Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for Huron Meadows and Lake Erie Metroparks

Prepared by: Michael A. Kost, Joshua G. Cohen, Ryan P. O’Connor, and Helen D. Enander

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944

For: Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority 13000 High Ridge Drive Brighton, MI 48114

March 31, 2005

Report Number 2005-05 Cover photograph: Joshua Cohen, MNFI Ecologist, in a prairie fen with tamarack swamp in the background at Huron Meadows Metropark (Photo by Michael Kost). TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Landscape Context ...... 1 Vegetation circa 1800...... 2 Present Land Cover ...... 3 METHODS ...... 13 Natural Communities ...... 13 Rare Plant Inventories ...... 13 RESULTS ...... 16 Natural Community Inventories Results ...... 16 Rare Plant Inventory Results...... 16 SITE SUMMARIES AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 20 Huron Meadows Metropark ...... 20 Lake Erie Metropark ...... 25 DISCUSSION ...... 28 Rare Plants ...... 28 Fire as an Ecological Process ...... 30 Implications for Forest Management ...... 31 Oak Barrens Restoration ...... 31 Lakeplain Prairie Restoration...... 32 Invasive Species ...... 33 Deer Densities ...... 34 Setting Stewardship Priorities...... 34 High Priority Sites at Huron Meadows ...... 34 High Priority Sites at Lake Erie ...... 35 CONCLUSION ...... 36 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 37 LITERATURE CITED ...... 37

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Ecoregions of Lower Michigan...... 4 Figure 2. Surface Geology of Huron Meadows Metropark ...... 5 Figure 3. Surface Geology of Lake Erie Metropark ...... 6 Figure 4. Vegetation circa 1800 of Huron Meadows Metropark...... 7 Figure 5. Vegetation circa 1800 of Lake Erie Metropark...... 8 Figure 6. Huron Meadows Metropark 1995 Land Cover...... 9 Figure 7. Lake Erie Metropark 1995 Land Cover...... 10 Figure 8. Huron Meadows Metropark 1998 Aerial Photo...... 11 Figure 9. Lake Erie Metropark 1998 Aerial Photos...... 12

Metroparks Inventory Page- i LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Survey site names and associated site codes ...... 13 Table 2. Rare plants surveyed by associated natural communities ...... 14 Table 3. Natural Community Occurrences...... 17 Table 4. Rare Plant Occurrences...... 17 Table 5. Stewardship needs for high-quality natural communities ...... 18

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Photograph 1. American lotus bed in Lake Erie Marsh ...... 19 Photograph 2. Purple loosestrife invading wet meadow/prairie fen complex of Huron Meadows ...... 21 Photograph 3. Floodplain forest along the Huron River in Huron Meadows Metropark ...... 23 Photograph 4. Eastern prairie-fringed orchid in Lake Erie Metropark ...... 25 Photograph 5. Great Lakes marsh in Lake Erie Metropark...... 27 Photograph 6. American lotus flower from Great Lakes marsh in Lake Erie Metropark ...... 28 Photograph 7. Dwarf hackberry from Huron Meadows Metropark...... 29 Photograph 8. Wet meadow/prairie fen complex from Huron Meadows Metropark...... 35

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Plant species observed at Huron Meadows Metropark...... 41 Appendix 2. Plant species observed at Lake Erie Metropark ...... 52

Metroparks Inventory Page- ii INTRODUCTION

During the summer of 2004 Michigan Natural loams originally supported oak and oak-hickory Features Inventory (MNFI) surveyed for exemplary forests. White oak appeared to be the most common natural communities and rare plants in two Huron- species of the oak forest. Black oak was common on Clinton Metroparks, Huron Meadows and Lake Erie. the drier ridge tops and red oak was most common on In addition, surveys were conducted to evaluate lower slopes. Beech and sugar maple were restricted to management needs on lands considered to have good silt loams and clay loams. Windthrow was the potential for supporting high-quality natural prevailing disturbance within the forested moraines communities with active land management and with fire occasionally spreading into the Sub- restoration. This report summarizes the findings of subsection from adjacent outwash plains. Oak MNFI’s surveys and evaluations of Huron Meadows savannas, dominated by white and black oak, occurred and Lake Erie Metroparks. along the western edge of the Sub-subsection, where fires from Sub-subsection VI.1.3 were carried by Landscape Context westerly winds. Almost all of the ground moraines Regional landscape ecosystems of Michigan have have been farmed, whereas the steeper moraines been classified and mapped at three hierarchical levels remain forested with oak forests. Most of the land was (section, subsection, and sub-subsection) based on an cleared for agriculture by the mid-nineteenth century. integration of climate, physiography (topographic form The Jackson Interlobate Sub-subsection (VI.1.3) and geologic parent material), soil, and natural contains broad expanses of glacial outwash sands that vegetation (Albert 1995). The regional classification surround sandy and gravelly end moraines and ground provides a framework for understanding broad patterns moraines (Albert 1995). The soils on the moraines are of natural community and species occurrences and typically well drained or excessively well drained and natural disturbance regimes across the state, which is in the 1800s supported drought-tolerant, fire-dependent useful in integrated resource management and natural communities such as oak barrens, oak savanna, planning, as well as for biological conservation. The oak forest, and hillside prairie. The outwash soils vary classification is hierarchically structured with three from excessively well-drained sands, which once levels in a nested series, from broad landscape regions supported oak barrens, oak forests, woodland prairies, called sections, down to smaller subsections and sub- and dry sand prairies, to poorly-drained organic subsections. deposits that supported a variety of open and forested All of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks occur within wetland types. the Washtenaw Subsection (VI.1) of southern Lower Huron Meadows Metropark occurs along the Michigan (Figure 1) (Albert 1995). The Washtenaw Huron River in southeastern Livingston County and as Subsection contains three sub-subsections that differ noted, is located within both the Ann Arbor Moraines from each other in their soils, glacial landforms, and the Jackson Interlobate. The southeastern portion climate, and vegetation. Huron Meadows Metropark of the park contains fine-textured glacial till (ground occurs within the Ann Arbor Moraines Sub-subsection moraine) of rolling topography and falls within the (VI.1.2) and the Jackson Interlobate Sub-subsection Ann Arbor Moraines (Farrand and Bell 1982) (Figure (VI.1.3). Lake Erie Metropark occurs on the Maumee 2). The remainder of the park falls within an outwash Lake Plain Sub-subsection (VI.1.1) (Albert 1995). The plain of the Jackson Interlobate. The outwash contains local landforms within the metroparks reflect those coarse-textured, well-drained sands in the flat to typical of their regional landscape ecosystems and moderately sloping uplands and poorly-drained areas respective sub-subsections. with organic deposits. The Huron River flows through a narrow, steep-sided glacial outwash channel (too Huron Meadows Metropark small to be mapped by Farrand and Bell) that dissects The Ann Arbor Moraines Sub-subsection (VI.1.2) fine-textured till plain in the central portion of the is a long, narrow band of fine- and medium-textured park. Floodwaters from the Huron River and end moraine and ground moraine bordered by flat lake groundwater seepage from the adjacent moraine plain on the east and sandy outwash, end moraine, and support a diverse wetland complex along the narrow ice-contact features to the west. The Sub-subsection is floodplain of the Huron River. Three lakes occur characterized by rolling topography and loam- and within the park; Maltby Lake in the northern portion of sandy loam-textured soils. Fine-textured soils, the park and two small unnamed lakes just north of the primarily silt loams and clay loams, are more common Huron River. Ore Lake occurs just west of the on the eastern edge. In the 1800s, the loams and sandy metropark and drains into the Huron River.

