Saturday June 10, 2017 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Shiawassee Basin Preserve Field Trip Leader, Mike Losey, Natural Resources Manager for Springfield Township. Joint with SE Chapter. The Shiawassee Basin Preserve is a 514 acre Springfield Township park located just north of Davisburg. Notably, this preserve helps protect one of the largest and highest quality prairie fen complexes in the Midwest. Numerous rare plants and animals can be found at the preserve, including the largest remaining population of Poweshiek skipperling, a federally endangered prairie butterfly. Tour participants will explore some of the interesting features of this park including the response of plant communities to various management techniques. In early June, we can expect to observe many plants typical of prairie fens in the early growing season, potentially including several species of orchids that are associated with prairie fen wetlands. Participants should bring sturdy hiking boots, preferably waterproof, with sufficient ankle protection and support to guard against cut stumps and uneven terrain. Also, insect repellant clothing or spray, sunscreen and a water bottle are advised. This field tour is rated as low-medium difficulty due to anticipated length of hiking loop (1.5 miles), varying terrain and potentially uneven footing in the prairie fen.

Meet at 8731 Eaton Rd, Davisburg, MI to consolidate vehicles to make the drive to the interior of the preserve easier. Over flow parking is at our Civic Center (which has bathrooms).

Carpool from Ann Arbor: Meet 8:30 a.m. at the Miller Rd. M-14 park-n-ride. (ca. 1 hr drive via US 23, may be slow due to construction).