For Immediate
Release
Cheryl & Bill Collins 248-853-6233
Michigan
Nature Association 810-387-3717
Jack
Sanders, Blue Water Audubon Society 810-385-4351
In an effort to acquire and protect land containing Painted Trillium, a Michigan Endangered plant species, the Michigan Nature Association is now accepting donations to purchase a critical 10-acre portion of a 42-acre site in Kimball Township scheduled for a residential development. There are now only six known locations in all of Michigan for Painted Trillium, and all six are in Saint Clair County. At least four are in Kimball Township, and there are one or two small colonies in Clyde Township, somewhere in the Port Huron State Game Area. Saint Clair County has the distinction of being located on the western edge of the Painted Trillium range in the United States. The distribution of the species is extremely limited by unique habitat requirements, and recently, by habitat destruction resulting from development. In Saint Clair County, Painted Trillium grows only in cool, acidic sands in mature forests of Eastern Hemlock, Eastern White Pine, Paper Birch, and Red Maple.
Now, a proposed residential development in Kimball Township will surround one of the last six Painted Trillium locations in Michigan. While construction may not directly impact the plants, future impacts are unpredictable with lots so close. Experts agree that transplanting Painted Trillium is not an option because of high mortality rates in past efforts and the very specific habitat that is required for them to survive. A few years ago, there were ten Painted Trillium locations known in Saint Clair County, but three of those were completely destroyed by development, and a fourth colony was reduced from over 500 plants to about 30 because of forest canopy clearing for an adjacent residence. Michigan law is frequently not enforced to protect Endangered and Threatened species and makes no provision for habitat. Therefore, true protection of rare species often makes acquisition of land the only practical solution for all parties involved.
The Michigan Nature Association is a 50-year-old statewide organization with local roots, dedicated to the preservation of rare native species in Michigan. The MNA has over 160 nature sanctuaries throughout the state, ranging from the “Estivant Pines” in the Keweenaw Peninsula, to “Dowagiac Woods” in Cass County, near the Indiana border. One of the first groups to recognize the importance of purchasing natural areas, especially in the rapidly developing region surrounding the greater Detroit area, the MNA acquired their first four nature sanctuaries in Saint Clair County in the early 1960’s. Bertha Daubendiek, a resident of Kenockee Township for over 20 years, has guided the MNA from its beginning in 1952, serving as Executive Director until just last year. The MNA recognizes the urgent need to protect both the Painted Trillium plants on this site and the surrounding habitat. According to current Executive Director, Jeremy Emmi, a Columbus Township native, “The Painted Trillium is an important heritage of Saint Clair County. Our county has the honor of being the last refuge for this species in the State of Michigan.” The MNA has agreed to purchase and preserve part of the development site as a nature sanctuary, and is now seeking donations.
Another group, the Blue Water Audubon Society, a chapter of the Michigan Audubon Society, strongly supports the MNA effort and is helping to coordinate fundraising activities. The BWAS organized in 1955 to promote outdoor experiences, nature education and the protection and conservation of both wildlife and unique habitats. BWAS President, Jack Sanders, says, “With so few remaining Painted Trillium, protection is a priority. Preservation of the habitat of this endangered species is essential for the plants’ survival.”
For those that truly value the natural heritage of Saint Clair County, please send a generous donation to: Michigan Nature Association, Post Office Box 610053, Port Huron, Michigan 48061-0053. Checks should be made payable to “Michigan Nature Association” and are deductible on your federal income tax to the extent provided by law. A note should be made on the check that it is for the Painted Trillium project.