Fast-Growing Button Bush

Button Bush Flower

By Glen Wunderlich

I got these plants from the Shiawassee County Conservation District (Mid-Michigan) and found them to be prolific in growth.  They grow fast and large and attract pollinators.  Seeds from the flowers can be used for propagation, but the stems can also be planted in soil to start your own.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a hardy deciduous shrub used for beauty and functionality. Buttonbush is a fast grower characterized by its round, white, spiky flowers and fragrant aroma. Buttonbush grows best in wetlands or near rivers and is often used to prevent erosion. The shrub requires full sun but may tolerate some shade. Otherwise, buttonbush is extremely resilient in all types of temperatures and conditions. It is important to note that the leaves of this plant are toxic to humans.1

Common Name Buttonbush, common buttonbush, honeybells, pond dogwood, swampwood
Botanical Name Cephalanthus occidentalis
Family Rubiaceae
Plant Type Perennial, shrub
Mature Size 6-12 ft. tall, 6-12 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Full, partial
Soil Type Loamy, silt, moist
Soil pH Neutral
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color White
Hardiness Zones 5-11 (USDA)
Native Area North America
Toxicity Toxic to humans1

Buttonbush Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing buttonbush:

  • Plant in full or partial sun though the shrub will thrive in six to eight hours of sun a day.
  • Aim to keep the soil moist at all times, especially if the bush is in full sun.
  • Avoid alkaline soil and plant buttonbush in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic with a soil pH level of 6.8 to 7.2.
  • Feed the bush in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Wildlife

Biologists Set To Begin Grizzly Bear Captures On Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

BOZEMAN – As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within northwestern portions of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and private lands, south of I-90, in Montana. Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin the field captures June 17 and continue through July 22. Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.

Research and monitoring of the grizzly bear population is vital to ongoing recovery and management of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as recently road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares are used to capture bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted. For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts call the IGBST trapping hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team

Wildlife

Nearly 100 parcels of Michigan DNR-managed land available via online auctions in August, September

The properties, ranging in size from under an acre to 160 acres, are available in more than two dozen counties

Lake frontage, river frontage and vacant, forested acreage surrounded by private ownership – these describe some of the parcels available in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ next round of surplus land auctions set for later this summer.

The DNR is busy preparing 91 such properties for sale via online auctions in August and early September.

Surplus land sales, a regular part of the DNR’s public land strategy, are key to how the department manages the land it oversees on behalf of the people of Michigan. Auction proceeds will be reinvested in acquiring critical land for the public to help provide future outdoor recreation opportunities in keeping with the DNR’s mission to conserve, protect and manage the state’s natural and cultural resources for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Land in more than two dozen counties throughout Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula will be available via 11 online auctions between Aug. 2 and Sept. 5: Read more

Wildlife

Hawke Optics Introduces The Frontier 1×22 Red Dot

Hawke® Optics, a worldwide leader in precision optics, is continuing their evolution into the tactical market with their clearest, brightest, and strongest red dot sight yet. In 2019 Hawke launched their entry level Vantage series of Red Dots, following that up with two new and improved Endurance Red Dot sights in 2020. Both optics have been popular with value minded AR shooters, but the New Frontier 1×22 Red Dot is sure to be a hit with shooters looking for a more premium Red Dot.

Whether you’re putting it on an AR, SBR, lever gun, or braced pistol, this sight will get you on target with more confidence and hold up to the recoil of as many rounds as you can put through your gun. The accuracy and durability of this optic is at least as good if not better than any other similarly priced red dot sights on the market.

The biggest selling point to the sight is Hawke’s all new Auto Illumination Mode (AIM), which allows for an outstanding battery life expectancy of up to 50,000 hours. A.I.M. capabilities work by automatically turning the illuminated reticle on when the sight senses movement and turning it off when inactivity is detected for longer than 2 minutes. Then the sight will power on again as soon as movement is detected. A 10-stage digital brightness control includes 2 night-vision compatible settings. Paired with a high efficiency LED emitter, the Frontier operates at a daylight-bright setting for several years on a single battery. Read more

Optics

Celebrating Ruger’s 75th Anniversary with a Limited Production Engraved No. 1

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to celebrate its 75th year as an American firearms manufacturer in 2024. To commemorate this milestone, the Company is releasing a very special edition of one of America’s most iconic firearms – the Ruger No. 1.

