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FELCH TOWNSHIP -- Through a project funded by Dickinson Area Community Foundation and Circle Power, the Roots & Rivers Collaborative local conservation nonprofit is working to improve the recreational habitat of the Groveland Recreation Area.
The group will be removing invasive autumn olive from along trails and access roads from 9 a.m. to noon Monday.
Autumn olive is an invasive shrub that rapidly forms dense stands, shading out native vegetation and harming local wildlife such as the ruffed grouse. Autumn olive alters natural soil chemistry and nitrogen cycling, making it harder for native plant communities to re-establish and permanently degrading the native forest structure that ruffed grouse require to thrive.
The berries, though appealing to the birds, are significantly lower in essential nutrients compared to native plants that fruit during the same season. As a result, grouse fill up on fruit that fails to provide the critical energy reserves required for winter survival.
For recreationists, autumn olive degrades land value and creates hazardous thickets. Its sharp, thorn-like spurs easily pierce clothing and skin, making access a painful challenge.
Those who would like to help restore native habitat and support the ruffed grouse are invited to join Roots & Rivers for this volunteer workday. Participants should meet at the Island Pond Fishing Pier in Felch Township, coordinates: 45.974502, -87.988690
For more information, go to https://www.roots-rivers.org/event-details/autumn-olive-workday-2.