News Photo by Jordan Spence Japanese Barberry is an invasive shrub often seen in Alpena. It is short, has thorns and red berries.

ALPENA — European frogbit is a native species to Switzerland and it has become an invasive species to North America.

The aquatic plant grows in shallow rivers, swamps and ponds, said NEMIGLSI (Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative) Program Coordinator Meaghan Gass.

In Alpena it can be found in Duck Park, Fletcher Pond and the Wildlife Sanctuary, she said.

Frogbit is one of a few invasive plant species grown in Northeast Michigan, said Huron Pines Ecologist Jennifer Muladore.

“So invasive species are species that come from elsewhere that are alien or non-native. They cause harm to economy, the environment and to human health,” Muladore said.

Frogbit is one invasive plant that causes a lot of damage to waterways, Gass said.

“It looks like tiny lily pads. It’s a heart shaped leaf with a white flower. It can build these big mats they interlock together,” she said.

These mats choke out the natural plants and make it difficult for people and animals to navigate the waters.

To combat these particular species Huron Pines helped organize the Frogbit Challenge.

“This is the second year of their annual challenge. Last year the goal was to remove 10,000 pounds of frogbit. This year it’s to remove 20,000 pounds. To complete the challenge we work with school and community groups. They learn and see how they remove it. That way it’s stopped from from spreading in the watershed,” Gass said.

So far they’ve worked with Besser, Hinks and All Saints schools.

“Most of my removal is at Duck Park because people can enter at the shorelines. You can also kayak to remove the frogbit. You can do it to remove by hand pulling. Just make sure you take it out by the root. Any fragments left behind will allow it to grow new plants,” she said.

Hinks and All Saints removed 200 pounds in one day and Besser removed 2,000. Gass said Besser did their removal in the fall which is when frogbit levels are at the highest.

“So right now is a good time to stop it from spreading,” she said.

When the plant is removed it’s imperative to wash any kayaks, waders or other materials that came into contact with the plant. This will stop the carry and spread of the frogbit.

Muladore said they prioritize what they can take care of first.

“In Alpena Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed those are high priority species,” she said.

Another big one in the area is phragmitis, which is a tall grass and Japanese barberry which is a shrub. There is also a lot of buckthorn, and purple loosestrife.

One plant she’s seen a lot of, that isn’t an invasive species is a yellow sedum.

“It is really annoying and takes over the yard. I don’t know what to do to get rid of it. It covers everything. A lot of sedums are the type of plant where you shouldn’t try to mow it or cut it because you might be starting new plants,” Muladore said.

The best way to get rid of invasive species is herbicide, she said.

“We treat a lot of knotweed with a water approved version of Round Up. If you’re doing it within the highwater mark you have to have a permit from the state. One thing I would like people to know they don’t have to do it themselves. If they want someone to come and identify the plants and help them figure out the way to treat it themselves or a more professional approach they can call us,” Muladore said.

She said they also have funds available to help people who live along the shoreline to plant native plants to create a buffer.

She said the best thing to do is to plant native plants which creates a rich ecosystem which can ward off invasive species. There are also groups in the area people can reach out to for help or volunteer with.

“Huron Pines coordinates the Northeast Michigan Weed Cooperative Area. It’s a local, interest group that people can volunteer with. We’re pretty active in Alpena and would love to help more people,” Muladore said.

To participate and record the removal of frogbit in the challenge go to www.huronpines.org/2017/06/08/2017-frog-bit-challenge.

To receive assistance with invasive species contact Huron Pines at invasive@huronpines.org.

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.