Only 75 of these rifles have been built and each is engraved “1 of 75” on the bottom of the receiver. A special serial number (R75-401 through R75-475) was created just for these rifles.

“This rifle not only commemorates a significant milestone in the Company’s history, but it is a testament to the dedicated craftsmen and women working to preserve Bill Ruger’s legacy,” said Chris Killoy, President and CEO of Ruger Firearms. “This beautifully crafted rifle is truly a work of art.”

Introduced in 1967, the single-shot No. 1 is an American classic designed by Bill Ruger himself. It has a hammerless falling-block action designed for both strength and beauty. The diamond anniversary edition of the No. 1 rifle is handsomely adorned with attractive scrollwork engraving that accentuates the gold and silver Ruger Eagle and 75th anniversary emblem.

This commemorative Ruger No. 1 is chambered in .270 Win. and features a 22″ barrel with express sights and integral scope mounts machined directly on the solid steel quarter rib. High-grade American walnut compliments the beauty and elegance of the receiver and barrel.

For more information on the Ruger No. 1 or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com, Facebook.com/Ruger or Instagram.com/Rugersofficial.

Firearms

New HEVI-Shot HEVI-Steel Upland Loads Now Available

HEVI-Shot launches a new product line called HEVI-Steel Upland. The two new high-velocity, 12-gauge dove and quail loads feature precision steel pellets, dependable ignition, and a unique HEVI-Shot wad to produce exceptionally tight patterns. This new product line is now available at select dealers and online. Check with your local ammo store for availability.

“When a dove races across a field or a covey of quail erupts at your feet, speed matters. That’s why we push HEVI-Steel Upland faster than competing steel loads,” said Dan Compton, HEVI-Shot’s Shotshell Product Director. “The velocity boost we gave these loads makes it easier to connect on hard-flying birds and delivers more energy on impact. They are perfect for upland hunters looking for a good, non-toxic, steel-shot option at a competitive price point.”

Aided by HEVI-Shot’s best-in-class wad and precision manufacturing techniques, HEVI-Steel Upland hits hard every time. Its high velocity of 1,350 feet per second (fps) provides ideal downrange energy. The two new 12-gauge, 2-3/4-inch loads will be available in shot size No 6 or 7 and sold in a 25-count box. Read more

Ammunition

Zanders Releases Exclusive Line of S&W M2.0 9MM Pistols

Zanders, a national distributor located in Sparta, Illinois, is pleased to announce an Exclusive line Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 9MM pistols in a Gold Cerakote finish.

The S&W performance that began with the polymer construction is now forging forward. The lightweight and rigid metal frame of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal provides an extraordinary foundation for higher performance. Built on the M&P platform, it is compatible with all M2.0 magazines, slides holsters and palmswells. This Zanders Gold Cerakote exclusive will be offered in both a 10rd and 17rd magazine options.

To order the Smith & Wesson exclusive pistols click the link below:

S&W M2.0 9MM Pistols Read more

Firearms

Fish Monkey Face Guards

Today’s anglers are more cognizant than ever before of the harmful damage the sun can cause, from not just skin cancers but even just a nasty sunburn at the end of a long and otherwise enjoyable day on the water. Of critical importance is protecting the sensitive skin of the face, neck and ears, areas which are most susceptible to sun damage from prolonged exposure. For years, fishermen have turned to face guards, but most are just a simple tube of fabric left over from performance shirts. They don’t breathe well and also promote fogging when wearing sunglasses.

