Above: Jack and Bay install tree cages to prevent erosion near the shores of the Manistee River.
EcoCorps partnered with the Huron-Manistee National Forests to restore natural habitats and ecosystems in the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District.
Our priority was to preserve and protect traditional oak savanna landscapes. These landscapes are an important habitat for many Michigan wildlife species, including turkeys, white-tailed deer, eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, Karner blue butterflies, and more.
“The SEEDS crew worked diligently to restore and protect openings and oak savannas on the District this past field season. Through their hard work, dedication and passion for conservation, they forwarded efforts to recover the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and other rare wildlife species.” – Heather Keough, Biologist with the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District
Above: The EcoCorps crew in Manistee poses for a group photo on the trail. EcoCorps crew members based in Manistee, Michigan completed much of the work in the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Pictured left to right, Maggie, Jack, Olivia, Brynne, and Joe.
In Baldwin, EcoCorps crew members selectively removed wild cherry trees so that they would not compete with the oak savannas. They also installed fencing barriers in Baldwin and Hesperia to prevent illegal Off Road Vehicles (ORV) from leaving the trails and damaging newly restored habitat areas.
In Brethren at Suicide Hill, EcoCorps installed tree cages to protect new tree species. The plantings will help prevent bank erosion on the steep slope which rises above the Manistee River.
“Our crew members gain valuable experience and insight into Forest Service careers while working with the Forest Service staff. Direct interactions and mentorship do as much or more to inform and inspire the career choices of our members than the skills and experience they earn from the job at hand.” – Jennifer Flynn, SEEDS EcoCorps Program Director
These projects support work in collaboration with the Huron-Manistee National Forests and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Funders included the National Forest Foundation and the Minger Family Endowment of the Manistee County Community Foundation.
