BACKGROUND

There are many different aquatic and terrestrial plants along the Grand River. Some of which are not native. Invasive species are present in most ecosystems; unfortunately some are harmful to the ecosystem. For this project, I chose to further research invasive species in/along the Grand River, narrowing down the list to focus on Purple Loosestrife, a terrestrial plant species threatening many wetlands, lakes, and rivers across the US and Canada (Purple Loosestrife. NH). This perennial herb is present along the Grand River and its watershed. Throughout the semester, I've been observing the Grand River at the Grand Ravines North County Park, in Georgetown Twp, MI.

The article "Changing Times on the Grand" in Connections Along the Grand River, tells of the forest and wetlands that once thrived along the Grand River. This was up until European settlers came, whom, lacking the appreciation and concern for nature, and destroyed the once thriving environment. Colonizers forced the indigenous peoples out of their home, they disrespected the land they were connected to, as told in "Allegiance to Gratitude" in Braiding Sweetgrass.

In the 1800's, factories were built along the Grand, and began dumping chemical waste and sewage into the water. Legal agreements and regulations weren't put into place until the late 19th century, as discussed in Green Development (Adams). Regulations by the EPA weren't in place until the 1960's-70's to limit the industrial waste polluting the Grand (Grand Valley State University).

ISSUE

Purple loosestrife is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, typically reaching four to ten feet in height, and is recognizable for its bright purple flowers, present July through September. (Purple Loosestrife. SOM)

This species negatively affects ecosystems like that of the Grand Ravines Park, as it quickly replaces native flora, leaving some species' food sources scarce and habitats limited. (Purple Loosestrife. NH.)

SOLUTIONS

Invasive plant species are typically dealt with herbicides such as glyphosate and triclopyr, the active ingredients in products such as Roundup and Brush-BGone. Although effective, herbicides can lead to both long and short term health and environmental issues (Invasive Plant Control Methods). There are specially formulated herbicides for aquatic ecosystems for this reason.

Another option is to manually remove the entire plant. Although more time consuming and physically demanding, this solution doesn't threaten the ecological health of the Grand River as herbicides would. After removing the entire plant, a common method of disposal is burning. An alternative is to use the plant for its medicinal properties. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) can be used to make tinctures, elixirs, syrups, balms, and oils (Tabert). This species has anti-inflammatory anti-nociceptive, and antioxidant properties, which can help common ailments such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, eczema, scrapes and cuts. (Tunalier).

How to make herbal medicine step by step can be found here: https://cedarmountainherbs.com/plant-medicine-making-tutorial/

CITED

Bill Adams. (2020). Green Development : Environment and Sustainability in a Developing World: Vol. Fourth edition. Routledge.

Grand Valley State University. Connections Along the Grand River - Kutsche Office of Local History - Grand Valley State University. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.gvsu.edu/kutsche/connections-along-the-grand- river- 35.htm#:~:text=Connections%20Along%20the%20Grand%20River%20features%20histories%20of%20communities%2C %20indust ries,in%20their%20survival%20and%20revitalization

Invasive Plant Control Methods. Department of Energy & Environment. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://doee.dc.gov/page/invasive-plant-control- methods#:~:text=Herbicides%20are%20among%20the%20most,BGone%E2%84%A2%20and%20Garlon%E2%84%A2).Kimmerer, R. W. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass. [electronic resource] (First edition.). Milkweed Editions.

Purple Loosestrife - NH Department of Environmental Services. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/bb-45.pdf

Purple loosestrife. SOM - State of Michigan. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id- report/plants/aquatic/purple-loosestrife

Purple Loosestrifelythrum Salicaria. EdibleWildFood. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.ediblewildfood.com/purple- loosestrife.aspx

Tabert, S. "Q. B. (2021, May 12). Plant Medicine Made Easy • Cedar Mountain Herb School. Cedar Mountain Herb School. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://cedarmountainherbs.com/plant-medicine-making-tutorial/

Tunalier Z; Koşar M; Küpeli E; Caliş I; Başer KH; (n.d.). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive activities and composition of Lythrum salicaria L. extracts. Journal of ethnopharmacology. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17125946/