Fish Monkey turned the corner with a uniquely designed face guard to eliminate these issues. First is the flared design which greatly improves the comfort. After all, we’re a brand built around all-day wearability, so our face guards are designed to offer that same level of performance as our gloves. This new design is worlds apart from the traditional tube in terms of comfort. And there are also some hot new colors and patterns. Read more

Fishing

Brine Your Fish Filets for Added Flavor and Moisture

RIVERTON, WY — Hi Mountain Seasonings, the leading manufacturer of homemade jerky and sausage kits, Western-style seasonings, and brines, offers an incredible selection of brining mixes for fish. Brining is a simple yet often overlooked process that enhances the flavor and moisture content of fish filets, resulting in juicy, tender, and flavorful dishes.

Bringing science into the kitchen, Hi Mountain Seasonings explains the magic behind brining. When salt is dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium and chloride ions. These ions diffuse into the food, with the chloride ions attaching to the protein filaments in the fish, giving them a slight negative charge. As a result, the filaments repel, allowing the sodium-rich water to enter the fish, adding moisture and the delicious flavor of the brine. This technique ensures that the filets remain moist during cooking.

To make the brining process even more convenient, Hi Mountain Seasonings offers a variety of brining mixes. Their Alaska Salmon Brine Mix, Wild River Trout Brine Mix, and Gourmet Fish Brine Mix are specifically designed for fish, while the Game Bird & Poultry Brine Mix and Brown Sugar Brine Mix cater to other meats and poultry. Each kit contains two packets of brine mix, making one gallon of brine each, for a total of two gallons. With a suggested retail price of $9.99, these brining mixes are a cost-effective way to elevate your culinary creations. Read more

Fishing

WATCHTOWER SPEC-OPS Type 15: Factory Rifle with Custom Features

SPRING, TX — WATCHTOWER Firearms, a leading manufacturer of high-quality firearms, suppressors, and accessories, offers a factory rifle complete with custom features – its SPEC-OPS Type 15 rifle. This exceptional firearm offers clients a custom-quality product directly from the factory, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming customization. With its best-in-class components and innovative features, the Type 15 continues to revolutionize the MSR market.

One of the key advantages of the WATCHTOWER SPEC-OPS Type 15 is its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Crafted from 7075-T6 billet aluminum, this rifle ensures tight tolerances and enhanced durability, making it resistant to dust and debris. The ambidextrous controls, including the charging handle and safety selector, provide users with increased dexterity and ease of use.

The upgraded Hiperfire EDT2 Heavy Gunner trigger sets the Type 15 apart from its competitors. With its crisp reset and controlled shooting capabilities, this trigger guarantees a consistent and responsive trigger pull, enhancing accuracy and precision. Additionally, the PVD coating on the bolt carrier group and muzzle device adds corrosion resistance, making the rifle functional even in harsh environments. This technology creates a super-slick surface that means carbon build-up can be removed with one wipe.

The Type 15 also boasts the highly regarded B5 Systems Type 23 P-grip and B5 Systems Bravo Stock, favored by professionals for their ergonomic design and superior performance. The 13.7-inch S7M handguard, featuring M-LOK attachment slots, 4 QD points, and a full-length 1913 Picatinny rail, offers unparalleled customization options and accessory attachments for a wide range of tactical needs.

Measuring 33.5 inches collapsed and 36.75 inches extended and weighing a mere 7 lbs, the WATCHTOWER SPEC-OPS Type 15 is designed for portability and maneuverability without compromising on performance. Available in Black, FDE, OD Green, and Wolf Gray, this rifle allows users to choose a finish that suits their personal style.

The Type 15 is available in either 5.56 NATO or .223 WYLDE, providing versatility for different shooting preferences. Each rifle comes complete with a WATCHTOWER slim profile hard case, one 30-round magazine, one rifle lock, and a Lifetime Warranty card, ensuring peace of mind for customers.

With an MSRP of $1479.00, the WATCHTOWER SPEC-OPS Type 15 offers exceptional value for a rifle of this caliber. For more information on this firearm, as well as WATCHTOWER Firearms’ extensive range of best-in-class products, please visit www.watchtowerfirearms.com.

WATCHTOWER SPEC OPS Type 15 Rifle SPECIFICATIONS Read more

Firearms
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