Invasive Species Along the Grand River

I wanted to learn more about the invasive species that reside in the Grand River watershed, what is currently being done to help with them, and what more we can do to prevent the spread of these species.

Why Do We Care?

Invasive species can be extremely harmful to the surrounding native species. They can impact water quality, loss of food supply, and much more. It is important that we utilize prevention and management skills to avoid any of these negative impacts.

Where is the Grand River Watershed?

The Grand River Watershed is primarily located in the southwestern region of the lower peninsula. It reaches from Lake Michigan all the way down near the bottom border of the state.

What is the Grand River Watershed?

This watershed is home to hundreds of species of plants, animals, and insects. It provides a great space for recreation, and a great habitat for wildlife.

The Grand River Watershed

Location of Observations

*map location is approximate*

I have been observing the Grand River from a spot in the North Grand Ravines park. I have noticed a lot of plant life in the area that I found interesting. I have not personally seen or noticed any invasive plant life in my area of observation, but there are areas within the watershed where invasive species are more prominent.

As I was reading the article titled “Grand River series: Waterway's history is one of ruin and recovery,” I noticed the statistics about the native fish species and the number of bird species that utilize the watershed, and it got me thinking. I wanted to know more about what species resided in and around the section of the river that I have been observing.

As of right now, I have been focusing on plant species, but I would love to learn more about fish and insects in the future, as well.

Observations

I really loved observing the small tributary that I found in the area I was at. I was trying to focus on the plants that were along the tributary, just to see what grew the best in that particular environment, and whether they were native and/or invasive.

*I used the Seek app to help identify, so these may not be 100% accurate*

Invasive Species

Although I did not personally see these species in the spot I was observing from, these are some of the more impactful invasive species that can be found in other places within the Grand River Watershed.

Yellow Floating-Heart

Nymphoides peltata

Invasive

Banned from Michigan

Phragmites (Common Reed)

Phragmites australis

Invasive

Restricted in Michigan

Japanese Knotweed

Fallopia japonica

Invasive

Prohibited in Michigan

Plants I Found Along the River

Amur Maple

Acer ginnala

Non-native to Michigan

Spotted Lady's Thumb

Polygonum persicaria

Non-native to Michigan

False Nettle

Boehmeria cylindrica

Native to Michigan

Fringed Willowherb

Epilobium ciliatum

Non-native to Michigan

I found this seminar about invasive species in the Grand River watershed, and thought it was very interesting.

Connections to Readings

"Putting Down Roots"

In this chapter of Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer goes on to explain the impacts of invasive species on native plants. Much like how colonizers took over and destroyed land that wasn't theirs to begin with, invasive plants can do the same to native plants. More specifically, Kimmerer discusses how sweetgrass populations declined on the land, mostly due to invasive plants crowding the land and resources.

"To restore sweetgrass here, we'll need to loosen the hold of the colonists, opening a way for the return of the natives."

-Robin Wall Kimmerer

Potential Solutions

When it comes to invasive species, prevention and management are two of the most important forms of solution. Of course, it would be ideal to be able to prevent this issue from happening all together, but when that isn't possible, we turn to management and control.

Responsible Recreation

Recreation continues to be a huge part of the Grand River and its uses. One way that we can continue to stop the spread is by being responsible when recreating.

1.) Boating

If you are taking your boat in and out of the Grand River, make it a habit to check the boat for any species that may have latched on while in the water.
Clean your boat after usage and/or before putting it back into the water.

2.) Hiking

Wipe off boots and shoes before/after your hike through the woods.
If pets wander into the river or off the trail, check them for any wildlife that may have gotten trapped in their fur.

Reporting

If you see something, say something!

When you're out in the woods or hiking near the river, keep an eye out for some invasive species. It's important that we all work together to help stop the spread.

If you happen to see something that looks invasive, double check!

Utilize identification apps, such as Seek, to aid in identifying potential invasive species.
Once you identify the species, contact the DNR.

This website gives all of the information you will need to properly report invasive species in Michigan.

Invasive Species Reporting

These are a few photos that I took while observing the

Grand River.

Sources

Campbell, Suzan. (2008). Grand River Watershed Map. Retrieved (October 10, 2022,) from http://www.historygrandrapids.org/document/1376/grand-river-watershed-map

Kimmerer, R. W. (2015). Braiding sweetgrass. Milkweed Editions.

LGROW. (2021). Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds Invasive Species. Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds. https://www.lgrow.org/invasive-species.

www.nativeplant.com/plants/search/input

https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/plants/aquatic/phragmites-common-reed