Metroparks Inventory Page-1 Lake Erie Metropark A large block of wet prairie was noted by the surveyors Lake Erie Metropark occurs at the confluence of along the Huron River in the western portion of the the Detroit River and Lake Erie within the Maumee park. Because the original land surveyors did not Lake Plain Sub-subsection (Figure 1). This Sub- differentiate among the many different types of open, subsection is comprised of a flat, clay lake plain, grass- and sedge-dominated wetlands, this area dissected by broad glacial drainage ways of sandy soil designated as wet prairie on the circa 1800 vegetation (Albert 1995). Beach ridges and small sand dunes are map was likely to have also supported other types of common feature within the glacial drainage ways of open, fire-dependent wetlands such as wet-mesic the Maumee Lake Plain. Clay soils of the lake plain prairie, prairie fen, and wet meadow. These wetland are generally wet with low permeability and poor types once occupied over 856 acres (270 ha) along the drainage. In the past, these poorly-drained soils Huron River. A large (137 acres or 56 ha) mixed supported broad expanses of lowland hardwood forest. conifer swamp also occurred on the outwash plain east In contrast, the soils on the upland beach ridges and of Ore Lake and north of the Huron River. Tamarack dunes of the sandy glacial drainage ways are (Larix laricina) and northern white-cedar (Thuja excessively drained and once supported extensive bur canadensis) dominated this swamp complex. Recorded oak and white oak savannas. The sandy glacial dbh for tamarack trees ranged between 15 to 25 cm (6 drainage ways also supported vast wet prairies and and 10 inches) with a mean dbh of 23 cm (9 inches). A marshes, which commonly occurred in depressions on small pocket of lowland hardwood forest occurred poorly- to very, poorly-drained soils (Comer et al. within the floodplain of the Huron River in the 1993). Lake Erie Metropark occurs entirely on a broad, easternmost portion of the park. flat expanse of lacustrine clay and silt (Figure 3). The digital map of vegetation circa 1800 for Lake Erie Metropark depicts the park as supporting beech- Vegetation circa 1800 sugar maple forest, wet prairie, and marsh (Figure 5). By interpreting the notes of the Michigan General On the lake plain, the mesic forests typically contained Land Office surveyors (recorded from 1818-1856), a diverse mix of tree species and in some places, like MNFI ecologists were able to piece together a Lake Erie Metropark, were dominated by species other relatively accurate picture of the state’s vegetation in than American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and sugar the early 1800s (Comer et al. 1995). A digital map of maple (Acer saccharum). A close look at the original vegetation encountered by the land surveyors during notes of General Land Office surveyors reveals that the this period reveals that Huron Meadows Metropark forests in the area now occupied by Lake Erie was almost entirely occupied by fire-dependent Metropark were predominately forested with white community types such as oak barrens, oak-hickory oak, black oak, hickories, and basswood. Additional forest, and wet prairie (Figure 4). Large blocks of oak canopy associates recorded by the surveyors included barrens occurred on outwash plain in the northeastern black ash (Fraxinus nigra), red maple (Acer rubrum), portion of the park and in the southern part of the park, and American elm (Ulmus americana). Trees noted by south of the Huron River. The mean diameter at breast the surveyors included basswood, American elm, red height (dbh) of trees recorded by the surveyors within maple, black oak, and white oak. The presence of the oak barrens was 43 cm (17 inches) with a wide black oak and white oak, which are highly dependent range of diameters observed (13 to 91 cm, or 5 to 36 on open conditions in their early development, inches). These barrens, dominated by widely-spaced indicates that in the past, some areas of the metropark white oak (Quercus alba) and black oak (Quercus likely supported fire-dependent, lakeplain prairie and velutina), likely contained pockets of dry sand prairie lakeplain oak openings (an oak savanna ecosystem in areas with high fire frequency. Morainal features unique to lake plains of the Great Lakes) (see natural and portions of glacial outwash supported oak-hickory community abstracts, Albert and Kost 1998a and forest, which occurred in uplands that tended to burn 1998b, and Cohen 2001a). In the southern portion of less frequently. The Huron River, Ore Lake, Maltby the metropark, wet prairie occurred along Campau Lake, and the associated wetlands functioned as fire Road, Point Mouilee Road, and in portions of the golf breaks and these oak-hickory stands occurred adjacent course. Marsh occupied the low areas along the to these features. In addition to white oak and black shoreline and surrounded Cherry Island. oak, red oak (Quercus rubra), hickories (Carya spp.), The surveyors noted several other significant and basswood (Tilia americana) were important findings within and nearby what is now Lake Erie canopy trees in these dry-mesic southern forests. Metropark. For example, the surveyors recorded the Average dbh for the oak-hickory forests was 43 cm (17 location of a corn field south of Cherry Island Road inches) with a range from 23 to 61 cm (9 to 24 inches). and east of River Road. Another farm field was noted

