We are very excited to announce that the Preserve is the recipient of a $1000.00 Spark Good local grant from Walmart Store 2238 in Muskegon. The store is located at 1879 E. Sherman Blvd.
The grant will help with removing and mulching understory (immature) Black Locust trees that can become invasive due to high seed production and prolific root sprouts.
According to the Michigan Invasive Species Network, black locust “spreads by root suckering and stump sprouting, forming dense colonies that shade prairies and forest openings, harming native vegetation.” At the preserve, these trees have created a monoculture which prevents other plants from growing beneath them and reduces plant diversity and limits food and shelter for the wide range of animals that live there. Removing black locust will help open up the canopy, giving native plants a chance to return and supporting a more balanced, thriving ecosystem.
To maintain the aesthetics and health of the preserve, we will be repurposing the removed understory black locust trees as mulch and then use the mulch in a native plant garden area located between the parking lot and Lake Ave. That will serve as an example of how beautiful and sustainable gardens can be created using native plants while also showcasing the potential of locally sourced materials. Black locust wood is particularly well-suited for that purpose due to its durability and natural antifungal properties, ensuring that it will remain intact and contribute positively to the garden’s long-term health.
The Preserve is proud to spark good in their community! #SparkGood