New field guide to aquatic invasive plants in Michigan released by MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams
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EmailThis new resource serves as a practical guide to identifying and reporting aquatic invasive plants in lakes, streams, and ponds.
The Michigan State University Extension Center for Lakes and Streams released a new resource for anyone who spends time near Michigan’s waterways. The comprehensive “Aquatic Invasive Plants: A Field Guide for Michigan Lakes, Streams, and Ponds” is a beginner's guide to the identification of twenty invasive aquatic plants. Each invasive aquatic plant description includes a detailed illustration or photograph with key characteristics.
To aid in the identification of some invasive species, native lookalikes are also included. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply enjoy Michigan’s lakes and streams, this guide is a valuable tool for safeguarding our waters. Volunteers that collect data on their local lake or stream through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) can also incorporate this resource into their monitoring activities.
What to do if you find an invasive aquatic plant
While prevention is the first line of defense against invasive species, early detection is critical to protecting Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems. This field guide empowers residents, anglers, boaters, and stewards to recognize and report potential invasions before they spread.
Each invasive species found in the book includes reporting instructions. Even if you're unsure about your identification, it's important to report sightings. Experts from MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy are also available to help verify species and guide next steps.
Download the Field Guide Here!
A digital copy is available for free along with other resources on the MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams website. A printed version is also available for purchase through the MSU Bookstore.
