The Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center is partnering with Macomb County to create a new native tree Arboretum at the nature center!
This Arboretum will be a living museum of Michigan native tree species. There will be 18 total trees with 10 species represented: Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), American Plum (Prunus americana), White Oak (Quercus alba), Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), White Pine (Pinus strobus), and Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).
These native tree species play a vital role in a healthy ecosystem and will support hundreds of species of native pollinators. The oak trees alone are host plants for at least 452 species of butterflies and moths. These pollinators are in turn a food source of native birds, like Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows, who rely on caterpillars for their young.
This new Arboretum will feature a Sycamore Moon Tree which was grown from seeds taken aboard the 1971 Apollo 14 moon mission by Astronaut Stuart Roosa. This historical tree was donated by Shelby Township resident Joe N. in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
There will be a pathway through the trees and educational signage for visitors of the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center to enjoy.
Join us on Friday, April 24 at 9:30am to be a part of this historical project. Bring work gloves and come ready to move dirt and mulch.
