Conservationists work together to improve wildlife habitat across northern Michigan

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2015

Contact: Katie Keen, 989-385-0336


Conservationists work together to improve wildlife habitat across
northern Michigan

While the last weekend in April typically is important to Michigan anglers because of season openers, this year volunteers took to the woods to lend a hand in managing wildlife.  Groups gathered in areas of Gladwin, Clare, Crawford and Benzie counties and put in some sweat equity to improve wildlife habitat on public land.

For each area, Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists and their staffs planned planting activities last year, received approvals though forest planning, and went to work this spring. The Gladwin group spent a day in northeast Gladwin County at the GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management Site) also known as the Lame Duck Foot Access Area.

“This is our second year working together with the Midland High School Conservation Club and the North Central Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society on this event,” said Gladwin-area wildlife biologist Bruce Barlow. “This year we planted 40 apple trees in northeast Gladwin County, and we even had folks travel from Clare and Midland counties to help.”

In addition to planting the trees, the group also placed protective cages around the young trees to protect them from browse over the next several years.

“We need to get the younger generation involved in conservation to ensure future generations will enjoy these wonderful wild places for decades to come,” said Brent Chambers, Midland High School Conservation Club leader.

In northern Crawford County, 14 volunteers – including members of the North Central and Jim Foote chapters of the Ruffed Grouse Society – spent a day planting over 400 trees and shrubs.

The Clare County group planted more than 175 shrubs and trees, a variety of dogwoods, elderberry and white oaks, in the Gladwin State Game Area.

“Projects like this provide a unique and easy way for conservation-minded people to give back to the wildlife resource they find so valuable,” said Ruffed Grouse Society member Stan Strugala.

In Benzie County, local volunteers planted approximately 500 donated shrubs and trees at a future GEMS location near Thompsonville, called Little Betsie.

“We had a great turnout with a broad range of ages,” said Traverse City-area wildlife biologist Steve Griffith.  “The Le Grand Traverse Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society was present, and we even had some MSU alumni that drove up from East Lansing to help.”

Shrubs and trees planted during these events will be beneficial to a variety of wildlife. Planting locations and the types of plants are planned in advance, providing a good diversity in the area and the proper growing conditions to provide the best chances of survival. The shrubs and trees will produce many fruits (or soft mast) and nuts (hard mast) that will be available during different seasons as valuable food sources for deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, songbirds and a variety of other wildlife.