A new invasive plant has been found in Michigan, and it’s in a couple of Berrien Springs ponds.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources invasive species coordinator Joanne Foreman tells us hydrilla is a rope-like plant with long, slender stems that float near the water surface.
“It’s very concerning when we do find a plant like this because it can easily take over a water body,” Foreman said. “It can just totally be covered with hydrilla.”
Foreman says the hydrilla was found in two connected ponds on private land in Berrien Springs. It’s believed fragments of hydrilla may have wound up in the water due to the planting of some ornamental vegetation there a few years ago.
The problem is the ponds also connect to other water bodies.
“Those flow into a small stream, and if you follow the stream for five miles, it hits the St. Joseph River. So, teams from EGLE are looking all through that area for any signs of hydrilla.”
Foreman says hydrilla has taken over water bodies in the south and Atlantic states. This is the first time it’s been found in Michigan.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen the plant is asked to take a picture and report it to the DRN. Just send an email to EGLE-WRD-AIP@Michigan.gov.
