DNR, Ruffed Grouse Society plant food for wildlife in Gladwin County

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 05/07/2014 02:16 PM EDT

Midland high school students among volunteers planting apple trees for wildlife.
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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 6, 2014

 

Contact: Bruce Barlow, 989-426-9205 or Katie Keen, 231-775-9727

 

 

DNR and Ruffed Grouse Society partner to plant food for
wildlife in Gladwin County

 

The Department of Natural Resources and the Ruffed Grouse Society recently spent a day afield improving wildlife habitat by planting apple trees.

 

volunteers planting apple trees“I love work days like this,” said DNR wildlife biologist Bruce Barlow. “Great relationships start and continue when you are working outdoors in the dirt side by side with your partners.”

 

Barlow, stationed at the Gladwin DNR office and manager of the Lame Duck Foot Access Area, has worked hard to keep the area primed for the user. This area in Gladwin County features thousands of acres of public land that many hunters, trappers and wildlife viewers use every year.

 

“Years ago, this whole area was private farms, although they weren’t successful because of the soils and high water table,” said Barlow. “If you come across any old apple trees out here, it’s from that time.”

 

More than 35 new apple trees were planted next to existing wildlife openings, where the bark, buds, twigs, leaves and fruit all will be used by a variety of wildlife. Apple trees provide a year-round food source but are particularly important in the winter, when many uneaten apples remain hanging on the tree rather than dropping off early or disappearing under the snow.

 

Nineteen volunteers from around the area, including H. H. Dow High School teacher Brent Chambers and a dozen of his students from the H. H. Dow High Conservation Club in Midland, helped with the planting.

 

“Seeing the younger generations help wildlife made this an enjoyable Saturday," said Stan Strugala, a local Ruffed Grouse Society member who spent time digging holes for trees.

 

In 2014, additional habitat projects will take place across the state to create optimal recreation opportunities. Projects like these are made possible by Michigan's new hunting and fishing license structure. To learn more about licensing options, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
 

/NOTE TO EDITORS: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Captions follow.

 

Gladwin County Dow Conservation Club members.jpg: H. H. Dow High Conservation Club members help to plant apple trees on public land.

 

Gladwin County tree planting group.jpg: A group of volunteers planted35 apple trees for wildlife on public land in Gladwin County./