Last year Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy and Muskegon County Parks Department each received $250,000 Planet Awards to restore area habitats to their natural state and improve air and water quality in their respective regions.

We checked in with the recipients, one year later, to see how things are going and get an update on their projects.

Muskegon County Parks Department

Muskegon County Parks Department is using grant funding to support the ecological restoration of Dune Harbor Park, a 377-acre property that was previously a sand mine. Since receiving the grant, the organization has done a lot of planning for how the grant funds will be used. This work includes developing an Ecological Restoration Plan and performing a Natural Features Inventory of the park. These steps will help identify the biodiversity throughout the park and determine how to properly manage it.

Another achievement was receiving approval to have the Muskegon Conservation District treat the many invasive species throughout the park. Following treatment of the invasive species, the Muskegon Conservation District will also help recruit volunteers to help with planting the native species.

Although a lot of work’s being done, there’s been time for fun too. They’ve had a few guided hikes funded through the grant, and plan to do more once the weather warms up. They have an Earth Month event planned which will connect with local schools to do an iNaturalist Bioblitz and more. To help manage these types of events going forward they’re hiring an Engagement/Volunteer Coordinator Position by the end of the month, made possible by the grant funding. Learn more about Dune Harbor Park.

Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy in Macomb is protecting 64 acres of land through their Monarch Meadows project, including restoring over half of it to native meadow, with their Planet Award grant.

Before they can restore the land, there’s a lot of preparation work to be done. This work started last October with phragmites and reed canary treatment to remove the invasive species. They followed the treatments with removing the biomass from the area using a tractor with a brush hog attachment this winter. Now that it is warmer and the ground is softer staff is continuing to hand cut, which can be time consuming but necessary for the environment.

The start of spring means work picks up, including:

  • A second treatment to take care of cool-season grasses and shrubs within Monarch Meadows. The cool-season grasses are native but can take over other species and they want to create a favorable environment for when they are ready to plant.
  • Discing, which upturns the soil and makes it more favorable for planting.
  • An additional phragmites treatment to keep them under control.

The project will take multiple years. Currently there’s a trail system for people to walk and see the ongoing work. As the project progresses, they’re planning volunteer events to encourage community involvement.

The ultimate goal is to restore the landscape to an ecosystem that previously existed and provide a landscape where people can enjoy nature. Located in the watershed, they’re mindful of how they can improve water quality and increase habitats for the existing species.

Learn more about Six Rivers Land Conservancy.

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