Metroparks Inventory Page-2 just north of the metropark between present day River lowland conifer forest dominated by tamarack and Road and South Gibraltar Road, near Gibraltar cedar. This block of swamp forest has been converted Cemetery. Lastly, a “sulfur spring” was noted in the to deciduous hardwood swamp. Cedar and tamarack northern portion of the metropark near the were likely harvested for use in building and as fence northwestern corner of section 12. posts. Later, tamarack was also harvested for use as wheel spokes by the early automotive industry. The Present Land Cover conversion of tamarack-dominated wetlands to other The 1995 Land Cover maps (Figures 6 and 7) were wetland types has also been facilitated by periodic produced by overlaying circa 1980 National Wetlands outbreaks of the larch sawfly and fire suppression Inventory data over the Southeast Michigan Council of (Kost 2001a). Governments (SEMCOG) 1995 land cover data set. At a larger scale, the areas adjacent to Huron The accuracy of land cover types within each Meadows have been transformed to a semi-urbanized metropark was further enhanced through photo landscape, with the metropark and adjacent Brighton interpretation and ground truthing. State Recreation Area providing some of the only Comparisons between circa 1800 vegetation and remaining natural habitats. present land cover reveal drastic changes across the Today, Lake Erie Metropark supports mowed landscape (Figures 4 - 9). The most drastic change for lawn, agricultural fields, a golf course, Great Lakes Huron Meadows is the loss of oak barrens, the most marsh, and several very small patches of forest that prevalent cover type circa 1800. Nearly all of the oak harbor a diverse assemblage of tree species. The barrens at Huron Meadows (and in the remainder of remaining small patches of forest were once part of an the Midwest) have been converted to old field (e.g., expansive mesic southern forest that occurred abandoned agricultural fields), recreation areas (golf throughout southeast Michigan and stretched into the course, picnic areas, etc.), or have succeeded to closed- Thumb region and further north and west (Comer et al. canopy oak forest in the absence of natural, periodic 1995). For detailed information on mesic southern fires (Cohen 2001b). The conversion of oak barrens forest please see the natural community abstract by and oak savanna to closed-canopy oak forest was Cohen (2004). The small forest fragments at Lake Erie rapid, typically taking place within 30 years following Metropark have hard edges and are bordered by the onset of fire suppression (Curtis 1959). The mature mowed lawn, old field, and marsh. oak-hickory forest that now remains is highly Metroparks serve an increasingly important role in fragmented, with many small, isolated blocks of forest the conservation of the biodiversity for southeast surrounded by old fields, residential areas, and Michigan. The areas surrounding both Huron degraded forest. Exotic species have invaded all Meadows and Lake Erie Metroparks are rapidly structural levels of the upland systems with the most converting to an urbanized landscape. As development severe incursions in the understory and in degraded proceeds, the metroparks, along with other public oak barrens. Fire suppression of the fire-dependent lands will likely harbor some of the only remaining wetland systems has resulted in a severe reduction of examples of native ecosystems in southeast Michigan. open wetlands along the Huron River with extensive Protecting and stewarding the remaining natural shrub encroachment by the pervasive, exotic glossy habitats within the metroparks is an extremely buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula). The large block of important component of any long-term strategy for swamp forest east of Ore Lake and north of the Huron biodiversity conservation in southeast Michigan. River was described by the original land surveyors as

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Natural Communities within the region. Table 2 lists the rare species by Natural community surveys were conducted in associated natural community that were focused on conjunction with rare plant surveys. Prior to surveys, during the surveys. Rare plant inventories were aerial photos were interpreted to determine the types of performed by meander survey of appropriate habitat natural communities likely to be present within each of during periods when the plants are most recognizable the metroparks. Field surveys concentrated on (usually flowering or fruiting periods). When a rare identifying high-quality natural areas and recording plant was encountered, an MNFI special plant form management concerns, such as evidence of fire was filled out, selected photos were taken, and when suppression, excessive deer herbivory, hydrologic necessary a voucher specimen was collected for later manipulation, farming, logging, and invasive species. determination. Species lists were compiled for high-quality sites and sites deemed to have potential to significantly improve with restoration. Site names and site codes used in the Table 1. Survey site names and associated site codes accompanying metropark maps (Figures 6 - 9) are for accompanying maps (Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9). listed in Table 1. Partial species lists were recorded for most of the areas visited and are included as Site Name Site Code appendices for each metropark (Appendices 1 and 2). Huron Meadow Metropark Site summaries were written for all high-quality Ricket Road Wet Meadow/Prairie Fen Complex A natural communities and sites thought to have good Winans Tamarack Swamp B potential for significant improvement with restoration Ore Lake Swamp C and management. Species lists for this report were Huron River Floodplain Forest D tabulated with the Florist Quality Assessment Program Huron Meadows Oak-Hickory Forest E and species nomenclature follows Herman et al. Maltby Lake Fen F (2001). Huron Oak Barrens G

Rare Plant Inventories Lake Erie Metropark Rare plant species were targeted for survey based on Erie Prairie H the natural communities determined to be present in Erie Golf Course Wetlands I the park through aerial photo review and known Erie Marsh J historical and current rare plant distribution patterns Erie Woods K

Metroparks Inventory Page-13 Table 2. Rare plants surveyed by associated natural communities. State status abbreviations are as follows: E, endangered; T, threatened; SC, special concern.

State Community Scientific Name Common Name Status

Mesic Southern Forest Castanea dentata American chestnut E Aristolochia serpentaria Virginia snakeroot T Carex oligocarpa Eastern few-fruited sedge T Carex platyphylla broad-leaved sedgeT Dentaria maxima large toothwort T Galearis spectabilis showy orchis T Gentianella quinquefolia stiff gentian T Hybanthus concolor green violet T Hydrastis canadensis goldenseal T Panax quinquefolius ginseng T Polymnia uvedalia large-flowered leaf-cup T Spiranthes ovalis lesser ladies'-tresses T Tipularia discolor cranefly orchid T Trillium recurvatum prairie trillium T Triphora trianthophora three-birds orchid T Adlumia fungosa climbing fumitory SC Jeffersonia diphylla twinleaf SC Liparis liliifolia purple twayblade SC

Southern Floodplain Forest Chelone oblique red turtlehead E Arabis perstellata rock-cress T Camassia scilloides wild hyacinth T Carex conjuncta sedgeT Carex davisii Davis’s sedgeT Carex lupuliformis false hop sedgeT Carex typhina cat-tail sedgeT Corydalis flavula yellow fumewort T Diarrhena americana beak grass T Fraxinus profunda pumpkin ash T Justicia americana water-willow T Lycopus virginicus Virginia water-horehound T Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells T Morus rubra red mulberry T Polemonium reptans Jacob's ladder T Silphium perfoliatum cup-plant T Trillium recurvatum prairie trillium T Valerianella chenopodifolia goosefoot corn-salad T Wisteria frutescens wisteria T Carex squarrosa squarrose sedgeSC Euonymus atropurpurea wahoo SC Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky coffee tree SC Hybanthus concolor green violet SC Lithospermum latifolium broad-leaved puccoon SC Viburnum prunifolium black haw SC

Metroparks Inventory Page-14 Table 2. Rare plants surveyed by associated natural communities (continued).

