Help defend the natural habitats at Pickerel Lake Park/Fred Meijer Nature Preserve against an alien invader! Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program is partnering with Kent County Parks to host an Autumn Olive Control Project at Pickerel Lake on Saturday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. An orientation is included and all materials and tools are supplied.
Pickerel Lake Park provides visitors with the opportunity to hike and cross-country ski throughout woodlands, forests, wetlands and around the lake. Floating boardwalks and docks provide excellent locations for fishing, bird watching or just enjoying the beautiful natural areas of this nature preserve.
Unfortunately, Autumn Olive is threatening the various habitats at Pickerel Lake. This alien invader or invasive plant species out-competes native species, has berries that provide a poor energy source for migrating birds and increases the nitrogen levels in the soil, affecting entire communities of plants, trees and wildlife.
If you are interested in working with a team of volunteers to make a difference at beautiful Pickerel Lake, please register for the Autumn Olive Control Project, either the a.m. or p.m. session, by contacting Ginny Sines, Kent County Parks Volunteer Services, at park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov or call (616) 336-3884.
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