates sun to full shade on wet to somewhat dry acidic soils in swamps, stream/river banks and near lakes/ ponds. Flower is white, yellow, green, brown in spring/ summer and yields a red berry-like drupe. The fruit is consumed by birds and is an important late fall/winter food source for these animals; important source of cover and nesting habitat; nectar source for insects; special value to honey bees. FRUIT IS TOXIC TO HUMANS

fruit trees Ashmead’s Kernel An old English winter russet, medium size, golden-brown skin with a crisp nutty snap, exploding with Bartlett pear-like flavor infused with a lingering scent of orange blossom. Flesh is dense, sugary and aromatic with intense flavor, characteristic of russets. Winner of taste tests. Has some resistence to scab and cedar apple rust. Triploid. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES Brown’s Apple Makes “vintage quality” cider that is fragrant. Fruit mildly bittersharp. MidOctober ripening. Midseason bloom. Very productive but not precocious. Fruit 2” diameter. Susceptible to fire blight but Scab-tolerant. Very winter hardy, to -30F and colder. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES

Honeycrisp Apple (Malus domestica Honeycrisp) - Mature Height: up to 15 feet. Plant in sun to promote fruit production and keep leaves dry to minimize disease. Good drainage is necessary to avoid “wet feet”, as is high ground to reduce exposure to damaging frost. Flower is pink, white in spring. Used as eating apple, with crisp, sweet taste. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES; Popular compatible cultivars include Fuji, Gala, crabapples KinderCrisp A miniature Honeycrisp-like Apple, kids love it! This may be the best apple for lunch boxes and afternoon snacks, as you’ll never have to cut it up for little mouths! Outstanding flavor and crisp, fine texture. Best when fresh from the tree. Cold-hardy. Ripens in late August. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES Newtown Pippin Apple Late-harvested, medium-large, greenskinned & slightly russetted apple with a remarkably balanced tart/sweet flavor and an aroma often described as piney. It is noted for the quality of the fresh and fermented cider it yields, its superior baking qualities, its excellence as out-of-hand eating apple, and its ability to mellow and improve in flavor with storage. It was a favorite of several founding fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson who grew them at Monticello. Jefferson wrote from Paris in reference to the French Apple varieties, “They have no apples here to compare with our Newtown Pippin.” Recommend An Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES

Pink Pearl Apple Pink Pearl is a wonderful pink-fleshed table apple that is high in antioxidants which makes a beautiful and tasty pink applesauce. Fruit is medium-sized with a distinctive conical shape. The skin is creamy pale green, pink flesh is crisp, fine-grained and aromatic with a delicious sweet-tart flavor. Ripens in August. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES Redfield Apple Medium or larger. Dark red with russeting, dark red flesh. Juice is red. Not for fresh eating. Tree Characteristics: Wood and leaves are red. Extremely hardy. Deep red flesh is slightly dry making it excellent for baking. Produces an exceptional jelly, blood red cider, or vinegar. Ripens in October. Recommend An Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES Smokehouse Apple Besides its excellent eating qualities, Smokehouse is a fine cooking and baking apple. The apple has greenishyellow skin covered with shades and stripes of red. Flesh is yellowish, crisp and firm with a pleasing spicy flavor. Ripens September or later depending on the locale. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES Wolf River Apple Spectacularly large, up to 1 lb. Outstanding culinary apple; good blended in cider as well. Pale yellow skin covered in dull red. Flesh is tender, subacid-tart, and juicy. Tree is long-lived, hardy and productive. High resistance to scab and mildew. Recommend Another Apple Variety as Pollinator? YES

Independence Nectarine The attractive skin of this variety is gold, blushed with a brilliant cherry red. The flesh is yellow. A firm fruit with good texture and flavor. The tree is productive and vigorous. Recommend Another Variety as Pollinator? NO, Self-pollinating Redhaven Peach Redhaven is the standard by which all early peaches are judged. The flesh is firm and yellow with a smooth texture. The tree is vigorous and early bearing. An attractive red and golden skin color further enhances its popularity. Redhaven is excellent for canning and shipping for the fresh market. Recommend Another Variety as Pollinator? NO, Self-pollinating Reliance Peach (Prunus persica Reliance) Species is from China. Mature Height: up to 15 feet. Plant in full sun on well drained soils such as loams. Flower is pink in spring and fruit is a reddish orange peach Recommend Another Variety as Pollinator? NO, Self-pollinating Methley Plum (Prunus salicina Methley) Species is from Japan. Mature Height: up to 15 feet. Plant in full sun on well drained soils such as loams. Flower is white in spring and fruit is a reddish purple plum Recommend Another Variety as Pollinator? NO, Self-pollinating