State Community Scientific Name Common Name Status

Southern Swamp Isotria medeoloides smaller whorled pogonia E, LT Plantago cordata heart-leaved plantain E Populus heterophylla swamp cottonwood E Dryopteris celsa log fern T Eupatorium fistulosum hollow-stemmed joe-pye-weed T Isotria verticillata whorled pogonia T Poa paludigena bog bluegrass T Cuscuta glomerata rope dodder SC Lysimachia hybrida swamp candles SC

Lakeplain Wet-Mesic Prairie Gentiana flavida white gentian E Rhyncospora globularis globe beak-rush E Scelaria pauciflora few-flowered nut-rush E Aristida longespica three-awned grass T Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant’s milkweed T Bartonia paniculata panicled screw-stem T Platanthera leucophaea eastern prairie-fringed orchid E, LT Silphium laciniatum compass plant T Sisyinchium atlanticum Atlantic blue-eyed grass T Carex frankii Frank’s sedgeSC Hypericum gentianoides gentian-leaved St. John’s-wort SC Ludwigia alternifolia seedbox SC Scelaria triglomerata tall nut-rush SC

Prairie Fen Berula erecta cut-leaved water-parsnip T Cypripedium candidum small white lady’s-slipper T Muhlenbergia richardsonis mat muhly T Phlox maculata spotted phlox T Polemonium reptans Jacob’s ladder T Sangiusorba canadensis Canadian burnet T Valeriana edulis var. ciliata edible valerian T Sporobolus heterolepis prairie dropseed SC

Dry sand prairie Panicum leibergii Leiberg's panic-grass T Ruellia humilis hairy ruellia T Solidago missouriensis Missouri goldenrod T Trichostema brachiatum false pennyroyal T Trichostema dichotomum bastard pennyroyal T Penstemon pallidus pale beard-tongue SC Tradescantia virginiana Virginia spiderwort SC Triplasis purpurea sand grass SC

Metroparks Inventory Page-15 Table 2. Rare plants surveyed by associated natural communities (continued).

State Community Scientific Name Common Name Status

Dry-Mesic Southern Forest Eupatorium sessilifolium upland boneset T Angelica venenosa hairy angelica SC Celtis tenuifolia dwarf hackberry SC Quercus shumardii Shumard's oak SC

Great Lakes Marsh Nelumbo lutea American lotus T Sagittaria montevidensis broad-leaved arrowhead T Zizania aquatica var. aquatica wild rice T Hibiscus laevis smooth rose-mallow SC Hibiscus moscheutos swamp rose-mallow SC Strophostyles helvula trailing wild-bean SC

RESULTS

The surveys identified five new element Rare Plant Inventory Results occurrences (EOs). (All state and federally listed rare Rare plant surveys resulted in three new rare plant species and high-quality natural communities are occurrences at Lake Erie including goldenseal referred to as elements and their occurrence at a (Hydrastis canadensis), American lotus (Nelumbo specific location is referred to as an element lutea), and Frank’s sedge (Carex frankii). A new rare occurrence or EO.) Natural community surveys plant occurrence for purple twayblade orchid (Liparis identified one new high-quality community occurrence liliifolia) was also discovered at Huron Meadows (Table 3). Surveys for rare plants resulted in four new (Table 4). At Lake Erie, previously known records of element occurrences and three existing plant records eastern prairie-fringed orchid (Platanthera were reconfirmed (Table 4). It is possible that leucophaea) and swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus additional rare species may be found in the future, moscheutos) were reconfirmed and found in previously especially with active restoration and management. All undocumented areas of the park. At Huron Meadows, new natural community and rare plant occurrences a previously reported colony of dwarf hackberry have been entered into the statewide database managed (Celtis tenuifolia) was reconfirmed and also found in by MNFI and all previously existing records have been new areas of the park. A record of broad-leaved updated. arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis) from Lake Erie was sought but could not be relocated. Natural Community Inventories Results At Lake Erie, rare plants were found primarily in Natural community surveys resulted in the marshes and adjacent open wetlands. American lotus identification of a prairie fen at Huron Meadows was found in deeper water of emergent marshes, and (Figures 6 and 8: A) and a previously documented swamp rose mallow was commonly located at the element occurrence of Great Lakes marsh was revisited border between tall emergent marsh vegetation and in Lake Erie Metropark (Photograph 1 and Figures 7 adjacent uplands. Wet meadows throughout the park and 9: J). In addition to these exemplary natural supported colonies of Frank’s sedge. Eastern prairie- communities, both metroparks contain areas that have fringed orchid was also found in wet meadow habitat great potential of becoming high-quality natural as well as old fields with moist soils. One plant, communities with ecological restoration. The high- goldenseal, was found on the edge of a seasonally wet, quality natural communities and sites with good dry-mesic forest. potential for restoration are listed in Table 5 along with At Huron Meadows, rare plants were found in dry their associated stewardship needs. Detailed site upland habitat. Dwarf hackberry was located in dry- descriptions and management recommendations for mesic forests and oak barrens remnants, and a small each area are included in the Site Summaries and colony of purple twayblade was discovered in a pine Management Recommendations section (Page 20). plantation that was likely a former oak barrens. Metroparks Inventory Page-16 Table 3. Natural Community Occurrences.

Year First Year Last Community Site Name (used for report) Observed Observed Metropark prairie fen Ricket Road Wet Meadow/Prairie 2004 2004 Huron Meadows Fen Complex Great Lakes marsh Erie Marsh 1988 2004 Lake Erie Metropark

Table 4. Rare Plant Occurrences. Status abbreviations are as follows: E, state endangered; LT, federally threatened; T, state threatened; SC, state special concern.

Year First Year Last Species Site Name (used for this report) Status Observed Observed EO# Metropark Carex frankii Erie Golf Course Wetlands SC 2004 2004 14 Lake Erie Frank’s sedge Celtis tenuifolia Huron Meadows Oak-Hickory SC 1973 2004 4 Huron Meadows Dwarf hackberry Forest and Huron Oak Barrens Hibiscus moscheutos Erie Marsh SC 2003 2004 30 Lake Erie Swamp rose mallow Hydrastis canadensis Erie Woods T 2004 2004 77 Lake Erie Goldenseal Liparis liliifolia Huron Oak Barrens SC 2004 2004 18 Huron Meadows Purple twayblade orchid Nelumbo lutea Erie Marsh T 2004 2004 21 Lake Erie American lotus Platanthera leucophaea Erie Golf Course Wetlands E, LT 1993 2004 2 Lake Erie Eastern prairie-fringed orchid Sagittaria montevidensis Erie Marsh T 1988 1988 12 Lake Erie Broad-leaved arrowhead

Metroparks Inventory Page-17 Table 5. Stewardship needs for high-quality natural communities and sites with good potential for improvement through restoration and management.

