GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kent County Parks is facing two threats: a rising tick population and invasive plant species. The department is working with Calvin University and volunteers to help protect visitors and the parks.
Dr. William Miller from Calvin has been checking on the rise of ticks in the West Michigan area.
“My team has been conducting regular surveillance for ticks—primarily black-legged ticks—since 2020, partnering with Michigan State University,” he explained. “We focus on Kent County and surrounding areas because they’re on the front line of the species’ expansion.”…