NCCISMA is thrilled to announce our latest collaborative community restoration project: to remove and replace 300 invasive shrubs - at schools, municipal buildings, and rest stops - with beneficial native species. The submission form to nominate potential sites is now open and must be received by May 11, 2025, to be considered for this project. Those interested in sharing information regarding site details are invited to complete the below form. Sites will be selected only from municipal buildings and schools within Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford counties.
Although, businesses do not meet the criteria for free shrub replacement in this grant funded program, they can still participate at-cost through the NCCISMA Strike Team for Hire program. If interested, please fill out the Shrub Replacement Site Nomination Form and note that the request is for your business in the contact section. Note: the inclusion of business sites will be determined on a case by case basis.
*Required fields include location, which ornamental invasive species are present or anticipated to be present, and a dependable contact person for that site: such as a property manager or school principle (or yourself if a manager is unknown). Examples of invasive landscaping shrubs to be removed through this project include: Barberry, multiflora rose, privet, burning bush, and invasive buckthorn. Images of invasive shrubs may be sent to [email protected] and will help in evaluation of potential sites: please indicate nominated site in the subject line of Email.
Your nomination will be sent directly to NCCISMA for consideration - when you hit the Send Nomination button below - and you will be redirected to the NCCISMA Home Page. Thank you for your interest in habitat restoration!
Additional information about the NCCISMA Shrub Replacement Project:
The first phase at each site will involve the removal of invasive shrubs and work will be conducted by NCCISMA staff using best practices and procedures for invasive species removal. Once sites are prepared for replanting, NCCISMA will enlist the help of students and community groups to install native shrubs. These free replacement plantings will be complemented by educational signage that highlights the impact that invasive species have on surrounding natural areas, and promotes the usage of native species in landscaping for their benefit to native pollinators and wildlife.
Although native species generally require far less maintenance and upkeep - a major advantage when used in landscaping - a commitment from each school, office, or volunteer group, will be required prior to restoration to ensure that each site will be maintained following the project. Projects that fit grant criteria will be prioritized on a first come, first served, basis. Questions regarding the Shrub Replacement project should be directed to the NCCISMA office at [email protected].
Images are provided below to assist with identification of eligible invasive species for this grant. For additional identification information, visit the Midwest Invasive Species Identification Network (MISIN).
This project is funded by the US Forest Service – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant.
The first phase at each site will involve the removal of invasive shrubs and work will be conducted by NCCISMA staff using best practices and procedures for invasive species removal. Once sites are prepared for replanting, NCCISMA will enlist the help of students and community groups to install native shrubs. These free replacement plantings will be complemented by educational signage that highlights the impact that invasive species have on surrounding natural areas, and promotes the usage of native species in landscaping for their benefit to native pollinators and wildlife.
Although native species generally require far less maintenance and upkeep - a major advantage when used in landscaping - a commitment from each school, office, or volunteer group, will be required prior to restoration to ensure that each site will be maintained following the project. Projects that fit grant criteria will be prioritized on a first come, first served, basis. Questions regarding the Shrub Replacement project should be directed to the NCCISMA office at [email protected].
Images are provided below to assist with identification of eligible invasive species for this grant. For additional identification information, visit the Midwest Invasive Species Identification Network (MISIN).
This project is funded by the US Forest Service – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant.
