The Natural History of Michigan's Beech-Maple Forests and their Future

Saturday, April 26 2014 at 9:00 AM

Matt Dykstra at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

This combination of presentation and hike will begin with discussing how Beech-Maple forests formed in Michigan after the retreat of the glaciers and how they fit into the landscape utilized by American Indians. The history of these forests will be continued with how they were exploited by European-American settlers and what their condition is today. We will conclude the talk by looking at contemporary and future challenges to the integrity of this natural community. During the hike participants will have the opportunity to see several Beech-Maple and other forest communities and further discuss their ecology, management, and preservation with Institute staff.

Matt Dykstra has been at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for the past seven years as both Education Directory and Program Manager, helping to plan and lead educational programs at the Institute. His favorite programs involve taking people outside and helping them understand the amazing life and natural features found there. Matt has a particular interest in plants that began with a Field Botany course back in 1995 and continued through graduate school with a project focused on garlic mustard. Originally from Chicago, Matt is a graduate of both University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Trinity Christian College.

We will meet at the Visitors Center at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute at 9:00 AM.  The address is 701 W. Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, MI 49058.