The Places that Protect Michigan’s Biodiversity

Biodiversity in Michigan and the Great Lakes

The North American Great Lakes are the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem. Both in and around them are irreplaceable biological features like coastal plants and animals, deep-water fish, and the world’s largest system of freshwater dunes. However, the Great Lakes face a number of critical problems including climate change, pollution, invasive species and more.

These problems extend onto our shores and throughout Michigan's complex natural landscape, impacting natural communities and many species—some of which are endemic to the region. Across the Midwest, reductions in landscapes like wetlands and forests are causing a decline in biodiversity.  

Endangered and Threatened Species in Michigan

While great work is under way across Michigan to address the challenges facing biodiversity, there are some species that have already been so greatly impacted that they require protection. The Endangered Species Program of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory maintains a detailed list of the plant and animal species in Michigan that have been categorized as Endangered, Threatened and Probably Extirpated. These species are protected under the Endangered Species Act of the State of Michigan. Species of Concern are also listed, although these species are not currently protected under the act. 

All of this information can feel overwhelming. But there’s reason to hope. From full restoration efforts in areas impacted by invasive species to planting native plants in home gardens, individuals, organizations, and volunteers across Michigan are all working to preserve the habitats these species need to thrive.

Landscapes in Michigan

With its freshwater shores, vast forests and expansive waters, Michigan has a diverse landscape with a variety of native ecosystems. The lands and waters that TNC protects contain an abundance of life—including species that have been classified as endangered or threatened. Read on to learn about some of the landscapes that TNC manages and some of the species they protect.

Part of this project is TNC’s Wilderness Lakes Reserve—a mostly contiguous area of over 19,000 acres of protected forestland. By connecting a network of protected lands to create this corridor, iconic Michigan wildlife like moose and eastern gray wolves have the room they need to roam. Both of these species used to reside across the state but are now primarily found in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Providing a contiguous stretch of forest is essential to ensure their continued presence in Michigan forests.

Wetlands

Wetlands support an incredible diversity of life. One of the most productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands can be thought of as “biological supermarkets” that produce immense amounts of food and attract and sustain countless numbers of animal species. Unfortunately, they're in danger. In some states, as much as 90% of wetlands have been destroyed. TNC is working across the Midwest to study, protect, restore and spread the word about wetlands.

One of the more unique and rare features are the wetlands in southern Michigan, called fens. These wetlands receive water from underground springs rich in minerals instead of from rainwater. TNC’s fens function as filters for the Paw Paw River and River Raisin watersheds and serve as the headwaters for the Grand River, our state’s longest river. They are also special because they host many rare plants and insects.

To protect and restore our rare wetland fens, we are actively working at Ives Road Fen, Grand River Fen and Paw Paw Prairie Fen. Prairie fens are found in the southern part of the state and are especially susceptible to invasive plant species. TNC staff and dedicated volunteers have spent years removing invasive species from the preserves, making room for native species to flourish. 

We also use prescribed fire—known as a controlled burn—to protect these fragile ecosystems. Due to an evolutionary history that included regular, landscape-level wildfire, fens require fire for their health and growth. Without it, they may be unable to regenerate. To prevent the sort of destruction that can occur from wildfire but still provide ecosystems with the benefits they need, land managers from TNC conduct controlled burns in these areas.  

Dunes

Along Michigan’s shores are towers of sand that make up the world’s largest freshwater dune system. This unique landscape is home to a variety of life—including threatened and endangered species like piping plover and Pitcher’s thistle. Shoreline development, invasive species and incompatible recreational use all threaten the health of these special areas.

For over a decade, TNC worked with the Michigan Dune Alliance partnership to protect this valuable resource. One part of that is controlling invasive species—plants that are not native to the region and whose populations expand rapidly. Among this threat is something you’ve likely seen before. Baby’s breath—common in bouquets and at weddings—poses a real threat to our dune systems, taking over and outcompeting native species.  

At TNC’s Zetterberg Preserve at Point Betsie, we used safe and effective techniques to remove baby’s breath from the preserve. One option is through mechanical removal which requires the use of a steel shovel to sever the tap root. In some cases, we also use a chemical control. The dunes here provide critical habitat for rare species, including Pitcher’s thistle. They have also been identified as a potential nesting site for piping plover as the population of this endangered species recovers. Through these efforts, we provide them with a better chance to thrive.

The Path Forward 

All is not lost for Michigan's many plant and animal species. While, historically, efforts have been made to improve the conditions for individual species—like the protection of piping plover nesting areas through the use of “enclosures”—conservation planners are shifting focus to improving entire habitats. A healthy, functional habitat doesn’t just increase the survivability of one species, it also gives other native species, that may not be listed as endangered, a better chance at continued survival.

Work is happening across the state to ensure important landscapes remain to support all life. Through careful conservation planning, TNC has been at the forefront of efforts to improve entire habitats. But you don’t have to work in conservation to make a difference for biodiversity. Plant native plants in your garden, be a steward of the lands you visit, and volunteer or give to your local conservation organization. Together, we can turn things around.