Notice: I've taken a part-time job, and it's definitely affecting my blogging time. I'll continue to add content here as often as possible. Pertinent guest posts are always welcome.

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Friday, April 10, 2009

Native Plants Promoted in the Manistee

interpretive sign about native plant pollinators
Pollinator and Native Plant Interpretive Display Sign (photo from US Forest Service)
excerpted from National Forest Success Stories "Native Plant Pollinator Gardens on the Baldwin Ranger District,"by Catherine Salm, used with permission

Four native plant pollinator gardens/displays have been established by the Baldwin Ranger District on the Huron-Manistee NF to provide habitat for pollinator insects and provide an educational experience for the public. Unfortunately, pollinator decline has been making big headlines in the past several years. Pollinators are critical to the health of our ecosystem and our human food supply.

In 2008, the Baldwin Ranger District developed two large, colorful signs explaining the importance of native plants for pollinating insects and how to construct pollinator friendly habitats. These signs were placed at two of the four gardens. The first of these gardens is located at the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary. Loda Lake is now accessible from the NCT via a connector trail. The second of these gardens is located at the entrance to a parking area for the North Country Trail.

Efforts in 2009 will focus on expanded educational efforts at these sites, including the addition of informational brochures and guided wildflower walks at the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary. In addition, seed collection efforts will be increased to provide additional nectar species seed for planting at restoration sites throughout the District.

See Newaygo Birch Grove Loop Trail Dedicated

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