Conservation News

One year later, most of our trees are thriving. We planted around three dozen trees as part of the WCCD habitat grant and around 90% survived their first year. Students have been remarkably careful around the trees planted near play areas and on the playground; we think the tree tubes help prevent collisions by making the trees more visible. Some trees are already outgrowing their tubes.

David Mindell of Plantwise LLC guided enhancements to two meadows with shade-friendly and pollinator-supporting plants. Despite challenges like dry clay soil, invasive species, and limited volunteers, the installation was completed with augers and community effort. Future plans include fostering support, invasive removal, and engaging neighbors to sustain the lush, thriving meadows for pollinators and beauty.

Coming off of the success of the 2022, we took a great deal of feedback, started earlier planning, and roped in more staff and partners to take this event to the NEXT LEVEL! We exceeded expectations with over 2250 attendees in 2023!

Takunia “T.C.” Collins’ non-profit, Willow Run Acres, may be small in breadth, amounting to about 5 ½ acres across Superior and Ypsilanti Townships, but TC’s vision, drive, and community outreach are vast and impressive.

This is the first in a series of articles dedicated to updating the public on the progress of the OSN WMP.

In response to concerns voiced by residents in the 2021 Resource Assessment Survey, specifically land use (zoning and pace of development) and fragmentation of forests, the WCCD developed the Community Trees Pilot Project.

The walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) or WTB, is native to California, the southwestern U.S., and Mexico, where its original hosts were western black walnut trees. However, the WTB is quite happy to be hosted by eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) and other black walnut hybrids and it’s brought along a very unwelcome guest, a destructive fungus

To enhance habitat and manage runoff at LeFurge Woods, SMLC expanded a rain garden with native plants, aided by volunteers and expertise from MSU Extension and WCCD. Challenges like invasive species, low turnout, and water access were overcome with adaptive strategies. Ongoing maintenance and education aim to ensure the garden thrives as a model for sustainability.

Our primary goals were to expose students to a variety of native trees and fruit trees, provide sheltered areas in an unshaded playground and fields, and create a richer ecological habitat around the school for the well-being and enjoyment of human and non-human species.