Nearshore
Weevils, invasive plants add to woes of the Pitcher’s thistle
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Greenhouse seedlings are needed to preserve the plant that was federally listed as threatened in 1988.
Land
Photo Friday: Pitcher’s thistle
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Here’s a reminder of Great Lakes beaches in warmer times. This plant is the federally and state-protected Pitcher’s thistle, which is also known as a dune thistle. The photo was taken last summer by habitat restoration specialist Terry Heatlie at Bois Blanc Island in north Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The Pitcher’s thistle is native exclusively to the Great Lakes region, according to the National Fish and Wildlife Service. It was added to the government’s list of threatened species back in 1988.
Nearshore
Marsh restoration brings long-missing birds, plants home again
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Clearing an invasive plant choking Lake St. Clair Metropark yielded impressive dividends: Rare birds and plants have returned. Next up: Diversion and treatment of stormwater that has closed a nearby beach.