The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with a wildlife conservation group to offer residents and organizations the opportunity to sponsor a grassland. The DNR says grasslands need to be protected from the encroachment of trees, invasive plants, and development.
Russ Mason is the Chief of the Wildlife Division for the DNR. He says grasslands provide many benefits, including purifying water and providing a healthy ecosystem.
“It’s easy to have woods in Michigan. Walk away from some place and it will turn into woods. Maintaining grasslands and providing abundant habitat for a variety of species that people value whether they’re by the way game, non-game, or even threatened or endangered species is very important.”
Mason says pheasants, nesting waterfowl, and turkeys rely on open spaces, and don’t do as well in heavily forested areas.
“Get involved. Take a little time. And help us protect, conserve, and grow natural resources in the southern part of the state where most of folks in Michigan live. It’s something you can do not just for the future and benefit for the wildlife, but for the future and benefit of the state.”
Mason says those interested in sponsoring a grassland can check out some of the available places on the DNR website under the Adopted Game Area program.