Descriptions of native plants were obtained from http://www.wildflower.org/plants and non-native plants from http://plants.usda.gov/java

Arrowwood

Black Elderberry

Buffaloberry Redfield Apple

Winterberry Holly Ashmead’s Kernel

Pink Pearl Apple

Basswood

GVF Orchard Equipment

Join tHe eYes on tHe Forest ProJeCt! Eyes on the Forest is a great program that allows you to monitor your trees and provide useful information for the protection of our trees in forests, backyards, and other areas. This program was launched in 2015 as a project led by Michigan State University and funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. The overall aim is for residents of Michigan to learn more about the risks and impacts of invasive forest pests by monitoring their own trees. One main goal of Eyes on the Forest is for residents to monitor their trees for three target pests: Asian Longhorn Beetle, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and Thousand Cankers Disease. Asian Longhorn Beetle attacks maple trees and numerous other trees, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid affects only eastern hemlock, and Thousand Cankers Disease affects black walnut. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is already spreading on hemlock trees in Ottawa and Muskegon Counties whereas the other two pests have not yet been detected in Michigan. All three of these pests kill the host trees so are very serious threats to our forest resources in Michigan. Participation from residents like you can help us create a unified front whereby we can detect these pests early enough and do something about it, before too much damage Josh shields occurs. Reporting is an easy process. First, we encourage you to attend one of the training events led by Josh Shields, Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) Forester with the Manistee and MasonLake Conservation Districts. The purpose of the training event is to help you become familiar with identification of these forest pests, as well as how to report your observations. Exact dates for training events have not been finalized as of yet. Once you have selected trees to monitor and are comfortable observing them for signs of these forest pests, you will report your results on the Michigan Invasive Species Network (MISIN) website (http://www.misin.msu.edu/). Forest invaders are some of the most serious threats to our forest resources so your participation is critical to the conservation of such resources! If you are interested in learning more about Eyes on the Forest, please contact the Mason-Lake Conservation District, at 231-757-3708 (Office Phone). You may also contact Josh Shields directly at 989-220-9236 (Mobile Phone), or via email at joshua.shields@macd.org.

Unmatched Versatility & Dependability. GVF Rough Terrain Forklifts

GVF 4000

GVF 5000, 6000 & 8000

These smooth operating rugged lifts offer excellent visibility so you can get the job done quickly and comfortably. Forklifts come in four different models with many options available. The all new GVF 4000 60” wide compact, Tier IV engine model is available in 4 WD. The GVF 5000, 6000 & 8000 are the larger capacity lifts and are available in either 2 WD or 4 WD models.

GVF Sonic Spray

GVF Hedgers Toppers & Skirters

Save time and money with GVF Sonic Spray ultrasonic spraying system. Sonic Spray simply turns off the application of spray when no tree is present. It works in any type of orchard growth whether it is young or mature and even if the tree spacings are inconsistent. Trees get sprayed and empty spaces don’t. The savings are big. Use at least 25% less spray material. Call us today!

Top, hedge, or skirt with the extensive line of our unmatched and versatile GVF hedgers. The Center Mount Hedger (shown) has a rugged, narrow boom design for less tree damage and greater operator visibility. It has fork pockets for simple installation and easily attaches to the 3-point hitch and top link. It’s efﬁcient hydraulic system allows for smooth operation and cutting head speed that is independent of the tractor.

Gillison’s BENZONIA STORE 231-882-5921 3033 Benzie Hwy. Benzonia, MI 49616 800-392-6059

Variety Fabrication, Inc.

HART STORE 231-873-0143 3860 W. Monroe Road Hart, MI 49420

Fax 231-882-5637

TRAVERSE CITY STORE 231-946-0177 1515 Woodmere Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686

info@gillisons.com

www.gillisons.com

Serving today’s agriculture with tomorrow’s technology since 1977.