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 came out of dormancy and greened up and the beetles arrived after spring break and we hope that several thousand beetles/eggs were released into the Purple Loosstrife on Baldwin Lake on June 2nd.
The "Work Crew" assembles next to the area the plants are going.
The area is staked to denote the area being worked on.
The last of the stakes is set.
The first plant is taken to the specific area chosen to plant it.
The first plant is planted.
The second plant is being prepared for planting.
The second plant is planted in it's location.
Marking the sites for later study of the effect of the beetles.