Citizens for Superior partners with Parks & Rec for Native Plants in Big Bay

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See coverage of our Native Plant Garden project in Big Bay in the Mining Journal and TV6!

Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior (CSCLS) is partnering with Powell Township Parks and Recreation, Powell Township School, and other local organizations and businesses to repopulate the area with native and pollinator-friendly plants and encourage learning opportunities at the trailhead. Since work on the project began in May, progress has been transformative, with over 400 native plant seedlings planted and growing in the area.

Native plants provide habitat and food for pollinators, like butterflies, dragonflies, and native bees. Native plants also have deep roots and can absorb up to 90% more water than non-native species, reducing flooding impacts, runoff, and erosion. This also allows native plants to be more drought-tolerant once established than non-native species, requiring less maintenance. The project is utilizing native plants from Marquette County Conservation District and is taking plant donations from community members.

This public-access native plant garden is meant to provide outdoor education opportunities to the Powell Township and Marquette County communities by immersing residents in a native plant-dominated space. Locally crafted benches and interpretive signage will be installed to encourage folks to sit, ponder, and learn about the interconnectedness of nature. The outdoor classroom will be utilized by classrooms at the neighboring Powell Township School for nature-based learning, and has already provided opportunities for students to get their hands dirty with planting and watering. 

Jane Fitkin, Director of CSCLS, spoke of the need for outdoor learning opportunities in elementary schools: “Familiarizing students with native plants and ecosystems starting at a young age gives them the knowledge they need to lead lives as champions for our Earth, and we’re happy to join forces with Parks & Rec, Powell Township School, and others to make this dream project a reality.”

Made possible through generous grants from the UP Environmental Coalition and Community Foundation of Marquette County, this initiative bridges the divide between conservation and education.

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Citizens For a Safe & Clean Lake Superior