This lovely but unnamed stream flows through the Brokaw Property.

The Brokaw Property hasn't received active land management in recent years, so invasive species are common. However, the buckthorn and honeysuckle don't make a dense hedge or thicket in most areas, so you can see through the forest and easily make your way around. Stewardship Specialist Mike Hahn shared his plan for restoration efforts at the Brokaw Property. As with our other parks, we will use integrated pest management principles to guide a multifaceted approach to reduce invasive species. For example, we will reintroduce fire to suppress the invasive plants and stimulate the germination of native plant seeds; we will specifically target the invasive plants for removal with cutting, pulling, and judicious use of herbicide; and we will collect and spread seeds from native plants that are already on-site. Our priority will be the areas near the stream and reducing competition for the historically dominant oaks and hickories. Areas with the most disturbance, such as the area where the house stood, will be lower priority since the likelihood of native plants coming back is lower.

NAP is eager to get to work at the Brokaw Property. Personally, one of my favorite elements of conservation work is seeing the dramatic, positive changes our efforts have on landscapes. Being able to recall what a park was like before significant restoration work began gives me added satisfaction when I enjoy the park later. Since NAP depends on volunteers and the support of Ann Arbor citizens, our work is your work too, so keep an eye out for the opening of the Brokaw Property. You'll want to see how the park improves as well.  

Gypsy moth caterpillar

The gypsy moth caterpillar is pretty neat looking and not too hard to identify. The caterpillar has a yellow head with black eye spots that are reminiscent of raccoon eyes, five pairs of blue spots down its back followed by six pairs of red spots, and spiky clusters of hair protruding from its sides. There are a few similar-looking caterpillars, but the gypsy moth caterpillar does not build a tent or a web like their look-alikes. The gypsy moth itself is unremarkable in appearance. The female is a light cream color, the male is tan, and they both have brown wavy patterns on their wings. Notably, the females do not fly (despite having wings) and are slightly bigger than the males. The females lay their eggs in fluffy, tan masses on the bark of trees. Gypsy moth caterpillars, female moths, and eggs are most often found on oaks but they will use a wide variety of trees.

There are several choices for combating these destructive insects including cultural practices like removing woody debris, mechanical controls such as scraping off eggs, and several insecticide options. Perhaps the best option that was added to our arsenal since the outbreak of the early 90s is a biological control. Researchers had been aware of a fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga, that caused a gruesome death for the gypsy moth caterpillar in their native range in Japan. Attempts were made to introduce the fungus to North America several times throughout the 1900s but it wasn't until 1989 when its effectiveness was first noticed. After a bit more research, the fungus was released here in Michigan and most years it does a good job of controlling gypsy moth infestations.

Female gypsy moth laying eggs
Photo credit: Leslie J. Merhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

You can also keep the gypsy moth population from growing by removing any egg masses you find on your property. These masses are tan (but may bleach white) and have a felt-like texture. They can be found on anything outdoors, living or not. To remove, scrape the egg masses into a paper bag and burn the bag, or scrape them into a can and soak them in soapy water for a few days. This can be done anytime before they hatch in April or May.

So, while gypsy moths are back for now, they won't be back for long.