This year (2000) the Baldwin Prairie School 5th Grade Science Class has been propagating the Loosestrife beetle. This program was initiated through a Michigan State University/SeaGrant program along with Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. Starter kits, consisting of two Purple Loosestrife root balls, were obtained in February. The plants have come out of dormancy and have greened up. The beetles arrived after spring break, and if all goes well, there will be several thousand beetles/eggs released when the Purple Loosestrife plants begin to "leaf-out".
The two plants. The one on the left is apparently being eaten more quickly, at this time.
A closeup of the two plants.
Above and below are some of the class members around the plants.
