Local Knowledge - Sarah Hudson, Naturalist at Oakland County Parks
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
One thing I love about being a naturalist is that the job is so varied and one day may look completely different from the next. My job has certainly entailed its fair share of office work: answering department and patron emails, making phone calls, setting up and sending confirmations for various nature programs, keeping records of program details and attendance, and maintaining our budget spreadsheet. There are also meetings, both with co-workers (planning, evaluating, trainings) and with special interest groups (our Parks Sustainability committee, for example, or pollinator conservation or stewardship initiatives). But other days I'm planning or facilitating programs; learning more about the natural world via books, the Internet, direct observations, and peers or park visitors; assisting a patron with a nature question or just showing them around our exhibit space; or assisting with captive animal care. I appreciate that it's both a desk job and a physically active job.
In your experience, what do you think the biggest threat to southeast Michigan ecosystems is?
I believe the biggest threat to southeast Michigan ecosystems is simply a lack of knowledge - or in rarer cases, lack of caring - from the people that call this area home. Certainly our area, like most if not all natural communities these days, has its share of threats: invasive species, illnesses and calamities such as oak wilt, urban sprawl, ecosystem fragmentation and lack of native plantings in local landscapes, dumped or escaped pets . . . but ultimately, many of these things could be reduced or possibly even avoided entirely if the community as a whole became aware of these issues, realized the effect they have both on the natural world and in their own personal lives, and then responded in a supportive way. We are all a part of our environment, whether we realize it or not, and the decisions we make can make a lasting impact on the natural world and, in turn, ourselves. That's one of the main reasons I work in this field: I strive to foster in people a love of nature through positive experiences and shared knowledge, which in turn leads to deeper understanding, caring and ultimately, action.
What resource(s) would you recommend for plant ID, specifically for beginners?
Everyone learns differently. Personally, I love hands-on experiences, so my favorite resource for plant ID is a naturalist, botanist, field biologist, or nature enthusiast who I can both learn from and share experiences with. These types of people can generally be found at your local nature center, state park, or university, and sometimes amongst your friends! Field guides such as Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb or Wildflowers of Michigan by Stan Tekiela are excellent, as well as websites like MSU extension and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (www.wildflower.org). I know there are also various plant ID apps available for smartphones such as LeafSnap and iNaturalist, though to be honest I haven't used these much as I'm a bit more old school when it comes to learning my plants.
Can you clarify the difference between invasive and non-native plant species?
"Every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square." You may remember this saying from math class back in the day. Similarly, every invasive species is a non-native species, but not every non-native is invasive. Let's break that down a little. A non-native species is that which does not originate in the region of interest. Note that it does not have to be of international origin; it could be something from a different region of the country or possibly even the state. For example, blue spruce are native to the Colorado/Rocky Mountain area, and were brought to Michigan as a landscaping tree. They are not native to our area, but they do not harm our local economy, human health, or the local ecosystem. An invasive species is also a non-native species, but in addition to this status, it causes harm to our economy, health, or local ecosystem. Common buckthorn and garlic mustard are two plant species that were brought here intentionally from Europe for landscaping/windbreak and culinary uses, respectively, but ended up wreaking havoc on our natural areas through their tendency to take over an area and prevent other plants from thriving. Within the U.S., the red swamp crayfish is native to southern Mississippi and areas around the Gulf Coast, yet is considered invasive here in Michigan due to its negative impact in our area (bank destabilization, outcompeting native species). Again, every invasive species is non-native, but not every non-native species is harmful (invasive).
What are some ways people can be mindful of controlling the spread of invasive plant species?
It's empowering to think about the fact that though there are invasive species in our communities, there are also things we can do to mitigate their spread. Firstly, become knowledgeable about the invasive species in your area, so you can identify them when you see them. Check out www.michigan.gov/invasives, www.canr.msu.edu/invasive_species, or your local CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, a region-specific organization) for some great resources. Consider what plants are growing in your yard, or what you plan to put there - will they be helping or hindering our native species? If it's invasive, it's best not to plant it; and if you can, replace it with a comparable species that is benign or better yet, a beneficial native. Remember that invasives are often classified as such because of their ability to reproduce rapidly and spread widely. The beautiful amur honeysuckle in your yard may look nice there, but it's not nice when its offspring, spread by birds that consume its berries, are choking out every other species in the woods down the street. Be mindful of the ways that you might be spreading invasive species as well. Preventative tips would be to clean off your shoes between nature hikes, washing off boats immediately after leaving the water, removing burrs before moving to a new location, and not moving firewood. Proactively, you could join in an invasive plant removal workday (check at your local nature center, the DNR, a land conservancy, or your community parks and rec) - it's fun, great exercise, and you'll very likely learn a thing or two!
Have you noticed any impacts (both positive and negative) from the amount of rain Michigan has been experiencing this season?
Goodness, this is probably all on our minds right now, given the last few weeks in particular. I suppose it's nice that we aren't experiencing water shortages, and there's much less of a need to water lawns and gardens; but I also know of quite a few flooded basements, yards, and roads, not to mention the explosive mosquito population we're experiencing. Some areas have experienced mass erosion or other property destruction due to the great volumes of water as well.
While out in the field, what is the most interesting or amusing thing you've witnessed in nature?
One of the coolest experiences I can think of was on a hike with some fellow naturalists in Clarkston, at Independence Oaks. We were walking through an old field area when suddenly we noticed that the ground around us appeared to be moving. On closer inspection, we found that dozens of little hatchling turtles were making the journey from their sandy nests to the nearby lake. It was both cute and awe-inspiring. There are so many cool things happening around us, if we just slow down a little and take the time to look.
Do you have anything else you'd like to share with our fellow readers?
Just this: that nature is both a journey and a destination. There is so much benefit to leaving our everyday routines for a time to experience the refreshing wonders of what nature has to offer us. With the hustle and concerns and stress that life often brings, please don't neglect to take time to step away in nature, to be still and observant, to learn and grow. It will always be rewarding.
Interviewer: Allison Posner, Instructional Guide, July 2021
