What Do We Do?
Despite being a a young organization, the West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy has spearheaded several ambitious projects aimed at saving wildlife, restoring habitats and providing data for future HWA control strategies
HWA Predator Beetle Introduction
In 2025, the West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy released 10 colonies of Sasijascimnus tsugae beetles with the cooperation of landowners at key ecological locations near the Holland area, of providing the basis for long-term HWA control in West Michigan and providing data on the viability of S. tsugae as a biological control in the local environment.
Treating Key Hemlocks
The West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy has treated over 50 ecologically and aesthetically important hemlocks in the Holland area, and advised hundreds of landowners on how to treat hemlocks using products accessible to the general public
HWA Field Surveys
The West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy has conducted field surveys and compiled reports for Ottawa County Parks and Laketown Township Parks, providing them crucial information on HWA management strategies. The organization is currently spearheading a program with local students to provide volunteers who can assist understaffed positions in Ottawa County Parks in HWA survey and treatment efforts
Public Outreach
The West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy hung and distributed over 300 educational flyers in areas where HWA is present, providing property owners information on how to save their hemlocks
Removing Oriental Bittersweet
The West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy continually removes oriental bittersweet, focusing on areas with the largest berry production, reducing the spread of Bittersweet in the region
