ON A LOVELY SPRING DAY… While the weather has been typically Michigan–changing every time you look out the door–spring is definitely here to stay. It is a delightful time to be outside, feeling free of heavy coats and enjoying nature’s annual resurgence of color, complexity and beauty. This is especially true, given our current state of mandated staying at home to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Residents are beginning to notice what BHV staff have observed for several weeks—an increasing number of people getting outdoors on BHV roadways. The BHV Board of Trustees has heard these concerns and is addressing them in several ways.
–Additional signs are being placed where jurisdictions meet, indicating private property/no cut through areas, especially near the Lower Entrance and the municipal buildings.
–BHV security patrols are being increased randomly as needed, especially on weekends. Everyone will be reminded to travel on the proper side of the road, single file when vehicles are present, and to use social distancing when others are near.
–Residents are encouraged to be graciously watchful, being aware of those in your own neighborhood and setting a good example while out on the roads.
COVID-19 is hard on everyone. Being careful to follow the rules and encouraging others are vitally important in the struggle to stop the spread and literally save lives. Thank you for your continued cooperation and caring.
WATER CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT Attached to this Barton Bulletin is the annual BHV Water Consumer Confidence Report, which presents a detailed description of on-going efforts to ensure that your drinking water is safe and plentiful. It includes information on where BHV water comes from, what it contains, how it complies with federal and state testing requirements, and what BHV has done in the past year to maintain and improve the system. For questions, use the contact information in the report. [See Consumer Confidence Reports under the Reports Tab of this website]
MORE ABOUT GARLIC MUSTARD As mentioned in the previous Barton Bulletin, it is prime season for helping to control garlic mustard. This aggressive invasive plant spreads quickly through woodlots, outcompeting understory plants including tree seedlings. Tiny seeds are easily scattered and remain viable in soil for up to five years. Garlic mustard produces compounds that can limit seed germination in
other species. Pulling the rosettes now will diminish the number of seeds that will come later in the summer. Start with small patches that can be eliminated to control the spread. Leave the plants on the roadway shoulder to be picked up by the BHV staff or put them in plastic bags and put them in your trash.
NATIVE PLANT GARDENING Using plants that are native to Michigan is a great way to conserve water and enjoy a beautiful landscape. Since they evolved locally, these plants are hardy, long-living and disease resistant. Once established, they require little or no additional water or fertilizer, and their deep, thirsty roots are much better at absorbing stormwater runoff than shallow turf grass roots. (Stormwater runoff is natural precipitation like snow and rain that runs along surfaces on the way to streams and rivers, picking up pollutants such as dirt, oil, pesticides, fertilizers and bacteria from pet waste on the way.) Native plants also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. For photos and lists of native plants plus lots of other great information, check out the Huron River Watershed Council website at www.hrwc.org and click on the Take Action tab.
SEPTIC PUMPERS ARE ESSENTIAL Septic pumpers are open for business and available to take care of keeping your septic tanks in great shape. BHV code requires pumping at least every 4 years or more often if needed. After you’ve made an appointment for pumping, please let Jan Esch know so a BHV staff member can come at the same time to fill out paperwork. Thanks!