Current Topics
picture taken by Danielle Kearsley
The following are some current topics that the Clinton Township Environmental Commission (CTEC) is currently working on:
Tree Ordinance - Members of the CTEC are currently working closely with the Township Council to write a Township Tree Ordinance.
Significant Tree Registry - Please refer to this page to see more details related to this topic.
Stormwater Inlet Markers - Members of the CTEC are currently working with local scouts to adhere storm drain markers to all storm drain inlets within the township. If you have a Scout interested in helping out with marking stormwater inlets within the township please click here. For a copy of Clinton Township's "A Citizens Guide to Stormwater Management" please click here. This brochure was distributed to every household in Clinton Township in 2006.
picture taken by Danielle Kearsley
South Branch Watershed Association Community Well Testing - In the spring of 2011, The CTEC will offer the community well test kits in cooperation with the South Branch Watershed Association. Results of the community well test will be mailed to the homeowners address detailed on the chain of custody. Please check this website and the Clinton Township Newsletter for further details regarding the Well Testing date.
Invasive Species Infestations
Invasive species infestations are not simply a nuisance to gardeners; they endanger the health and biodiversity of local ecosystems. The exotic plants that are invasive exhibit two traits: aggressive reproductive capabilities, either through vegetative means or high seed germination rates, and the ability to chemically alter the soils around them to the disadvantage of native species. This allows them to outcompete native vegetation and form dense thickets, reducing wildlife habitat and forage options.
The first step in addressing this growing problem is to stop planting invasive species in our gardens as ornamental plants. Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and burning bush (Euonymus alata) are popular nursery plants due to their fall coloration but native species like Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and Maple leaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) can be planted instead to achieve magnificent displays of crimson fall foliage.
The ability to properly identify and eradicate these pests is critical in preventing invasives from taking over your yard. Japanese knotweed and Japanese barberry, both native to eastern Asia, are two of the biggest problems in Clinton Township.
Japanese knotweed is a shrub-like herbaceous plant that can grow up to ten feet tall and forms dense thickets. It is easily identified by its broad oval leaves with pointed tips which are typically 6 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. Japanese knotweed has smooth, hollow stems that have distinctive raised nodes, giving the plant a bamboo-like appearance. A raceme of small green-white flowers is produced by the plant in the late summer, early fall forming small winged fruits in the fall.
Japanese barberry is a deciduous shrub ranging from 2-8 feet tall. The plant has small leaves, about ¼ inch and usually green to blue-green in color. Barberry stems have a single spine at each node. The plant produces clusters of 2-4 small yellow flowers and red berries 1/3 inch long. The berries mature over the late summer and early fall and persist through the winter. A major distinguishing characteristic of barberry is the bright yellow coloration of the stem and root tissue when broken.
Both of these plants have voracious reproductive abilities. Japanese knotweed can reproduce vegetatively by rhizomes, underground stems. Japanese barberry’s success results from high germination rates in seeds, up to 90% in some estimates, and vegetative spread through adventitious roots when the branches of the plant touch adjacent ground. Barberry can also sprout new plants from root fragments remaining in the soil.
Manual removal is the safest option for the health of both your family and the surrounding ecosystem. These plants do become weaker each season with removal and with proper management stands can be eradicated in less than 5 years. All parts of the plants must be removed and this can best be achieved when soil is damp, such as after a rainfall.
Although it requires hard work and dedication to eradicate invasives, elimination of these plants is necessary to maintain a healthy, diverse ecosystem. This can’t happen until we get outdoors and start weeding!