Habitat Expo in Southeast Michigan

lschultz • March 3, 2020

Photo provided by Ridge Bollheimer (SE Michigan QDMA Branch member, cooperative leader and owner of Ridge Hunter’s Ridge Food Plot Services).

Spring is a coveted time for hunters in Michigan. It’s a time to evaluate habitat, complete projects in the field and woods, observe wildlife, hunt and start anew. Although, as we know, there really is no offseason as an outdoor enthusiast. We are always working to improve ourselves as land stewards and what is available to wildlife on the landscape.

In 2020, the Michigan Wildlife Cooperatives Program is offering up to 10 events that will provide attendees with an in-field habitat experience as they tour actively managed forest stands, fields, grasslands and wetlands. These events will also provide access to some of the state’s most valued wildlife professionals.

Thank you to the partners for the habitat series : Michigan United Conservation Clubs , Michigan Department of Natural Resources , Quality Deer Management Association , Pheasants Forever , Farm Bill Biologists and the Michigan Quality Deer Habitat Facebook group.

Habitat Expo in SE Michigan

May 3, 2020

SE Branch and cooperative leader, Cory Franceus, will be hosting the Habitat Expo at his property on May 3, 2020.

The first event will be held in  Grass Lake, Michigan on May 3, 2020 .

We ask that everyone pre-register for this event. Lunch will be provided by Southeast MI QDMA and Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Registration will be limited to 150 people and we anticipate reaching this number quickly. The link to register will be provided at the bottom of this page. If you would like to view this event on Facebook, please click HERE .

Featured Experts:

Morgan Warda-Jennings, Wildlife Cooperatives Coordinator – Morgan will discuss best in class practices for starting your own wildlife co-op.

John Komp, Owner of Northwoods Whitetails Food Plot See Co. – Food plot mixes, soil health, plot screen and planting times.

Kyle Perry, Owner of Dreamland Wildlife Properties – The benefits of a Wildlife Management Plan, no-till planting, crimper rollers, and creating your own wildlife paradise.

Jared Van Hees – Host of Habitat Podcast – Expert knowledge around habitat improvement practices and discuss the importance of a detailed plan when setting up or improving a property for deer hunting.

Agenda:

11:00 am -12:30 pm

  • Lunch and expert Discussions (Provided courtesy of SE MI QDMA and MUCC)

12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

  • Property Tour (led by Cory Franceus) with live demonstrations and discussions from experts (John Komp, Kyle Perry, and Jared Van Hees)
  • Small controlled burn demonstration (weather permitting)
  • No-till food plots and equipment, crimper rollers, soil health
  • Food plot preparation, planting, and seed mixes
  • Plot Screen best practices
  • Switch Grass planting best practices
  • Hinge Cutting Techniques and demonstration
  • Property Set Up for Deer Hunting
  • Habitat/Wildlife Plans for Federal Programs and more

Property Features: Cory Franceus’s 70-acre farm is entering its 3rd year of habitat renovations.

  • 18-acre ag field conversion to early successional growth (year 2)
  • 2019 TSI
  • Utilization of switchgrass for screening and cover
  • Hinge cuttings for screening, bedding, manipulating deer travel, and increasing browse
  • Fruit tree plantings
  • 5-acre tree/shrub planting (Spring 2020)
  • Increasing depth of cover

REGISTER HERE

Please direct any questions to mjennings@mucc.org or 517-346-6454

   

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch April 24, 2025
Historically, Michigan experienced a lumber era in which the state was a leading producer for 50 years starting in 1860.
By Katelyn Helsel April 23, 2025
Rochester Hills, MI — On the Ground, MUCC’s volunteer stewardship program, celebrated its 250th habitat improvement project in Oakland County this past weekend. In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council , 62 volunteers removed more than 460 pounds of trash from the Clinton River watershed and surrounding areas, restoring more than 80 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Volunteers focused on picking up trash and other debris in the river near Yates Park and along various walking trails near the Yates Cider Mill. Many different items were collected, including a couple of tires, fishing line, old cans, a sign, and even a car bumper. “We definitely wanted to clean up as much trash as possible because that's going to help the watershed as a whole, and it’s going to clean up the river for both humans aesthetically, and also the animals that live in it, and create safer drinking water” said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC’s Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator.
By Olivia Triltsch April 17, 2025
In addition to their impact on water quality, these three orders of insects are an important part of the diet of game fish, making anglers, especially fly fishermen, interested in the conservation of these small animals.
More Posts