Staff from the Outdoor Discovery Center continued treatment for invasive species at Laketown Township Hall on Tuesday, May 23.
The treatment is part of a larger effort to control unwanted plants on township property.
The work at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road, actually began last June when large amounts of poison hemlock were mowed down. Outdoor Discovery Center members sprayed the areas Tuesday morning.
Poison hemlock was brought to the United States in the 1800s as an ornamental garden plant, according to Michigan State University Extension office. Touching the plants is not hazardous though all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by people, livestock and wildlife, the website said.
Because the poison hemlock is so close to the township baseball field, its treatment was a top priority. Other invasives on the township hall property include phragmites, Asian bittersweet, common teasel, purple loosestrife and autumn olive.
The 11.45-acre township hall park is also home to two pickleball courts and picnic gazebo with paved paths. The township hall is located on the property.
Wolter’s Woods, Huyser Farm, Laketown Beach, Shore Acres, Sanctuary Woods and Farview parks will all receive treatment for invasives throughout the year.
Recreational programs
Laketown Township also partners with the Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St., for recreation programs at township parks. Upcoming events include:
- Little Explorers, June 13, at Wolters Woods.
- Blueberry Fields Forever, July 26, at Huyser Farm.
- Frog Catching, Aug. 24, at Farview.
- Explore with Your Senses, Sept. 7, at Shore Acres.
Visit outdoordiscovery.org for more details on programs and services.
For more information, contact Jim Hayden, Laketown Township public information coordinator, at (616) 335-3050 or email jimh@laketowntwp.org.