Loss of leaves on North Campus trees caused by caterpillars
The largest gypsy moth caterpillar outbreak in southeast Michigan in 20 years is causing widespread tree defoliation on North Campus. Areas most affected include Northwoods II and the woodlot between Hubbard Road and Hayward Street. The lack of foliage stresses trees but is not lethal to healthy trees. After the caterpillars form a cocoon in early July, the trees will likely produce a second set of leaves. Gypsy moth caterpillars are typically held in check by a naturally occurring fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga, which appears to have been weakened by spring droughts in 2016 and 2017. U-M Grounds Services is using various methods to control the caterpillars, including burlap traps and putting a sticky substance called tanglefoot on the trunks to prevent caterpillars from climbing up to feed on leaves. In accordance with U-M’s Sustainable Land Management Guidelines, Grounds Services is not using insecticide, which would kill not only the gypsy moth caterpillars but also beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and ants. For more information, contact University Forester Mike Rutkofske at [email protected].
Local artist to create original work for Museum of Natural History
The University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History recently commissioned an Ann Arbor artist to create an original work of art for its new museum, opening in the spring of 2019. The museum has contracted with artist Mark Tucker, founder of FestiFools, FoolMoon and other community art events, to create a colorful, dinosaur-themed sculpture for the new museum’s Marquee Gallery Space visible from Washtenaw Avenue. The project is funded, in part, by a grant of $15,000 from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are encouraged to involve the community in their arts and culture projects — a mission shared by the museum.
Conferences & Events Services certified One-Stop Shop
Conferences and Events Services has been certified as a One- Stop Shop by the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International. One-Stop Shop Certification is the conference and event industry’s method of identifying and defining campus venues. A certified one-stop shop operation provides an effective, convenient planning atmosphere to successfully stage a collegiate conference or event. To receive the certification, the department underwent an application and extensive review of services.
U-M revises policy regarding conflicts of interest in research
U-M executive officers approved a revised version of the Office of the President’s Policy for Institutional Conflicts of Interest in Research, effective July 1. This revision, which incorporates and expands upon the previous ICOI policy for clinical trials, applies to all research. The policy outlines the U-M processes for the disclosure, review and management of ICOI that arise when a financial interest of the university, as an institution, has the potential to bias, or appear to bias, research conducted by university employees or students. For more information, visit myumi.ch/aMBql.
— Compiled by Safiya Merchant, The University Record
