Wastenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting a public meeting to address the growing concern of Japanese stiltgrass on August 15, beginning at 7:00 pm at Scio Township Hall.
Japanese stiltgrass is an invasive grass that is very aggressive in displacing native species and resources for wildlife. Stiltgrass has been found in Scio Township and efforts are being made to search out and remove the invasive species.
Stiltgrass grows 2-3 feet tall and resembles small, delicate bamboo. The asymmetrical leaves are pale-green and lance shaped.
Scio Township is the first community in Michigan to detect stiltgrass, and we are now organizing to support survey and removal efforts. Concerned residents, municipalities, and conservation organizations are working together to control Japanese stiltgrass in your neighborhood.
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineumis) is listed by the U.S. Forest Service as one of only 26 Category 1 invasive plants in the Eastern Region of the United States. These plants are described as highly invasive plants which invade natural habitats and replace native species. Furthermore, Japanese stiltgrass was recently ranked as the number one invasive plant of concern by researchers and land managers in the Eastern United States.
Japanese stiltgrass was first found in Michigan right near Dexter in Scio Township by a resident in 2017. Since then the invasive plant has been discovered in other locations around the area and the search has only just begun.
Legacy Land Conservancy, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Stewardship Network, MCNR, and concerned residents have formed an action group to address the growing concern. Stiltgrass flowers in mid to late August and then spreads. The action group is leading the effort to get as much done as possible in the short, remaining timeframe and wants to get the word out to residents.
What: Stiltgrass Public Meeting
When: August 15, 7:00-8:00 pm
Where: Scio Township Hall, 827 N. Zeeb Rd, 48103
Do you think stiltgrass might be on our property? We want to help! Please email washtenawstiltgrass@gmail.com with a photo or leave a voice message at 734.210.0267 to report your findings and/or request a site visit.
