Leelanau Conservation District
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Leelanau Conservation District

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meet our new staff!

USDA Investigates Packages of Unsolicited Seeds

7/30/2020

 
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The seeds are usually sent in white packages displaying Chinese lettering and the words “China Post.” Most recipients say they did not order anything, and that the packaging was labeled as jewelry. Some recipients have reported ordering seeds on Amazon and receiving these seeds. (Courtesy of MDARD)
LANSING — Across the United States, people have been reporting receiving unsolicited packages containing seeds from China in the mail. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is warning residents who receive these packages not to open or plant the seeds.
The seeds are usually sent in white packages displaying Chinese lettering and the words “China Post.” Most recipients say they did not order anything, and that the packaging was labeled as jewelry. Some recipients have reported ordering seeds on Amazon and receiving these seeds.
“If you receive unsolicited seeds from another country, do not plant them. If they are in sealed packaging, do not open the package,” said Mike Philip, director of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “We don’t know what type of seeds are in the packages, but we do know they come in a variety of sizes and colors, with some reported to be very tiny. These unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.”
The packages may be a part of a “brushing” scam. A brushing scam is an exploit by a vendor used to bolster product ratings and increase visibility online by shipping an inexpensive product to an unwitting receiver and then submitting positive reviews on the receiver’s behalf under the guise of a verified owner.
“If planted, these unknown and potentially invasive species could have a very negative impact on the environment. Additionally, we’re asking people not to throw the seeds or packages away or dispose of them,” added Philip. “MDARD appreciates the cooperation of Michiganders who receive these packages as we work together to protect Michigan agriculture.”
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Smuggling, Interdiction and Trade Compliance Unit is currently investigating this situation across the nation. If you receive an unsolicited package of seeds from China, hold on to the seeds, packaging and mailing label, and contact MDARD’s Customer Service Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 800-292-3939 or via MDA-Info@michigan.gov.
For more information on MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pesticide Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard.
— Michigan Department of Agriculture

Make-up Workbee at veronica valley park

7/22/2020

 
We were rained out from one of our scheduled work bee dates at Veronica Valley Park and have rescheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 9:00 am to noon with a rain date of July 29th in case it happens again! 

We need to continue to support the native tree and shrub plantings at the park by weeding, spreading mulch, repairing planting tubes and watering. We didn't get to a third area with edible native trees/shrubs planted along the County Road and we can do touch-ups on the two exclosures where we did a fantastic job.

Please bring a hoe or rake, gloves and drinking water and let myself, Kama Ross, know that you are planning on attending. We can safely spread out again, but I want to make sure we think safety first, so having an idea of who is attending will help.  Contact me at: 231-256-9783 or kama.ross@macd.org.  
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If these dates don't work for you but you'd like to hear about future volunteer opportunities at this park or at other natural areas, please let me know. We are also trying to encourage park visitors to take part in the Bio Blitz & Beyond statewide effort. Veronica Valley Park is part of the month-long umbrella project with MSU using the app iNaturalist to identify what plants and wildlife we have at our area.  Check it out - the info is posted below!

Join us for Bio blitz & beyond!

7/17/2020

 
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​This is a great way to get outdoors with your family and friends! Download the iNaturalist app on your phone, go out in nature and explore! Learn more by clicking on the registration link below:
REGISTER for BIO BLITZ
iNATURALIST
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Leelanau Conservation District
8527 E Government Center Drive
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
231.256.9783
klong@leelanau.gov

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Contact Us

  • HOME
    • About
    • Board & Staff
    • Annual Report
    • Contact Us
    • Employment
  • Forestry
    • Forestry Assistance Program (FAP)
    • Assisted Tree Range Expansion Project
    • Forestry Assistance
    • Forestry Events
    • Forest Pest & Disease Alerts
    • Forestry Referrals
    • Foresters Serving Leelanau County
    • Qualified Forest Program
    • Timber Sale Assistance
  • Agriculture
    • MAEAP
    • No-Till Planter
  • Soil Erosion
    • Main Page
    • Soil Erosion Control Application Packet
    • Waiver Application Form
    • VRAP
    • Soil Erosion Control Ordinance
    • ALL FORMS
  • Other Services
    • Invasive Species Network
    • Natural Resources Conservation Service
    • Produce Safety Program
    • plat book
  • Store