Roy Creek Kirtland Warbler Project
Michigan | This project involves habitat restoration for the Kirtland's warbler
Number of Trees Donated by Noble Oak: 10,000
Planting Location: Huron-Manistee National Forest; Tawas Ranger District, Michigan
Types of Trees: Jack Pine
Year: 2024
Project Description/Objective: This project involves habitat restoration for the Kirtland's warbler. A rare song-bird whose population has been on the decline throughout the 20th century.
Kirtland's Warblers have strict breeding habitat requirements. During the breeding season, they nest exclusively on the ground underneath dense, young Jack Pine forests (typically at least 5 to 20 years old) in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario. During the winter, the species migrates south to spend the colder months in the Caribbean.
Historically, this young pine ecosystem was maintained by wildfires. In modern times, intensive forest management and logging are required to mimic these natural fires and generate suitable nesting environments. Due to conservation efforts the birds were delisted from the US Endangered Species List in 2019, however the Kirtland Warbler remains on the Canadian Endangered Species List. The total population has only rebounded to about 3,000 through aggressive Jack Pine Planting Initiatives in recent decades.
Ecological Benefits: The lower peninsula of Michigan is one of the prime areas for KW breeding habitat. This project will help restore that habitat that has been lost.
Community Benefits: Benefits for local communities and bird watchers who receive great pleasure in interacting with the wildlife in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.