Gail writes:
February 2018 Just received another email listing available events. On average, I get weekly notices like this from various groups. Should have no trouble attaining the increase in education hours now required for MG certification; at issue is choosing one. As I reviewed them, I noted a reference made to one listed for the Oakwoods Metropark in Flat Rock, Michigan. That reminded me I had not reported on an event Linda had posted to our blog in November, which Connie V. and I attended: Oak Openings Invasive Species Strategy Workshop. Don’t ask……..I laugh now but when the program started, Connie and I just sat there with our mouths open. What had we gotten into now??? We found it very, very interesting but learned quickly that neither of us had the full educational background for the topic at hand; however the room was full of those who did. The program was in depth (at least to us) on all the methods the Green Ribbon Initiative group is using to tackle the invasive plant species in our environment. Student, Ashlee Decker from the University of Toledo, who is attaining her master’s degree, led the seminar. She was an excellent speaker and covered the strategy and purpose of the study. We discussed the various levels assigned to specific plants and the observations which defined specifics for types of environment in defined counties and regions the plants were located. There was a multitude of studies, and graphs based on everything and anything; far more than I can put down here. They covered the characteristics of the plants, the nature which allows them to become invasive, the impactthey have on the “native” environment and just what can be done to control them. Mind the word “control” there is a long process to actually eradicate but it can happen and we play a role. One factor Connie and I found most interesting was the development and use of the program known as the MISIN (Midwest Invasive Plant Network). This program uses a mobile app to track and map locations of the invasive plants in a specific area by using a list of criteria to rank them. Due to the weather that day, we were not able to actually go out and utilize this program. (Ok I admit, I do not have a smart phone so I wasn’t even able to download the app not alone use it). In closing, I want to leave these thoughts. Despite my being techno challenged, it is exciting to know there are students involved in these types of studies. Once again, we arereminded that maybe the most important role we as master gardeners have, is to SHARE by planting the seeds of our knowledge, experiences and concerns with the next generation, however we can. These seeds will instill a desire within their beings to care for our Mother Earth. I want to encourage all of you to take the time to go out to the Oakwoods Metro Park. The diversity of the various habitats in this park located in our backyards no less, is just amazing. So to that, I am thankful I attended the program but extend an apology as I did not have my camera. Connie and I (with camera) plan to go back. This is a park with 4 season interest and the Nature Center is extensively involved with children. I am sending Linda the newsletter link I have for the Green Ribbon group so you can access their schedule; some are based at the Oakwoods Metro Park. Garden on and think spring. gail k
Here is a link to the Oak Openings Web site: https://www.oakopenings.org/?utm_source=Oak%20Openings%20Newletter&utm_campaign=864d1855e8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_80be2b9799-864d1855e8-45463155
Link to their newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/a09eb1215803/oak-openings-gri-february-newsletter?e=8f5512a66a
March -Bluebird[/caption]
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
