Summary of One Tree at a Time: DZS CARE Grant, DNR Rebuild Beloved Park :
Melissa Thueme, a primate supervisor for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), shares her experience with the organization’s Conservation Action for a Resilient Environment (CARE) grant. This program engages employees in local conservation efforts. In 2022, a significant wildfire devastated Pigeon River Country State Forest in northern Michigan, destroying 2,516 acres of diverse wildlife habitat. Thueme, moved by her personal connection and decades of experiences at PRC, partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to rebuild the affected area. They focused on replanting vital tree species to aid environmental recovery and support wildlife. On May 13, 2023, a year after the wildfire, Thueme and community volunteers planted 20 trees in the affected area to rejuvenate this beloved natural space for future generations.
- Overview of the DZS CARE Grant and its Purpose
- The ecological impact of the 2022 wildfire in Pigeon River Country State Forest
- Personal motivations and experiences driving the grant project
- Collaboration efforts between Detroit Zoo, DNR, and the community
- Reforestation efforts and long-term ecological benefits
In 2022, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) launched a significant initiative known as the CARE Grant. Standing for Conservation Action for a Resilient Environment, the grant provides a unique opportunity for staff to engage in conservation efforts that matter deeply to them. This program specifically targets conservation and environmental challenges in the Detroit metro area and the Great Lakes region, fostering hands-on participation among employees. When the project was announced in June, I immediately envisioned my involvement. Just a few weeks prior, a destructive wildfire had torn through northern Michigan, compelling me to take action to help restore what had been lost.
The wildfire’s impact unfolded across the largest undeveloped land block in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Pigeon River Country State Forest (PRC). Home to an array of wildlife, including one of the largest elk herds east of the Mississippi, this forest spans vast, ecologically significant territory. In May 2022, a wildfire ignited by a lightning strike devastated 2,516 acres of PRC. The blaze was so intense that it decimated most of the tree population within the burn zone. The conflagration severely damaged many soft mast trees, like apple and hawthorn, and young hard mast trees that provide critical food sources such as nuts and acorns. Wildlife species, including deer, elk, black bear, squirrels, and game birds, depend on these trees for sustenance.
My personal connection to the PRC dates back nearly three decades. Family trips to Pigeon River for camping were a summer tradition, sparking my lifelong fascination with nature, animals, and conservation. Mornings spent searching for wildlife, observing elk herds, birdwatching, and stargazing instilled a profound appreciation for the natural environment. Years later, my family’s investment in property within the area solidified this connection, as we spent countless weekends from spring to fall immersing ourselves in the forest’s natural beauty and wildlife.
In May 2022, I closely monitored the news as the blaze, later named the “Blue Lakes Fire,” spread across the PRC. The transition from a vibrant forest to a charred wasteland was stark, transforming once lush landscapes into barren territories with few surviving trees. Witnessing such widespread devastation firsthand, I was determined to help in any way I could. This personal connection, combined with the urgency of the ecological crisis, motivated me to apply for the DZS CARE Grant.
I contacted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to turn this vision into reality, specifically the PRC Forest Management Group. They were enthusiastic about the collaboration, and we conceptualized the grant project together. With guidance from Mark Monroe, the PRC forest manager, and Shelby Adams, a PRC wildlife biologist, we formulated a plan to plant saplings in the burned area. This meticulous selection of tree species aimed to benefit both the environment and the wildlife that call the PRC home.
The collaboration also extended to the community, recognizing the PRC’s importance to many people and emphasizing the DZS’s commitment to cooperative conservation efforts. On May 13, 2023, exactly one year after the wildfire, we convened at the Pigeon River Discovery Center. Attendees included community members and those deeply connected to the PRC. Mark, who had personally fought the wildfire, shared insights into the fire’s history and its immediate effects on the forest. Shelby discussed the impact on wildlife, highlighting some positive outcomes, such as creating habitats for species like the Kirkland’s warbler, which thrives in young jack pine forests that emerge post-fire. I shared my journey with the Detroit Zoo CARE Grant and my longstanding bond with PRC.
The day was not just about information sharing but hands-on action. Volunteers were divided into teams and headed to the designated planting site. Under Mark’s guidance, we planted 20 tree saplings in four pre-planned sections, reinforcing them with mulch and protective fencing to help ensure their survival and growth. Participants exchanged stories and memories as we worked, reinforcing a collective connection to the land and an appreciation for the restoration efforts. Seeing the newly planted trees among the regenerating grasses was profoundly satisfying. This project was a tangible way to give back to a forest that had provided me with so much inspiration and joy.
The reforestation effort in the PRC holds promise for long-term ecological benefits. The reintroduced tree species will eventually provide essential resources like food and shelter for various wildlife, thereby aiding in the recovery of the local ecosystem. These efforts also underscore the importance of fostering a resilient environment capable of withstanding future ecological challenges. While natural disasters like wildfires pose severe threats, they also offer renewed growth and ecological balance opportunities.
Through the DZS CARE Grant, we have taken a significant step towards restoring and safeguarding PRC. My hope is that these efforts not only rejuvenate the area but also inspire future generations to appreciate and protect our natural landscapes. The collaboration between the Detroit Zoo, DNR, and the community exemplifies the power of collective action in environmental conservation. This project is a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have when they work together for a common cause, ensuring a healthier, more resilient environment for all.
In summary, the DZS CARE Grant initiative and the reforestation efforts in Pigeon River Country State Forest highlight the vital role of collaborative conservation in addressing ecological crises. Combining personal dedication, scientific knowledge, and community involvement can make a substantial difference in preserving our natural heritage. This project not only aids in the recovery of a beloved park but also serves as a model for future conservation endeavors, illustrating the profound impact of concerted restoration efforts on our environment.
