Spotted Lanternfly Workshop in Goodells to raise awareness on invasive insect harming fruit trees
The Spotted Lanternfly, native to Asia, was recently detected in Macomb County. On April 29, Goodell’s County Park will host a workshop to teach community members how to spot, prevent, and monitor the invasive insect.
What’s Happening: The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission staff are hosting a workshop to teach the community how to build a Spotted Lanternfly circle trap. The event will also teach participants how to use the trap, as well as prevent, monitor, and report the invasive insect.
When: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Goodells County Park’s Community Center at 8345 County Park Dr. in Goodells.
What’s a Spotted Lanternfly?: The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect native to Asian countries like China, India, and Vietnam, and was recently detected in Michigan and could potentially spread to St. Clair County. The insect feeds on fruit trees, woody trees, and other plants, excreting a substance called “Honeydew” which promotes mold growth. This stresses the plant out and thus kills it. Although it cannot directly harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people living in highly infested areas.
Why It Matters: “Spotted Lanternfly was recently detected in Macomb County, and we are very interested in developing a community of early detectors to help us monitor this emerging issue and respond accordingly,” says Amanda Ruffini, Lake St. Clair CISMA director. Michigan’s fruit industry also generates billions of dollars in annual sales, creating thousands of jobs for folks, especially those in rural communities.
How to Register: To register for this free, family-friendly event, contact Kirsten Lyons at klyons@stclaircounty.org or (810) 989-6317. Pre-registration is required, and clothes and gloves you don’t mind getting dirty are recommended.
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