Metropark Site Name Community Type Management Recommendations

Huron Meadows Metropark Ricket Road Wet southern wet meadow, prairie fen, - remove invasive species Meadow/Prairie Fen and southern shrub-carr - reduce shrub and tree cover Complex - implement prescribed fire program - reduce deer densities

Winans Tamarack Swamp relict conifer swamp - remove invasive species - remove red maple trees and saplings - reduce deer densities - implement prescribed fire in surrounding uplands to reduce seed source for encroaching red maple and invasive shrubs

Ore Lake Swamp southern swamp - remove invasive species - reduce deer densities - reduce impacts of forest fragmentation by directing succession of adjacent open fields towards forest or oak barrens - monitor for emerald ash borer

Huron River Floodplain southern floodplain forest - remove invasive species Forest - reduce deer densities - reduce impacts of forest fragmentation by directing succession of adjacent open fields towards forest or oak barrens - monitor for emerald ash borer

Huron Meadows Oak- dry-mesic southern forest and - remove invasive species Hickory Forest mesic southern forest - reduce deer densities - implement prescribed fire program to promote oak regeneration - reduce impacts of forest fragmentation by directing succession of adjacent open fields towards forest or oak barrens

Maltby Lake Fen prairie fen - remove invasive species - reduce shrub and tree cover - implement prescribed fire program - reduce deer densities

Huron Oak Barrens degraded oak barrens and dry - remove invasive species southern forest - implement prescribed fire program - reduce shrub and tree cover - reduce deer densities - encourage large, scattered oaks

Metroparks Inventory Page-18 Table 5. Stewardship needs (continued).

Metropark Site Name Community Type Management Recommendations Lake Erie Metropark Erie Prairie lakeplain wet-mesic prairie or - remove invasive species lakeplain oak openings - implement prescribed fire program - reduce shrub and tree cover - reduce deer densities - encourage large, scattered oaks

Erie Golf Course Wetlands wet meadow areas in golf course - avoid mowing wet meadows from June through September - reduce shrub encroachment in wet meadows - avoid overspray of broad spectrum herbicide in wet meadows

Erie Marsh Great Lakes marsh - remove invasive species

Erie Woods mesic southern forest - remove invasive species - reduce deer densities - reduce impacts of forest fragmentation by directing succession of adjacent open fields towards forest or lakeplain oak openings - monitor for emerald ash borer

Photograph 1. A primary stewardship need for the Lake Erie Marsh is to limit invasive species encroachment, especially where there are concentrations of rare plants such as this extensive bed of American lotus (Photo by Ryan O’Connor). Metroparks Inventory Page-19 SITE SUMMARIES AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS HURON MEADOWS METROPARK

Rickett Road Wet Meadow/Prairie Fen Complex other natural communities types including bog valerian (Site Code: A) (Valeriana uliginosa), hoary willow, slender wheat A large wetland complex occurs on the southern grass (Agropyron trachycaulum), bog birch (Betula side of the Huron River, just west of Rickett Road pumila), grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia glauca), (Photograph 2 and Figures 6 and 8: A). The complex is Riddell’s goldenrod (Solidago riddellii), and bog composed of several different types of natural goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa). Prevalent graminoids communities including southern wet meadow, prairie include twig rush (Cladium mariscoides), beak-rush fen, emergent marsh, and southern shrub-carr. Over (Rynchospora capillacea), fringed brome (Bromus 100 plant species were identified within this diverse ciliatus), marsh wild-timothy (Muhlenbergia wetland (Appendix 1). The wetland occurs within a glomerata), smallhead rush (Juncus brachycephalus), depression on a broad glacial outwash plain and and path rush (Juncus tenuis). Common wetland forbs borders a fine-textured moraine. Hydrology of the include tall flat-top white aster (Aster umbellatus), bog wetland is maintained by a steady flow of calcareous lobelia (Lobelia kalmia), common boneset groundwater seepage and by over-the-bank flooding (Eupatorium perfoliatum), sneezeweed (Helenium from the Huron River. Southern wet meadow is the autumnale), marsh pea (Lathyrus palustris), swamp- dominant community type within most of the complex, betony (Pedicularis lanceolata), common mountain especially along the Huron River and in the eastern mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), and black-eyed portion of the open wetland complex. Areas of open, susan (Rudbeckia hirta). very diverse prairie fen occur in several places but As noted, southern wet meadow is the most have been significantly reduced in size as a result of prevalent community type within the wetland complex tree and shrub invasion. Emergent marsh is limited to with large blocks occurring along the south side of the the areas adjacent to the river that experience the Huron River and in the eastern portion of the wetland greatest flooding frequency. Vegetation of the emergent complex, just west of Rickett Road. The tussock marsh is characterized by broad-leaved cattail (Typha forming sedge, Carex stricta, dominates most of the latifolia), sweet-flag (Acorus calamus), common bur- meadows and Carex lacustris, a wide-leaf sedge, is reed (Sparganium eurycarpum), and softstem bulrush also a dominant in some places. Other abundant (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), with some areas species occurring in the wet meadow include blue-joint dominated by the invasives reed canary grass (Phalaris grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), joe-pye-weed arundinacea) and giant reed (Phragmites australis). (Eupatorium maculatum), sensitive fern (Onoclea Open wetlands throughout this complex are sensibilis), swamp aster (Aster puniceus), marsh fern subject to shrub encroachment due to prolonged fire (Thelypteris palustris), cut grass (Leersia oryzoides), suppression. Southern shrub-carr is most prevalent in swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), marsh pea, the western portions of this wetland complex and in northern bugle weed (Lycopus uniflorus), common areas where the floodplain is narrowest. Prevalent mountain mint, common skullcap (Scutellaria shrubs include silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), gray galericulata), late goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), dogwood (Cornus foemina), red-osier dogwood swamp goldenrod (Solidago patula), purple meadow- (Cornus stolonifera), Michigan holly (Ilex rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum), swamp thistle (Cirsium verticillata), Bebb’s willow (Salix bebbiana), hoary muticum), nodding bur-marigold (Bidens cernuus), willow (Salix candida), meadowsweet (Spiraea alba), arrow-leaved tear-thumb (Polygonum sagittatum), and and nannyberry (Viburnum lentago). However, many gray dogwood. Shrub and tree encroachment is areas of shrub-carr are completely dominated by glossy significant in some portions of the community and if buckthorn, which forms impenetrable thickets left unchecked, woody species are likely to dominate especially in the narrow portions of the floodplain. these areas in the future. Common shrub and tree The prairie fen has been entered into the MNFI species include gray dogwood, silky dogwood, red- database as a natural community occurrence. The osier dogwood, hoary willow, red ash (Fraxinus community is dominated by sedges (Carex lasiocarpa pennsylvanica), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), and Carex stricta), big bluestem (Andropogon quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), eastern red- gerardii), shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and American elm. poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), and tamarack. Several areas are completely dominated by the exotic The prairie fen contains many species that occur in few species reed canary grass. In these areas little other Metroparks Inventory Page-20 vegetation can compete with the dominant mat of reed Winans Tamarack Swamp (Site Code: B) canary grass. A small tamarack swamp or relict conifer swamp Overall management of the wetland complex occurs south of the Huron River (Figures 6 and 8: B). should include a significant reduction in shrub and tree The tamarack swamp is fringed by an extensive prairie cover, control of invasive species, and prescribed fire. fen and wet meadow complex to the north and east, Shrub and tree encroachment into the open sedge and dry-mesic southern forest on the morainal slopes meadow can be controlled by cutting shrubs and trees (of the floodplain terrace) to the south. Soils within the and applying herbicide directly to the cut stumps. swamp are marly and moderately alkaline pH (8.0). Reducing shrub and tree cover will help maintain the The hydrology of the wetland is maintained by open conditions required by most of the community’s calcareous groundwater seepage from the adjacent plant and animal species. Several invasive species moraine. The overstory is dominated by tamarack, were observed within the wetland including glossy which ranges in dbh from 7 to 30 cm (3 to 12 inches), buckthorn, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) with scattered canopy red maple and American elm. (Photograph 2), reed canary grass, and giant reed. Common shrub species include poison sumac, bog Glossy buckthorn should be cut and its stumps treated birch, spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Michigan holly, with herbicide to prevent further spread (Reinartz Bebb’s willow, shrubby cinquefoil, silky dogwood, 1997). Similarly, purple loosestrife can be controlled red-osier dogwood, and nannyberry. The ground layer by cutting flowering stems and applying herbicide to is diverse with some portions of the swamp supporting the cut stems. The patches of reed canary grass should a dense bog mat with sphagnum moss. Common be monitored annually and controlled if they appear to ground layer species include sedges (Carex stricta, C. be spreading. Control of reed canary grass can be buxbaumii, and C. lacustris), bog goldenrod, Riddell’s accomplished by applying an herbicide when the goldenrod, dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens), twig species is in flower. Prescribed fire can help maintain rush, marsh wild-timothy, marsh marigold (Caltha open conditions and species diversity and should be palustris), marsh bellflower (Campanula aparinoides), regularly used as a management tool in this wetland joe-pye-weed, common boneset, northern bugleweed, complex, especially in the pockets of prairie fen. four-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia), wild Historically fires likely spread from the large area of mint (Mentha arvensis), grass-of-parnassus, common oak barrens to the south into the open wetlands along mountain mint, pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea), the Huron River. The Huron River to the north common skullcap, sensitive fern, marsh fern, and provides an excellent fire break for conducting spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis) (Appendix prescribed fires. For detailed information on prairie fen 1). and southern wet meadow, refer to the Michigan The only invasive species observed of significance Natural Features Inventory abstracts for these was glossy buckthorn. This species should be removed communities (Spieles et al. 1999, Kost 2001b). using herbicide and the area closely monitored to detect further recruitment. As hardwoods, especially red maple, become established within the swamp they will eventually create a closed canopy and cause significant reductions in the amount of light that reaches the understory and ground layer. Light- demanding species such as tamarack and many of the shrub and ground layer species will eventually be eliminated unless measures are taken to reduce dominance of hardwoods such as red maple. Important basking sites for reptile species are also eliminated when relict conifer swamps are invaded by red maple. In order to maintain biodiversity within the tamarack swamp, red maple should be cut and herbicide applied to the stumps to prevent resprouting. Red maple trees Photograph 2. Purple loosestrife is and saplings can also be girdled. For detailed beginning to invade portions of the extensive information on relict conifer swamp or tamarack wet meadow/prairie fen complex. (Photo by swamp, refer to Michigan Natural Features Inventory Joshua Cohen). abstract for this community (Kost 2001a).

