Announcements

The next Board of Directors meeting is June 17 @ 6:30 pm
Harrison Library. 
Regular scheduled meeting have been moved from the 2nd to the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  

Natural Resources News

Spotted lanternfly in Macomb and Lenawee Counties,
January 2025
MDARD, working in collaboration with USDA, has detected spotted lanternfly in several new locations across Michigan. In Macomb County, populations were
confirmed at two separate sites about one mile apart.
In Lenawee County, several adult SLF were detected at two locations over seven miles apart. The new detections of spotted lanternfly add to previous detections in Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, highlighting the continued spread of this invasive pest across the region.

MDARD, along with state, local, and federal partners, has been working tirelessly to inform and educate the public about the continued spread of this insect. MDARD will be utilizing data from 2024 surveys and public reports to determine next steps in responding to spotted lanternfly. Anyone travelling through areas of known infestation is encouraged to check vehicles and belongings for spotted lanternfly egg masses, nymphs, or adults, which should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.

Background:
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of trees and plants such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac,
and red maple. When the spotted lanternfly feeds, it excretes a sticky, sugary fluid that causes sooty mold, which can further damage plants, foul surfaces and
attract other pests such as yellow jackets and flies.
Adults are roughly 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide. Their brown forewings have black spots at the front and are speckled towards the rear. When their wings are
unfolded, their distinctive scarlet hindwings become visible. Spotted lanternfly was first identified in the U.S. in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania and has since spread rapidly across 17 eastern and midwestern
states. Spotted lanternfly can be found in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid called honeydew, that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of
sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants. While the research community is still working to understand environmental impacts and best management practices, there is the potential for spotted lanternfly to negatively impact Michigan’s grape industry. According to the 2022 USDA-NASS Grape Survey: Michigan is home to 10,900 acres of juice grapes and 3,375 acres of wine grapes.
 If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in
 identification.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly

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The Clare Conservation District (Clare CD) is a local unit of government that utilizes resources from public and private sectors to bring diverse groups together to solve local resource problems. As stewards of the land, we strive to protect watersheds by conserving forests and reforesting open spaces. We encourage stewardship responsibilities of landowners, and are the prime local source of environmental education.

The Clare Conservation District operates off of grants awarded, tree sales, and donations from the community. 

Your generous contributions will help to ensure the health and beauty of Clare County's natural resources both for today and for future generations to come. Every dollar invested in the District goes directly into implementation of hands on conservation projects which will build an environmental legacy we can be proud of. To promote our conservation efforts in the community, consider donating today. 

Volunteer Opportunities ​
​Clare CD will have several volunteer opportunities in the upcoming months. Some of these events are Tree & Plant Sales, Adopt-a-Highway, and Scrap Tire Collection.  We are also looking for potential Directors to serve on our board year round.
​Our meetings are at 6:30 pm the second Tuesday of every month at the Clare County Courthouse.
Please call (989) 539-6401 for details.

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