This past month, Pat Garrett of Scio Township was able to have her habitat verified in the Forest, Wetland and Habitat system under MAEAP. Though the habitat is just a few acres it contains unique features such as a small vernal pool which is extremely important to the breeding of amphibians. Buckthorn has been an issue in the habitat, but Pat has worked hard at removing the invasive species, opening up the canopy in the process. A defining feature of the habitat is the large bur oak that towers over not only the habitat but also the nearby house. Estimated to be a few hundred years old, the offspring of this bur oak can be seen throughout the habitat, dwarfed by its mother.
If you have a property that is a contains a woodlot, prairie, wetland or some other type of habitat and are interested in becoming verified in the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), feel free to contact us.