MICHIGAN BOTANICAL SOCIETY

SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP

Southern Hardwood Swamp in Allegan State Game Area

With Jesse Lincoln, Conservation Associate – Ecologist

Michigan Natural Features Inventory

Saturday October 12, 2024, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Southern hardwood swamp is a forested wetland occurring in southern Lower Michigan in poorly drained depressions and stream drainages. The canopy is typically dominated by silver maple (Acer saccharinum), red maple (A. rubrum), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), and black ash (Fraxinus nigra). Conifers are absent or local. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with standing water typically occurring throughout winter and spring. Due to anaerobic conditions associated with prolonged inundation and a high-water table, trees are shallowly rooted and prone to frequent blowdown. Windthrow creates a pit and mound microtopography, and variously sized canopy gaps, which promote regeneration of a diverse overstory.

Allegan State Game Area consists of over 50,000 acres of a diverse mixture of cover types. It is characterized by flat to gently rolling topography with well drained and excessively-well drained soils dominated by oak-pine barrens in the northern third and the southern two-thirds was dominated by white pine-white oak forest.  Southern Floodplain Forest and Southern Hardwood Swamp occur adjacent to the rivers tributaries.

Bring your rubber boots. Depending on the weather conditions may be wet or dry. Hiking will be slow with no trails. Insect repellent, sunscreen, water as well as suitable clothing are suggested. The trip difficulty level is rated moderate but may be difficult in a few places.

Jesse Lincoln is an ecologist and conducts vegetation surveys of state game areas to identify & inventory important natural areas, document rare plants, accurately age trees, and integrate these elements into wildlife management plans. With MNFI since 2010, he has always been interested in plants, factors that influence where they grow, and their interaction with the wildlife that relies on them. He enjoys identifying areas that have not been thoroughly botanized, collecting plants that have not been documented there, and submitting the collections to universities to contribute to accurate distribution maps. He also enjoys finding remnants of high-quality natural areas and working to get them protected. Exploring forests and fields as a child, his fascination for the natural world was encouraged by teachers. He earned a BS and MS in Biology from Grand Valley State University and enjoys nature photography and wandering around the state with his wife and son.

Directions:  The site is 1.4 miles south of the intersection of 136th Ave and 36th St in Allegan County.  From the Kalamazoo area, take US-131 north to exit 64 (135th Ave).  At the exit, turn left (west) and in 6.5 miles, the road turns left (south) and becomes 25th St.  At 134th Ave, turn right (west). Proceed 2.5 miles then turn right (north) on to 30th St.  In 0.9 mile turn left (west) on to 136th Ave.  Proceed 3.0 miles and turn left (south) on to 36th St.  Proceed 1.4 miles to the destination.  Park on the side of the road.  The coordinates are: 42.660983, -85.898415.