ST. HELEN – Registration is now open for Jack Pine Planting Day (JPPD).
On May 7 volunteers will spread across two acres to plant 2,400 jack pine saplings in a tract just north of St. Helen.
Alliance volunteers will be joined by volunteers from Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the Kirtland Community College’s Pathways Program for middle and high school students.
Lunch will be provided onsite after the planting is complete, as well as snacks and water during the event. There will also be a porta potty and hand washing station on site. And, if there are early arriving Kirtland’s Warblers in the area, we’ll hold an impromptu Kirtland’s Warbler tour. Bring your binoculars – but leave them in the car to start.
JPPD will be held rain or shine, so dress accordingly. We may not like planting trees in the rain, but we guarantee you the trees love it. And there’s no sense of satisfaction quite like seeing a Kirtland’s Warbler in a tree that you planted.
This is a great way to learn about the connection between the Kirtland’s Warbler and its jack pine habitat. It’s also a great way to learn about how this ecosystem is critical to endangered plant species and how these trees help to make the AuSable River holy waters for trout anglers.
For additional information and directions email director@kirtlandswarbler.org.
