Expert gives tips on fighting invasive species

Butterflies next focus of free parks-sponsored talks.

Beth McEwen, right, executive director of the Felt Estate, addresses the crowd at the free discussion on woody invasive plants on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave. in Laketown Township. Standing from left are Mary Jo Bertolino, Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission member, and Murielle Garbarino, Ottawa Conservation District.

The about 30 people at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate in Laketown Township were not afraid on Saturday, March 29, 2025, to dig deep into the weeds – and the autumn olive, buckthorn and bittersweet – of invasive species identification and management.

Murielle Garbarino, West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator with the Ottawa Conservation District, led the presentation that addressed planning and treatment of the multitude of woody invasive plants as well as the hemlock woolly adelgid.

Murielle Garbarino, West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator with the Ottawa Conservation District, leads a presentation on invasive species on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave. in Laketown Township.

At one point in the talk, Garbarino pointed out the window, noting the invasives around the area including the Saugatuck Dunes State Park where volunteers recently spent a day clearing invasives.

The free event was sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission with the cooperation of the Friends of the Felt Estate which provided the facility and technology at no charge.

“We’re working really hard to expand our community programming,” Beth McEwen, executive director of the Felt Estate, told the crowd.

“It would not have happened if not for her,” added Parks Commissioner Mary Jo Bertolino, who organized the first-of-their-kind programs in the township.

Murielle Garbarino, West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator with the Ottawa Conservation District, leads a presentation on invasive species on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave. in Laketown Township.

Events started in January with a hands-only CPR course led by the Graafschap Fire Department. In February, more than 70 people packed the Carriage House to talk wild mushroom identification.

Murielle Garbarino, West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator with the Ottawa Conservation District, leads a presentation on invasive species on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave. in Laketown Township.

Butterflies

The next free event is The Butterfly Garden presented by Melissa Eikenberry of Hosting Butterflies at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Carriage House, 6597 138th Ave. The event is free.

Hosting Butterflies is based in Twin Lake in Muskegon County.

At the April event, participants will learn what to plant to help monarchs in their yearly migration, the difference between nectar plants and pollinator plants and why both are needed.

“We will discover the monarch’s lifecycle and why they are important to preserve and protect,” said Bertolino.

The event will focus on butterfly gardens, what to plant and where to plant them.

“Whether you have a balcony or many acres to plant, this presentation is for you,” Bertolino said.

For more information about Laketown parks and events, visit here.

Murielle Garbarino, West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator with the Ottawa Conservation District, leads a free presentation on invasive species on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave. in Laketown Township.