Metroparks Inventory Page-21 Ore Lake Swamp (Site Code: C) maculata), spotted touch-me-not, and clearweed (Pilea The Ore Lake Swamp is a forested wetland pumila). Two exotic species were found to be common dominated by deciduous trees species. This southern in the ground layer, ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) swamp occurs north of the Huron River in the outwash and bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plain east of Ore Lake and extends east to the shores of (Appendix 1). the small lake east of the canoe launch (Figures 6 and Management for the swamp forest should focus on 8: C). The road to the canoe launch divides the swamp invasive species control with removal of glossy into two blocks and has likely altered the hydrology of buckthorn, barberry, privet, and multiflora rose as the this system as manifest by the increased tree mortality main priority. These shrubs should be cut and their due to flooding near the road. The swamp occurs north stumps treated with herbicide to prevent resprouting of floodplain forest along the Huron River and is (Reinartz 1997). intermixed with dry-mesic southern forest and small areas of mesic southern forest. Soils of the swamp are mucky, saturated organics. Interpretation of original land surveyor notes and the presence of scattered conifer stumps and sphagnum-covered, decaying conifer logs indicate that this swamp has converted from a conifer-dominated system to a hardwood swamp. Current canopy dominants include red maple, silver maple, swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), and red ash. Additional canopy components include American elm, black ash, yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and basswood. Red maple, yellow birch, and tulip poplar (Lireodendron tulipifera) were most common in the ecotone between the hardwood swamp and the adjacent dry-mesic southern forest and Photograph 3. The floodplain forest along the on slight rises within the swamp. Diameters of canopy Huron River is characterized by numerous trees typically range from 23 to 48 cm (10 to 20 windthrows and frequent flooding (Photo by inches). In the mature portion of the swamp, the Joshua Cohen). understory layer is scattered with spice bush, blue- beech (Carpinus caroliniana), Michigan holly, buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and smooth Huron River Floodplain Forest (Site Code: D) highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) as Mature floodplain forest occurs along portions of characteristic shrub species. Closer to the Huron River the Huron River, especially in areas east of the canoe and to the lakes, the swamp forest is younger with launch on the north side of the river (Photograph 3 and smaller diameter canopy trees and a heavy shrub Figures 6 and 8: D). West of the canoe launch, on both component in the understory. In some areas, glossy sides of the river, the floodplain forest is much younger buckthorn completely dominates and forms dense with a heavy component of the invasive shrub, glossy thickets. Additional exotic shrubs include Japanese buckthorn. On the south side of the river, east of the barberry (Berberis thunbergii), common privet canoe launch where the floodplain is wide, the (Ligustrum vulgare), and multiflora rose (Rosa wetlands are open with wet meadow dominating. In multiflora). Common ground cover species include areas where the floodplain is narrow the slope to the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), riverbank grape upland terrace is steep and dominated by dry-mesic (Vitis riparia), fowl manna grass (Glyceria striata), southern forest, which is degraded on the north side of white grass (Leersia virginica), false nettle the river and high quality on the south side. (Boehmeria cylindrica), enchanter’s-nightshade The mature floodplain forest is dominated by medium- (Circaea lutetiana), wood nettle (Laportea sized silver maple, with additional red ash, cottonwood canadensis), common water horehound (Lycopus (Populus deltoides), basswood, American elm, and americanus), northern bugle weed, fringed loosestrife swamp white oak as important canopy components. (Lysimachia ciliata), golden ragwort (Senecio aureus), Swamp white oak, American elm, and black ash are water-parsnip (Sium suave), skunk cabbage most prevalent in areas of backswamp at the base of (Symplocarpus foetidus), nettle (Urtica dioica), ostrich the terrace slope. Diameters of canopy trees range fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), royal fern (Osmunda from 20 to 89 cm (8 to 36 inches). The closed canopy regalis), marsh fern, water hemlock (Cicuta forest contains many multi-stemmed silver maple,

