Undercurrents

The world of forestry has changed, according to Bill Botti. It is “lighter on the land” and leaves a legacy standing for future generations.

More than 400 species bloom in America’s only designated national preserve and in the latter months of summer long after the flush of spring has waned, Michigan forests and marshes are home to resplendent wildflower displays.

Gail Gruenwald’s style of dealing with oil and gas and clean water issues sometimes frustrates her peers in the non-profit community. Alleged threats, after all, require immediate action. But Gruenwald, executive director for the Petoskey-based Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, says having all the facts is crucial before acting on a supposed problem.

Marrone Bio Innovations, a California-based company, received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval in July last year for open-water use of a zebra mussel control product it named Zequanox.

Garrett Johnson often refers to the Michigan Nature Association (MNA) as “Michigan’s best-kept secret.” The 63-years-old Okemos-based non-profit is Michigan’s oldest land conservancy.

Michigan craft brewers largely agree about one thing: Good water quality is essential. That’s why more brewers are looking at how to conserve it.

Butterflies are a common sight for Pat Ruta McGhan, the botanist for the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary, a 72-acre flowering plant haven in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. In addition to colorful blooms along its trails, the refuge harbors a “pollinator garden” full of prairie smoke, lupine, hoary puccoon and an abundance of milkweed which is cultivated to attract and nourish one of Michigan’s most dramatic butterflies — the monarch.

Ladders won’t likely be needed this boating season in replenished lake waters statewide.

Tending to the trees as well as the forest and beyond, the Muskegon Conservation District is at the root of environmental health.

Early detection and rapid response is the key to controlling this fast-growing invasive.