Habitat Matters:
Native Alternatives to Invasive Ornamentals and Going Beyond Beauty in Your Garden.
Presented by Shelly Stusick and Emily Cook
Invasive Species Network, Grand Traverse Conservation District
About this Presentation
Habitat matters for people, wildlife and the natural world that surrounds us. Learn about the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) efforts to improve habitat through grass-roots level invasive species management in Michigan.
Shelly and Emily will also talk about how similar organizations are working to improve habitat throughout the state as well as the ISN’s innovative program, "Go Beyond Beauty" which encourages the removal of high-priority invasive species from sale. They will also discuss some of the main invasive species to watch for while planning a garden project and some of the best native alternatives. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
About the Speakers
Shelly Stusick joined ISN in April 2020 as their Go Beyond Beauty Specialist. She has a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley State University and most recently has completed two terms with the Leelanau Conservancy as a Stewardship Technician through Huron Pines' AmeriCorps program. During that time she also gardened for a local small business and is a MSU Extension Master Gardener trainee. Living and working in northwest Michigan for the past few years has given Shelly an understanding and deep appreciation of the unique ecology and community in the region, strengthening her enthusiasm for connecting with others through nature. In her free time Shelly enjoys hiking, camping, rock hounding, watching jeopardy, dogspotting and marveling at leaves.
Emily Cook started working with the Invasive Species Network in June 2015. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Natural Resources Management and has worked across much of the conservation field spectrum in various parts of the state and country. In working with the Nature Conservancy, the National Park Service, AmeriCorps, and a small conservancy in northeast Michigan led her to experiences with invasive species management, trail building, and environmental education. Emily also gained backcountry leadership and wilderness medicine skills during a course with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Sweden and Norway. In her free time, Emily loves to trail run, hike, mountain bike, and cross-country ski - anything to get outdoors. She also enjoys reading, painting, baking, staring at Lake Michigan, and spending time with her husband, Joe, and dogs, Finn & Holly.
Presentation Date - March 6, 2021