Metroparks Inventory Page-22 numerous canopy gaps from windthrow, and high Huron Meadows Oak-Hickory Forest (Site Code: E) levels of coarse woody debris (Photograph 3). Four distinct, relatively high-quality stands of dry- Flooding was observed throughout the growing season mesic southern forest occur within the metropark with up to a foot of standing water in the spring and (Figures 6 and 8: E). The largest block occurs along between three and four feet of standing water in some the hiking path west of the road to the canoe launch, areas in August. Areas susceptible to heavy flooding extending across to the east side of the road. This tended to have a significant amount of canopy die-back forest occurs on moderate slopes of ground moraine, with numerous standing snags. These areas were also intermixed with hardwood swamp, and contains characterized by an open canopy and dominance in the pockets of mesic southern forest and seasonally wet ground layer by the invasive exotic reed canary grass. depressions. South of the Huron River along the In areas prone to less flooding, important ground cover terrace slopes and on upland islands within the species include Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus floodplain is another noteworthy block of dry-mesic quinquefolia), poison ivy, riverbank grape, side- southern forest. This forest is bordered by degraded flowering aster (Aster lateriflorus), false nettle, wood floodplain forest to the north and degraded oak nettle, arrow-arum (Peltandra virginica), common barrens/old field to the south. Further south, in the arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), and lizard’s-tail closed-canopy forest north of Winans Lake Road is an (Saururus cernuus). Mature portions of the floodplain area with extreme rolling topography. In the center of contain a sparse understory with spice bush and blue- this forested block is mature dry-mesic southern forest. beech and scattered pockets of buttonbush. As noted However, the edges are characterized by degraded earlier, areas of younger floodplain forest contain a forest with high levels of exotic species in the heavy understory component dominated by glossy understory and ground cover. The final stand of buckthorn. Additional invasive exotics that pose a relatively high-quality dry-mesic southern forest occurs threat to the native vegetation of the floodplain include on the southern slopes of Maltby Lake just north of Japanese barberry and autumn-olive (Elaeagnus Hammel Road. umbellata) (Appendix 1). The dry-mesic southern forests can be Stewardship priorities for this site should focus on characterized as oak-hickory forest. Soils are sandy removal of invasive shrubs scattered occasionally loams with very slightly acid to neutral pH. Numerous throughout the mature floodplain. Target shrubs for snags and coarse woody debris are found throughout. removal include glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry, Large-diameter trees dominate the canopy with dbh and autumn-olive. The shrubs can be cut and their typically ranging from 28 to 74 cm (12 to 30 inches). stumps herbicided to prevent their further spread. Using tree rings from a cut oak stump of comparable Efforts to control the domination of reed canary grass diameter, the age of the canopy cohort of these stands should also be implemented. Control of reed canary is estimated to be over 150 years. Canopy dominance grass can be accomplished by applying an herbicide is shared by white oak, red oak, black oak, shagbark when the species is in flower. Notably absent at this hickory (Carya ovata), and pignut hickory (Carya site was garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Dame’s glabra). Additional canopy associates include rocket (Hesperis matronalis), two highly invasive basswood, big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata), herbaceous species that often invade floodplain white ash (Fraxinus americana), tulip poplar, habitats. Vigilant monitoring and quick eradication of American beech, and sugar maple. American beech any adventive colonies of these species is critical to the and sugar maple occur in small pockets of mesic stewardship of this site. We also recommend southern forest found within the mature forest north of monitoring for ash mortality caused by the emerald ash the Huron River and west of the canoe launch road. borer (Agrilus planipennis) within the floodplain forest This forested block also contains numerous seasonally and the adjacent hardwood swamp. Emerald ash borer wet depressions dominated by buttonbush and is a recently discovered Asiatic beetle that has already Michigan holly. Forested vernal pools provide critical killed millions of ash trees in southeastern Michigan breeding habitat for amphibians, as well as an insect- and southeastern Ontario and threatens to drastically rich food resource for northward-migrating songbirds alter the region’s forests (USDA Forest Service 2002, in the spring. Species characteristic of the dry-mesic Roberts 2003). A crucial research need is to determine southern forest understory include dwarf hackberry if it is possible to prevent this pest from radically (special concern, SC), witch-hazel (Hamamelis altering ash-dominated forests. For detailed virginiana), Juneberry (Amelanchier arborea), information on floodplain forest, refer to the Michigan ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), flowering dogwood Natural Features Inventory abstract for this community (Cornus florida), maple-leaved arrow-wood (Viburnum (Tepley et al. 2004). acerifolium), and blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium).

