Lyme disease now officially a known risk in Washtenaw County
An Integrated Approach for Managing White-Tailed Deer in Suburban Environments: The Cornell University Study
And they are multiplying rapidly
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Status Report: Deer Population Trends and Impacts in County Parks, 2014
Metroparks 2010 – 2011 Deer Management Plan Implementation Report
WC4EB wins accolades from the Community Deer Advisory
WC4EB wins accolades
from the Community Deer Advisory
The Community Deer Advisor team, a partnership of Cornell University and The Nature Conservancy, recently praised the City of Ann Arbor and a local group, Washtenaw Citizens for Ecological Balance (WC4EB), for being “exemplary” as the team looked around the nation for community-based deer management initiatives.
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Lyme Disease is here in Washtenaw County
Lyme Disease is here in Washtenaw County
In the foreground is a tick on a bed, courtesy of the dog in the background (thankfully not a deer tick- would be too small to see). Deer help spread the ticks that cause Lyme Disease.
Evidence confirms Lyme disease present in Washtenaw County, MLive, March 29, 2018
Impact and management of white-tailed deer in our neighborhoods: Thursday, January 25th, 7-8:30 pm
Impact and management of white-tailed deer in our neighborhoods
Thursday, January 25th, 7-8:30 pmUniversity of Michigan central campus. Dr. Bernd Blossey, an ecologist at Cornell University, will share evidence of deer impacts from his work on multiple stressors.
Free and open to the public. Room 1040 Dana Building, 440 Church Street, University of Michigan central campus.
Ann Arbor's Plan
Ann Arbor's Plan
Deer Management 2019 Program, Ann Arbor City Council
WC4EB.org was asked to prepare a report for the city staff, consultant, and ultimately the City Council. A Community-Endorsed Deer Management Plan for Ann Arbor is available.
Read the science-based review, Managing Ann Arbor's Deer 2017.
Who We Are
The Washtenaw Citizens for Ecological Balance formed earlier this year sharing a common concern about the impact of the growing population of white-tailed deer on our natural landscapes, gardens, and woodlands. We are acutely aware that this destruction of trees, shrubs, and flowers means a reduction in habitat for other animals including birds, butterflies, and bees. And an opportunity for invasives plants to gain a bigger foothold in our natural areas. Our beautiful natural areas throughout Washtenaw County, which were set aside because of their biodiversity, are becoming less so every year.
Problem Statement
An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together. Plants are pollinated and grow; animals eat plants or other animals, microbes decompose the leftovers. As humans, we have disrupted ecosystem balance, in part through killing off large predators. An overpopulation of certain species has negatively affected the flora of our woodlands and grasslands. These flora provide indispensable food and habitat for our smaller mammals, birds, bees, and butterflies.
Mission Statement
To promote awareness and discussion of the importance of biodiversity in our community and the threats that over abundant species pose to ecological balance. We believe that the most urgent threat, right now, to the Washtenaw County ecosystem is white-tailed deer.
Vision
Washtenaw Citizens for Ecological Balance envisions our community living by an established environmental ethic, whereby land stewardship practices maintain habitat in ecological balance.
Objectives
Contribute to the public dialogue on ecosystem imbalance through research and education.
Ask Us
We have talked with City Council members, met with County Commissioners and the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, and addressed a variety of civic organizations. We are available to talk with your group. Contact us at info@wc4eb.org.