Klepinger, Michael. 1998. The Purple Loosestrife Project at Michigan State University. Michigan Sea Grant Program

The Purple Loosestrife Project at Michigan State University was established in early 1997 to couple biological control of purple loosestrife with an innovative outreach and education program. The project assists in restoring the biological diversity, integrity and ecological function of wetlands degraded by purple loosestrife, and it offers a unique opportunity for youth science and community-based environmental education. Youth and citizens are engaged in identification of infested wetlands and in biological control agent release and monitoring.

One mechanism for community development is through the development and long-term support of cooperative biological control (CBC) satellite sites. A community CBC effort consists of a group of people who come together to address the problem of purple loosestrife in their community and use protocols established by the Purple Loosestrife Project at Michigan State University. Property owners and lake associations, golf courses and parks are partnering with nature centers, local schools and other youth organizations to form CBC sites. The common features of Michigan’s CBC sites are: a purple loosestrife infestation, the ability to rear and release natural enemies, an interest in youth education and a willingness to share with neighboring communities.

Tests during 1997 indicated that with easily obtained materials (three gallon pots, tomato cages, wading pools) and some instruction, CBC groups should be able to rear between 5,000 and 15,000 Galerucella leaf beetles for sharing in one or two nearby purple loosestrife infestations. The plants and insects are very cooperative and nearly anyone with a knack for growing a garden or caring for pets should feel comfortable enlisting the assistance of biology teachers, nature center staff, master gardeners, or Extension staff in planning and conducting the rearing. In 1998, the project will be supporting the activities of about a dozen CBC satellite sites around the state. Following evaluation and refinement of the approach, the program will be expanded to include additional groups in 1999. This poster will display the Purple Pages website, which captures most of the project highlights, answers frequently asked questions, and provides a contact point for newly interested community members. The website is www.msue.msu.edu/seagrant/pp.

Contact: Michael Klepinger, Michigan Sea Grant Program, 334 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
Keywords: Outreach, Purple_loosestrife, Biological_control
Product Type: Publication, Proceedings
User Type: Education(K-University)