BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The State of Michigan announced 32 projects will share $3.6 million in funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

The program focuses on the prevention, detection, eradication, and control of water-based and land-based invasive species.

State officials say the program is implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environment, Great Lakes, Energy, and Natural Resources.

The grant funds will support early detection and response efforts for multiple watch list invasive species, meaning those that pose an immediate or potential threat to the state's economy, environment, or human health, and either have never been confirmed in the wild in Michigan or have a limited known distribution.

The Van Buren Conservation District applied for and received $88, 400 toward their project, SWxSW Corner CISMA Core 2025-2026, in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.

SWxSW Corner CISMA is the Southwest by Southwest Corner Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Team who aim to protect shared natural resources from invasive species in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The team also supports community education and responsible management of invasive species.

You can find a list of invasive species and how to report them here.

You can find a full list of grant recipients here.