The Michigan Eyes on the Forest program now encourages community scientists to begin monitoring forest health from both above and below.
Monitor from Above
The Michigan Eyes on the Forest Sentinel Tree Network has been part of the Michigan Eyes on the Forest program since its inception in 2016. Sentinel trees are adopted by community science volunteers who then collect data on the tree’s health 2-3 times a year. Sentinel trees may be any species if the tree is easily accessible for data collection. https://iforest.misin.msu.edu/
Monitor from Below
New in 2024 is the Michigan Eyes on the Forest Priority Plant Patrol. With the help of state officials, six priority plants that are not known to be widespread in Michigan were chosen as the focus. Through the Priority Plant Patrol, community science volunteers will learn how to identify these priority plants and then use the ArcGIS Survey 123 app to record the presence, and just as important, the absence of the plants.
Priority Plants*:
- Butterbur (UP)
- Himalayan balsam
- Japanese stiltgrass
- Lesser celandine
- Mile-a-minute weed (LP)
*plants that are designated UP (Upper Peninsula) or LP (lower peninsula) have the potential to spread rapidly in that region and are not known to occur or are already widespread elsewhere.
Early Detection, Rapid Response
The Michigan Eyes on the Forest Sentinel Tree Network and the Priority Plant Patrol are designed for early detection of invasive forest pests or plants not yet known to be widespread in Michigan. When invasive species are detected early, before widespread establishment, control methods are more effective, and eradication may be possible. Data collected through both facets of the program feeds into the Midwest Invasive Species Monitoring Network (MISIN), where researchers monitor incoming data and alert appropriate personnel when a positive detection is submitted.