Oakland County CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area)

natural resources

Oakland County Parks is a founding member of the Oakland County CISMA. The OC CISMA is a collaborative group of 44 townships, park services, non-profit organizations and other allied partners focused on minimizing the impacts and controlling invasive species in Oakland County.

In 2022, OC CISMA transitioned to Oakland County Parks as its new fiduciary and financial backer. OC CISMA has been able to increase its impact on natural resources and improve biodiversity across the county by providing staff, resource development and invasive species treatments to members and local communities through Community Habitat Improvement Projects (CHIPs) grant program. This collaboration among Oakland County organizations and specific grant projects is also funded by the Michigan DNR through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP). Funds from MISGP are used to implement a strategic plan for integrated detection, prevention and control of invasive plants throughout Oakland County, including spotted lanternfly, Phragmites, swallow-wort, knotweed and flowering rush.

OC CISMA also provides assistance to local residents directly by providing technical help, coordination with contractors, hosting events and distributing educational materials available on the OC CISMA webpage.

More statewide information can be found at: http://www.michiganinvasives.org/occisma/

Barberry Turn-in Day

As part of the GoBeyondBeauty program, Oakland County CISMA & Oakland County Parks is partnering with the City of Birmingham to reduce invasive garden plantings and escapes during GoBeyondBeauty Barberry Turn-in Day. Everyone can help by coming out to Kenning Park in the City of Birmingham from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 to drop off their unwanted and invasive barberry to be sustainably and industrially composted and chat about invasive species. Kenning Park is located at 2295 E. Lincoln St. in Birmingham.

While supplies last, dig up and drop off a barberry shrub and receive a native shrub to replant in its place.

Starting in January 1, 2028, it will be unlawful to introduce, import, sell, possess with intent to distribute or intentionally propagate barberry in Michigan.

Printable Barberry Turn-in Day Flyer

Fall Stewardship Days

This fall Oakland County Parks and CISMA are offering several ways to get involved with stewardship across Oakland County. Come out to the Fall Stewardship Days listed below for a hands-on introduction to invasive woody management techniques at Oak Park Woods, learn to ID buckthorn and other common invasive woody plants and assist with removal of invasive species as a part of ongoing restoration efforts.

At the seed collection dates, participate in native prairie plant seed collection and learn to identify and collect species that contribute to ongoing prairie restoration efforts. Come out to our seed processing day to assist with parks seed restoration efforts, learn about sowing native seeds and bring an empty milk jug to take some seeds to grow at home.

These events are part of how Oakland County is stewarding natural resources and supporting healthy, active, and vibrant communities:

Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-noon: Seed Collection at Waterford Oaks County Park. Get involved in native prairie plant seed collection and identification
Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-noon: Seed Collection at Highland Oaks County Park. Get involved in native prairie plant seed collection and identification
Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon: Buckthorn & Invasives Removal at Oak Park Woods. Learn to ID buckthorn and other common woody plants. Assist with removal of invasive species and assist in restoration efforts
Nov. 22, 10 a.m. -noon: Seed Processing Day at Waterford Oaks County Park. Help process seed collected from Oakland County Parks Fall Stewardship Work Days

For more information, email Patrick at canniffp@oaklandcountymi.gov