Project Overview
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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. |
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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 can be found below.
Choose up to three species you would like to see planted at each of the below locations. Descriptions of each species can be found below.
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Schoolcraft County Courthouse
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Manistique Dog Park
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Tree Profiles
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Shademaster Honeylocust
Credit: Moana Nursery
Overview
This hardy and fast-growing tree is a great option for urban environments. Unlike most honeylocusts, it's thorn free and produces little to no seeds, making cleanup easy. Stats
Mature height: 45-75 feet Mature width: 35-50 feet Shape: Vase-shaped Lifespan: 70-120 years Growth rate: Fast Value
Disease and pest resistant. Inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators. Bur Oak
Credit: Sacramento Tree Foundation
Overview
The bur oak is known for its impressive size, which is as eye-catching as its beautiful silhouette. Bur oaks produce very large acorns, which can be both a blessing (for the wildlife that eat them) and a curse (for the people who need to live with the mess). Stats
Mature height: 70-80 feet Mature width: 70-80 feet Shape: Round Lifespan: 200-400 years Growth rate: Moderate Value
High wildlife value. Wind and heat resistant. |
Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
Credit: Nolt's Garden Center
Overview
The Autumn Brilliance variety of serviceberry is aptly named for its stunning fall foliage. This small tree is valuable for both its ornamental qualities and its fruit. Songbirds in particular love their berries, but they are also edible to humans. Their flowers are fantastic for pollinators. Stats
Mature height: 15-25 feet Mature width: 15-20 feet Shape: Rounded Lifespan: 40-60 years Growth rate: Moderate Value
Edible fruit (taste like a cross between blueberries and blackberries) that attract songbirds. Flowers are good for pollinators. Attractive year-round, with flowers in spring and golden-red foliage in fall. Heritage Oak
Credit: NetPS Plant Finder
Overview
A hybrid cross between the bur and English oaks, the heritage oak is large, stately, and extremely tolerant to a wide array of conditions. Its leaves, which turn yellow in the fall, are tatter and mildew resistant. Although it's slow growing, it boasts a long lifespan. Stats
Mature height: 50-60 feet Mature width: 40-50 feet Shape: Pyramidal Growth rate: Slow Lifespan: 300 years Value
Mildew resistant. Provides food source (acorn) to gamebirds, songbirds, and mammals. |
Yellow Birch
Credit: Trees & Shrubs Online
Overview
Stunning golden-yellow foliage in the fall! Yellow birch has a beautiful silvery-bronze, peeling bark that adds ornamental value. Good shade tree with a high wildlife value. Stats
Mature height: 60-75 feet Mature width: 60-75 feet Shape: Rounded Lifespan: 150-300 years Growth rate: Moderate Value
Provides nesting sites for many songbirds, including summer migrants. Food source for songbirds, game birds, and mammals. Accolade Elm
Credit: Six Mile Nursery
Overview
This hybrid elm is gaining popularity as a very hardy variety to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle. In addition to being a fast grower, its high ground clearance and adaptability makes it an ideal choice for areas that get significant food traffic. Stats
Mature height: 50-60 feet Mature width: 30-40 feet Shape: Vase-shaped Lifespan: 100-200 years Growth rate: Fast Value
Resistant to Duch elm disease. Birds enjoy seeds and inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators. |
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White Cedar
Credit: Brighter Blooms
Overview
Also known as the American arborvitae, the 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! Stats
Mature height: 40-60 feet Mature width: 10-15 feet Shape: Pyramidal, narrow Lifespan: 400-1,000 years Growth rate: Slow to moderate Value
Good accent tree or windbreak when planted in rows. Provides wildlife food and shelter. |
Douglas Fir
Credit: Maryland DNR
Overview
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! Stats
Mature height: 40-70 feet Mature width: 12-20 feet Shape: Pyramidal Lifespan: 500-1,000 years Growth rate: Moderate to fast Value
Grouse, songbirds, rabbits, and other small mammals eat seeds. Deer eat twigs and foliage. Excellent wildlife cover. Long living. |
Balsam Fir
Credit: State Tree
Overview
Native to the northern US and Canada, the balsam fir is a Christmas tree favorite thanks to its scent and pyramidal shape. Mature cones are 2-4 inches tall/ seeds are a staple wildlife food. Stats
Mature height: 45-75 feet Mature width: 20-25 feet Shape: Pyramidal, narrow Lifespan: 100-150 years Growth rate: Slow Value
Ornamental. Provides food and shelter for wildlife, including game birds, deer, squirrels, and moose. |