Parks workshop looks at invasives treatment

Allegan Conservation District discussing cut-stump method in free event.

A volunteer removes invasive plants at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Laketown Township on March 23, 2025, using the cut-stump method. The techniques will be discussed in a free workshop on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Laketown Township Hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission’s second indoor winter program is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Laketown Township Hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

Ari Henson, restoration coordinator for the Allegan Conservation District, will discuss the cut-stump method of treating woody invasives. Using this method, a person cuts the invasive close to the ground and treats the stump to prevent further growth.

The event is free.

“Ari gives a very informative presentation, and this method is perfect for homeowners,” said Mary Jo Bertolino, Laketown parks commissioner and organizer of the winter events. “This procedure is a very effective treatment for homeowners who are reluctant to use herbicides due to overspray and effects on animals and humans.”

Henson will go over the multiple options for application containers, benefits of the cut-stump method, and timing and disposal of the invasive species. She will also show how to mix and fill the application containers. No actual herbicides will be used during the presentation.

Other upcoming presentations include:

February: Ben Savoie will lead a free presentation of oak wilt including the cause, prevention and how to stop the spread of this disease, at 1 p.m. Feb. 10. The location is to be announced.

March: Andy Rozendaal, farm director of Eighth Day Farm in Holland, will lead a Kitchen Herb Garden presentation with suggestions for using the herbs in your cooking by Corey Mitchell from The Beard and The Gal. The date has not yet been set but it will be at the Carriage House at The Felt Estate, 6579 138th Ave.  Rozendaal will be bringing herbs to demonstrate a small kitchen garden planter and gardening information for those who have more garden space.

The parks commission started its first winter programs in the first half of 2025 with presentations including hands-only CPR, mushroom identification and butterfly gardens.

Participants get their materials at the “Talking Stick” workshop on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave.

This winter’s programs started in November with for Native American Heritage Month with a workshop on “Talking Sticks,” an object traditionally used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak.

For more information, email Bertolino at parks@laketowntwp.org.