Cass County Conservation District

10/23/2026

This should be fun and interesting plus, the macro-invertebrates found will help indicate the health of the waterway 😊

We need your help to monitor stream health in Cass County! Aquatic insects are sensitive to pollution. This means that they are a "canary in the coal mine," giving us crucial information about stream pollution in our area. The CCCD will be running a macroinvertebrate ("bug") survey on October 24th, 2026 from 1-5 PM at the Peavine Street Access to the Dowagiac River, and we need volunteers- no experience needed. Sign up today!

Link to Sign Up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrqU62D8usWd865Jen5thN26yspAhp-ysuf0hQts84x302pw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106452906223294083787

Peavine Street Access to Dowagiac River:
https://www.michiganwatertrails.org/location.asp?ait=av&aid=5269

10/10/2026

Newton House Fall Fest!
Fun learning about nature, spotted lantern flies, and the Historical Society’s awesome bird exhibit from the late 1800’s.

10/07/2026

More invasive species found 😳

Invasive red swamp crayfish have been found in southwest Michigan’s Cass County for the first time, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

10/03/2026

We’d love to see more projects like this in Cass County!

10/03/2026

Registration is now open for the award-winning Introduction to Lakes Online course from Michigan State University Extension! Offered once a year, this six-week online class is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of inland lakes including lakefront property owners, concerned residents, local leaders, and decision-makers. 🌊 🐟

Led by MSU Extension experts and state agency professionals, the course explores a variety of topics, including lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law, and community engagement.

The 2027 program begins January 26 and runs through March 19. The registration deadline is January 29, 2027.

Ready to dive in? Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.

09/29/2026

MSUE always provides good research based information.

Looking for better plant choices near the water?

A new MSU Extension article highlights alternatives to several invasive plant species, including aquatic and lakeside plants that can affect Michigan waters. Earlier this summer, water hyacinth and water lettuce became prohibited from sale in Michigan. Both can form dense mats, block sunlight, reduce water flow, and negatively affect other aquatic species.

The article also points to alternatives for purple loosestrife, an invasive aquatic perennial that can take over lakeside habitats and replace native species. Suggested alternatives include plants such as swamp loosestrife, Missouri ironweed, marsh blazing star, queen of the prairie, pickerelweed, American white waterlily, water shield, pond-lilies, and floating pondweed.

Whether you manage a water garden, shoreline planting, or lakeside landscape, choosing lower-risk alternatives is one way to help protect Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Read the full MSU Extension article here: https://msu-prod.dotcmscloud.com/news/alternatives-to-newly-restricted-invasive-plant-species

09/26/2026

continues! Did you know that storm drains and roadside ditches don’t go to a treatment plant? Stormwater goes directly to rivers, lakes, and wetlands so any pollutant added or picked up along the way can affect recreational activities, pollute drinking water, and harm wildlife in those waterbodies.

Remember: Only Rain in the Drain!

09/24/2026

Welcome Autumn 😉…but not the invasive Autumn Olive. Click to learn more - good job Berrien on a great little educational piece.

🍂 Welcome, Fall! 🍂

As the leaves begin to change and autumn berries start popping up across Michigan, there’s one shrub we want you to know how to spot: Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata).

📸 The plants pictured in this post are Autumn Olive. We’re sharing these photos to help bring attention to this local invasive plant and make it easier for our community to recognize it in the landscape.

It may look harmless—and those bright red berries can certainly catch your eye—but Autumn Olive is an invasive species that is widespread in Michigan and classified as restricted by the state.

🌿 So why don't we want it here?

• It spreads rapidly and produces abundant berries that are eaten and dispersed by birds and mammals.
• It can form dense thickets that shade out native plants.
• It can alter soil conditions by adding nitrogen, which can change natural plant communities.
• Once established, it can be difficult to control and may resprout after being cut.

The good news? You can help.

🌱 When choosing plants for your property, consider replacing invasive shrubs with Michigan-native alternatives that support our local ecosystems and provide habitat and food for native wildlife.

🍁 Looking for native plants? Come shop our Fall Native Plant Sale!

📅 September 26
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Berrien County Conservation District
3334 Edgewood Rd., Berrien Springs, MI

Let's welcome fall by planting something that belongs here.

Know your invasives. Choose natives. Grow a healthier Michigan. 🌱