Gearing up for Warm Weather, Walks on the Beach and Battling Invasive Species

If you have ever been to Big and Little Glen Lakes in Michigan, you know what a treasure they are. Their crystal clear, emerald waters and sandy bottoms are nestled in the Sleeping Bear Dunes and host to some of the best birding in the Great Lakes region. While there is much to take in and enjoy, there is also a tremendous effort from members of the community to keep the lakes pristine and prevent the detrimental impacts invasive species could impose on this national treasure. The Glen Lake Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and continued improvement of the beautiful Glen Lake area in Michigan. The Association has an Invasive Species Committee focused primarily on halting the spread of zebra mussels throughout the lakes and preventing the introduction of the Eurasian watermilfoil -- a highly aggressive aquatic plant that can form dense mats which congest waterways and crowd out native aquatic plants. The committee sponsors a number of initiatives to accomplish this task, including providing voluntary spray downs for boats and flushing of outboards and out drives and providing widespread education about how to destroy zebra mussels. "A lot of work needs to be done to get good federal protections in place preventing even more invasive species from entering the Great Lakes region," states Jill Ryan, Freshwater Future Executive Director. "However, efforts by lake associations and community groups like the Glen Lake Association are equally important in the battle to protect our lakes, rivers, and streams from invasive species that would forever change them and potential wipe native fish, wildlife and plants."

For more information on the Glen Lake Association's invasive species prevention programs, email them at glenlakeassociation@gmail.com