Invasive Vegetation Removal to Benefit Critical Reptile Habitat
Oct 29, 2022 9:00AM—12:00PM
Location
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hastings
Categories On The Ground
Join MUCC’s OTG program in partnership with Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in removing invasive woody vegetation that is encroaching on rattlesnake and box turtle summer breeding and nesting habitat. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 9am-12pm. Lunch will be provided around 11:30am.
About the project: The project unit is about 1.5 acres of oak woodland where invasive autumn olive is encroaching on rattlesnake and box turtle breeding and nesting habitat. Removing invasive woody vegetation in this area will improve critical summer habitat for these species. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is listed as “threatened” under the US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act and the eastern box turtle is considered a “species of special concern” in the state of Michigan. The populations of these two species have been declining due to fragmentation and loss of suitable breeding and nesting habitat, and you can help improve habitat quality within their range!
Meeting location: Volunteers will meet at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) Research Lab building at 225 W Cloverdale Rd, Hastings MI 49058. The Research Lab is south off of W Cloverdale Road, about ¾ mile east of the main entrance to PCCI. There is a parking lot at the meeting location. Please note that the meeting location is NOT the main PCCI building. Restrooms will be available at the project site.
- Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/iYZi5KTiktc5N9Zz5
- Coordinates: 42.536944, -85.290910
Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and are encouraged to wear long pants and long sleeves. Attendees are also encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, although bottled water and snacks will be provided throughout the day. These projects will take place rain or shine, unless there is severe weather so please dress accordingly.
Please contact MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Kristina Kennedy at kkennedy@mucc.org with any questions regarding this event or the OTG program.
