Coming Soon!

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 process of creating a microforest begins with establishing a simulated forest floor using compost, sheet cardboard and recycled woodchips. Once the area is prepped, it will sit untouched for approximately 6 months and then planting can begin!

The Muskegon Rotary Club, City of North Muskegon, City of Muskegon, County of Muskegon, Reeths Puffer Schools, H&H Landscape Supply and Muskegon United Way are all partnering with the Preserve to make this project a success! Keely Dunham has agreed to act as project manager for this undertaking.

If you would like to be a part of creating the 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 going to our Home Page and clicking on the red Click to Donate button. 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.

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