On the Ground: Volunteers Plant Mast-Producing Trees on Public Land in the Eastern UP

Kristina Kennedy • June 15, 2023

Each tree was flagged and fitted with a trunk protector that will inhibit small mammals like mice from chewing on the young tree’s bark before it’s established in it’s environment.

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, 13 volunteers braved the rain and a swarm of biting insects in the Upper Peninsula to plant trees in the Newberry Forest Management Unit, and they managed to have fun while doing it!

In this partnership project hosted in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Division with support from a generous member of MUCC, a mix of red oaks and various types of apple trees were planted and fenced in an effort to improve forage for wildlife including white-tailed deer and upland game birds.

Volunteers planted red oaks and a variety of apple trees that will provide hard and soft mast for wildlife forage.

This FMU is managed by the MDNR to maintain forest health, diversity and sustainability while considering wildlife, fisheries, recreation and environmental needs and concerns. This piece of land offers year-round recreational opportunities including hunting, ORV riding, wildlife viewing and berry picking.

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