Project Overview
In the summer of 2025, we planted 21 mature trees throughout the City of Manistique as part our Urban & Community Forestry (UCF) grant project. The UCF grant program, run by the Michigan DNR and US Forest Service, aims to support reforestation and build ecosystem resiliency in urban communities—particularly those that struggle with environmental and economic inequities.
Despite being surrounded by heavily forested areas like the Hiawatha National Forest, the City of Manistique is lacking in urban canopy cover. The recent tree plantings are a step in the right direction toward improving the city’s wildlife habitat, biodiversity, climate change resiliency, and economy, as well as the economic, mental, and physical wellbeing of Manistique’s 3,000 residents.
Despite being surrounded by heavily forested areas like the Hiawatha National Forest, the City of Manistique is lacking in urban canopy cover. The recent tree plantings are a step in the right direction toward improving the city’s wildlife habitat, biodiversity, climate change resiliency, and economy, as well as the economic, mental, and physical wellbeing of Manistique’s 3,000 residents.
The 21 new trees, which are a mix of ten native and climate change resilient species, can be found at the Schoolcraft County Courthouse, Emerald Elementary, Manistique Middle & High School, Blanchard Park, Schoolcraft Central Park, the Denton Nelson baseball field, the Manistique dog park, and Lakeshore Campground. A survey conducted prior to planting gave community members an opportunity to vote on species selection at these different sites. Information about these different species and their locations can be found below.
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Heritage Oak
A cross between the burr and English oaks, this oak is large and tolerant to a wide array of conditions. Its leaves, which turn yellow in the fall, are tatter resistant. Slow growing but long living.
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Heritage Oak
A cross between the burr and English oaks, this oak is large and tolerant to a wide array of conditions. Its leaves, which turn yellow in the fall, are tatter resistant. Slow growing but long living.
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Yellow Birch
Stunning golden-yellow foliage in the fall! Yellow birch has a beautiful silvery-bronze, peeling bark that adds ornamental value. Long-living shade tree with a high wildlife value.
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Accolade Elm
This hybrid elm is gaining popularity as a very hardy variety. In addition to being a fast grower, its high ground clearance and adaptability make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
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White Cedar
Northern white cedar can be easily spotted by its tall, elegant shape. An excellent wind break tree, it also has ornamental value when planted individually as an accent. Very long living!
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Douglas Fir
Popular Christmas tree thanks to its shape and soft needles. Douglas firs produce 3-4" cones that attract a wide variety of animals. Very long living, with a lifespan of 500 to 1,000 years.
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Yellow Birch
Stunning golden-yellow foliage in the fall! Yellow birch has a beautiful silvery-bronze, peeling bark that adds ornamental value. Long-living shade tree with a high wildlife value.
Burr Oak
This shade tree is known for its impressive size and beautiful, round silhouette. Burr oaks produce very large acorns, which are great for wildlife. Burr oak is also more resistant to oak wilt.
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White Cedar
Northern white cedar can be easily spotted by its tall, elegant shape. An excellent wind break tree, it also has ornamental value when planted individually as an accent. Very long living!
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Shade Master Locust
This hardy, fast-growing tree is a great option for urban environments. Unlike most locusts, it's thorn free and produces little to no seeds, making cleanup easy.
Accolade Elm
This hybrid elm is gaining popularity as a very hardy variety. In addition to being a fast grower, its high ground clearance and adaptability make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
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Balsam Fir
Native to the northern US and Canada, the balsam fir is a Christmas tree favorite thanks to its scene and pyramidal shape. Mature cones are 2-4 inches tall, adding high wildlife value.
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Burr Oak
This shade tree is known for its impressive size and beautiful, round silhouette. Burr oaks produce very large acorns, which are great for wildlife. Burr oak is also more resistant to oak wilt.
Accolade Elm
This hybrid elm is gaining popularity as a very hardy variety. In addition to being a fast grower, its high ground clearance and adaptability make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
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Redmond Linden
This medium to large deciduous tree has a distinct pyramidal shape and dense canopy. It is known for its fragrant yellow flowers in early summer and its heart shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
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Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
This serviceberry variety is named for its stunning fall foliage. Valuable for both its ornamental qualities and its fruit. Songbirds love their berries, and their flowers are fantastic for pollinators.
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Accolade Elm
This hybrid elm is gaining popularity as a very hardy variety. In addition to being a fast grower, its high ground clearance and adaptability make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
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Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
This serviceberry variety is named for its stunning fall foliage. Valuable for both its ornamental qualities and its fruit. Songbirds love their berries, and their flowers are fantastic for pollinators.
Douglas Fir
Popular Christmas tree thanks to its shape and soft needles. Douglas firs produce 3-4" cones that attract a wide variety of animals. Very long living.
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Shade Master Locust
This hardy, fast-growing tree is a great option for urban environments. Unlike most locusts, it's thorn free and produces little to no seeds, making cleanup easy.
Balsam Fir
Native to the northern US and Canada, the balsam fir is a Christmas tree favorite thanks to its scene and pyramidal shape. Mature cones are 2-4 inches tall, adding high wildlife value.
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