Cooking Matters

Presented by Community Outreach and Michigan State University Extension Programs

A Special Cooking Class for Parents & Children

Parents with children ages 10 - 14 are encouraged to sign up for this special cooking class, designed for parents and children to explore the kitchen and cooking together.

June 27 & 29 | July 11, 13, & 18 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Commodities Kitchen

Space is limited. Please register in advance with Heather Hollenbeck at Heather.Hollenbeck@ PokagonBand-nsn.gov or at (269) 462-4300.

What’s that Non-native Species?

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Pokagon Band and Its Four Winds Casinos Gear Up for the 2023 Four Winds Invitational

On June 7, media gathered at the South Bend Country Club for the kick-off of the 2023 Four Winds Invitational taking place August 10 – 12. “The Pokagon Band and our Four Winds Casinos are very proud of our longtime sponsorship of the Four Winds Invitational, which has generated close to $900,000 in proceeds for Beacon Health System and Beacon Children’s Hospital over the last 11 years,” said Chairwoman Richards. “We are looking forward to the 12th edition of the tournament this year and appreciate the continued support from the South Bend community including the City of South Bend, our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, team members, as well as our partners, the LPGA Epson Tour and South Bend Country Club.”

Volunteer Opportunities

Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), also known as Chinese sumac and stinktree, is a fast-growing invasive tree species that is native to China and Taiwan. This tree was introduced into the United States as an ornamental and shade tree and was used historically for urban landscaping. Although the name may imply that it is heavenly, this tree can readily outcompete many native species in the U.S. due to its aggressive growth and absence of any disease or insect problems in the U.S.

Tree of heaven seedlings can grow up to 6.5 feet tall in one season! The tree readily grows in multiple habitat types and can even grow in poor soils where other tree species are unable to grow. Tree of heaven has a distinct odor when the leaf is removed from the tree, it smells unpleasant and is reminiscent of burnt peanut butter. The leaf is quite long, being composed of 11-25 leaflets. The tree produces a chemical that kills other plants nearby in order for the tree to have no competition where it grows. Tree of heaven is also known for producing an overabundance of seeds and reproducing through the roots, which makes this tree a formidable invasive species.

Tree of heaven is currently spreading rapidly through the US. This tree has now attracted an invasive insect as well, the spotted lanternfly, which negatively impacts agricultural crops and lays grey egg masses on many surfaces. There are locations of tree of heaven on tribal property and the Pokagon Department of Natural Resources is committed to removing them and preventing their spread.

What’s that Edible Plant?

Northern Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris)

The northern dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) is a member of the rose family and closely related to blackberries. The northern dewberry is found in most of the eastern U.S. Dewberry plants grow prostrate, trailing along the ground and are very abundant in some areas. Northern dewberries prefer sandy plains, fields, and prairie habitats. These berries typically ripen in July and early August in Southwestern Michigan and most often ripen before their blackberry relatives. The berries are ripe when they are a dark purplish black.

Northern dewberries have a sweet flavor. Dewberries can be utilized as other berries are; eaten raw, dried, made into jams or jellies, or used for pies or cobblers. The leaves of the dewberry plant can also be used to make tea. Dewberries contain antioxidants and vitamin C as well as small amounts of vitamin A, iron, and calcium and trace amounts of vitamins E and K and minerals such as copper, zinc, and magnesium. As with any new edible or medicinal, please ensure that you have a positive identification before use and utilize in small quantities at first to make sure there are no allergic or adverse reactions.

This year, event organizers are looking for 150 volunteers to fill several roles, including scoring, caddies, cart drivers, food and drink servers and more. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old by July 31. Each volunteer gets a Four Winds Invitational polo shirt, hat, and a $25 Four Winds Casinos gift card for working at least nine hours. Drinks and two meals will also be provided to volunteers on each day they work.

Those interested in volunteering must pay a $25 fee before July 31. Visit https://fourwindsinvitational.com/volunteer/ to complete a volunteer application.