The MERES Board of Directors recently approved the creation of a microforest on the northwest corner of the Preserve parking lot. A microforest is a very dense planting of native species on a relatively small area of land. The trees, shrubs and ground cover in a microforest are small at first but canopy trees will grow quickly to create a dense thicket that is inviting to wildlife and with the creation of a trail will provide shade and privacy for walkers.

A microforest was created in the Marquette neighborhood west of US-31 in 2024. Developed in partnership with the City of Muskegon, Muskegon Rotary Club, United Way of the Lakeshore, and WMSRDC, the Marquette Micro Forest was the first micro forest established in Muskegon! John Noling, a member and past President of the Muskegon Rotary Club was instrumental in developing the Marquette Micro Forest. John contacted the Preserve Board of Directors about the possibility of creating a microforest at the Preserve. After meeting with John at the Preserve and walking the property, a site was selected for the microforest and the project was formally approved by the MERES Board of Directors at the August Board meeting.

For more information, including pictures on the Marquette Micro Forest please go to:

https://wmsrdc.org/project/marquette-microforest/

The first phase of the project is under way. On October 18th, 23 volunteers began the process of establishing a simulated forest floor on more than half of the microforest site. They spread out compost and then covered the compost with sheet cardboard and finally, covered the cardboard with recycled woodchips. This area will now sit untouched for approximately 6 months to allow the cardboard and wood chips to break down. Planting will begin in mid-May.

The second phase of the project will also begin next spring. Compost, cardboard and woodchips will be added to the remaining portion of the microforest site and that area will then sit undisturbed for six months.

The Muskegon Rotary Club, City of North Muskegon DPW, City of Muskegon, Reeths Puffer Schools, H&H Landscape Supply, Muskegon United Way, Blended Furniture and PADNOS Recycling are all partnering with the Preserve to make this project possible. Keely Dunham has agreed to act as project manager for this undertaking.

The Preserve is still looking for additional community partners to help with this project. If your business, club, organization, school or church would like to get involved, please call Steve Thompson, Board President at 616-405-3524.

Volunteers needed!! Check our FB Page for upcoming work sessions.

If you would like to help support the creation of our microforest, please consider donating towards the purchase of trees, shrubs and groundcover, establishing a walking path, signage and other related expenses. You can donate by clicking on Click to Donate button below. Donations can also be made by sending a check or money order to the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve at P.O. Box 5038, North Muskegon, MI 49445-0038.