Metroparks Inventory Page-23 A diversity of species are common within the dominate the tree and shrub layer, and characteristic ground cover including Carex pedunculata, Carex species such as Carex stricta, common mountain mint, pensylvanica, bottlebrush grass (Hystrix patula), shrubby cinquefoil, Riddell’s goldenrod, and purple doll’s-eyes (Actaea pachypoda), red baneberry (Actaea gerardia (Agalinis purpurea) occur in the ground layer rubra), soft agrimony (Agrimonia pubescens), jack-in- (Appendix 1). the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), big-leaved aster Management opportunities at this fen include a (Aster macrophyllus), enchanter’s-nightshade, minimal amount of shrub control, particularly of a few clustered-leaved tick-trefoil (Desmodium glutinosum), scattered common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). A naked tick-trefoil (Desmodium nudiflorum), white wild prescribed burn would also benefit this site, and would licorice (Galium circaezans), wild geranium be relatively easy to control given the natural (Geranium maculatum), white avens (Geum firebreaks in the form of dense shrub-carr to the south, canadense), round-lobed hepatica (Hepatica Maltby Lake to the west, and a moist seep to the east. americana), lopseed (Phryma leptostachya), may- This site also contains a unique opportunity for apple (Podophyllum peltatum), jumpseed (Polygonum landscape-level restoration with the adjacent oak forest virginianum), black snakeroot (Sanicula gregaria), to the east. Dominated by large black and white oak, blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia), yellow the steep west-facing slope contains pockets of violet (Viola pubescens), maidenhair fern (Adiantum vegetation associated with oak savanna. A prescribed pedatum), and hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) burn encompassing both the fen and adjacent oak (Appendix 1). forest would greatly enhance biodiversity in both Numerous invasive species were observed within communities. In addition, restoring and maintaining the dry-mesic southern forest stands including Oriental open conditions in the fen and oak forest will create an bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata), Japanese barberry, important scenic vista and allow the metroparks to autumn-olive, common privet, Amur honeysuckle provide unique educational opportunities from the (Lonicera maackii), and Tartarian honeysuckle adjacent picnic area. For detailed information on (Lonicera tatarica). In addition, an extremely invasive prairie fen refer to the Michigan Natural Features tree species, the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Inventory abstract for this community (Spieles et al. was found just east of the canoe launch parking area 1999). along the degraded slopes above the river. These species, especially the tree-of-heaven, should be Huron Oak Barrens (Site Code: G) controlled through cutting, accompanied by herbicide Several prairie-like openings are scattered south of application to the stumps to prevent resprouting. The Hammel Road on the north side of the Huron River blocks of forest along the slopes above the Huron and just south of the river in an old field/degraded oak River and north of the river on the west side of the barrens complex (Figures 6 and 8: G). These openings road contain moderate levels of invasive exotic species are the remnants of oak barrens that characterized and a concerted effort to eliminate non-native much of southern Livingston County circa 1800. These vegetation in conjunction with the implementation of sites typically have somewhat droughty, infertile soils prescribed fire would restore these systems to high- and at Huron Meadows are found on relatively flat quality dry-mesic southern forest. Prescribed fire glacial outwash terraces above the Huron River. The should be used to help reduce understory density and overstory canopy is sparse in these openings, and is help control invasive species. Fire may also help create typically dominated by black oak, though numerous light gaps, which will facilitate oak reproduction. other species are present, including black walnut Removal or girdling of shade-tolerant trees like red (Juglans nigra) and aspen (Populus grandidentata and maple may also help facilitate oak reproduction. These P. tremuloides) as well as non-native species like forested blocks should be monitored annually during Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), white mulberry (Morus the spring for garlic mustard, and if detected, all plants alba), and apple (Malus sp.). Several pine plantations should be removed before setting seed. were established in the area north of the river. These barrens were once much more open, which is clearly Maltby Lake Fen (Site Code: F) evident on aerial photographs taken in 1937. Over the Just below the Sunset Ridge Picnic Area along the past 60 to 70 years, many of the oak barrens in the east shore of Maltby Lake is a small, diverse prairie park have filled in with young trees and tall shrubs fen (Figures 6 and 8: F). Bordered to the east by a such as wild black cherry (Prunus serotina), gray steep oak-dominated ridge, the fen is maintained by a dogwood, hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), and red-cedar as constant supply of calcareous groundwater seeping out well as invasive shrubs like autumn-olive and of the base of the slope. Tamarack, quaking aspen, multiflora rose. Dwarf hackberry (SC) is also present, hoary willow, Bebb’s willow, and gray dogwood but is concentrated along the edges of more mature Metroparks Inventory Page-24 dry-mesic forests. Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is acetosella), smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis), also prevalent throughout. In the remaining openings, timothy (Phleum pretense), red fescue (Festuca a strong compliment of native groundflora is mixed rubra), and Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) with exotic plants of old fields. Some characteristic (Appendix 1). native species include wild bergamot (Monarda Management in these remnant oak barrens should fistulosa), black-eyed susan, bush-clovers (Lespedeza focus on maintenance and expansion of openings and capitata, L. hirta, and L. virginica), tick-trefoils control of invasive species. Shrub and small tree (Desmodium canadense, D. ciliare, D. illinoense, and species are encroaching on the native groundflora and D. sessilifolium), goldenrods (Solidago speciosa, S. should be removed. Resource managers should take nemoralis, and S. canadensis), rough blazing star care to maintain large-diameter, open-grown oaks to (Liatris aspera), and northern dewberry (Rubus preserve the structural character of barrens of an open flagellaris) as well as grasses like little bluestem canopy with scattered overstory trees. Combining (Andropogon scoparius), hair grass (Deschampsia shrub removal with prescribed burning will stimulate flexuosa), and three-awned grass (Aristida native species and over time will help control exotic purpurascens). Also occurring in the pine plantation grasses and forbs. Some hand-pulling of troublesome north of the river is a small colony of the purple weeds like sweet-clover may also be necessary for twayblade orchid (Liparis lilifolia), a species of special restoration. The pine plantation south of Hammel concern. Unfortunately, many of the remnant barrens Road should also be removed and could eventually be are degraded with non-native invasive species. restored to oak barrens, though care should be taken to Ranging from occasionally present to locally dominant minimize heavy disturbance to the area immediately in more degraded areas are invasive species such as surrounding the purple twayblade orchid site. For spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), white sweet- detailed information on oak barrens, refer to the clover (Melilotus alba), common St. John’s-wort Michigan Natural Features Inventory abstract for this (Hypericum perforatum), sheep sorrel (Rumex community (Cohen 2001b).

LAKE ERIE METROPARK

Erie Prairie (Site Code: H) The Erie Prairie consists of several small, level, agricultural fields and abandoned old fields that are separated by hedgerows, a gravel road, and a narrow channel of Great Lakes marsh (Figures 7 and 9: H). The site borders old fields on the Point Mouillee State Game Area to the south and the Lake Erie Metropark Golf Course to the north. The Erie Prairie site harbors a population of eastern prairie-fringed orchid, which is listed as state endangered (E) and federally threatened (LT) (Photograph 4). Because the eastern prairie- fringed orchid is extremely rare as a result of habitat conversion to agriculture, this site represents an excellent opportunity to undertake an ecological restoration project for a lakeplain prairie/lakeplain oak openings complex in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which owns the adjoining old fields. Once widespread throughout the lake plain in southeast Michigan, lakeplain prairie and lakeplain oak openings are now globally rare Photograph 4. Eastern prairie-fringed natural communities. A joint effort in partnership with orchid, a globally imperiled species, the DNR to restore these rare natural communities and occurs at Lake Erie Metropark. improve habitat for the eastern prairie-fringed orchid Restoration of lakeplain prairie would at Erie Prairie will greatly contribute to biodiversity benefit this ecologically significant conservation in southeast Michigan. population (Photo by Ryan O’Connor).

Metroparks Inventory Page-25 Management of the site should include 1) These wetlands are mostly open and are dominated removing hedgerows, 2) establishing appropriate by sedges and rushes, as well as common boneset, and native prairie plant species, 3) controlling exotic spotted touch-me-not. Purple loosestrife is also plants, 4) prescribed burning, and 5) maintaining or common but sufficiently controlled by beetles and few planting scattered oaks. Removing the hedge rows that flowering stalks were observed. Three rare species also separate the small fields will create a large open occur in wetlands along the golf course. Numerous grassland/savanna and provide potential habitat for individuals of eastern prairie-fringed orchid were numerous rare and declining grassland birds such as observed, including several within a few feet of the the northern harrier (Circus cyaneus, SC), bobolink maintained fairways. Dense colonies of Frank’s sedge (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), savanna sparrow (SC) also occur, and are particularly common along (Passerculus sandwichensis), Henslow’s sparrow the wetland margins north of the clubhouse. (Ammodramus henslowii, SC), grasshopper sparrow Numerous individuals occur immediately adjacent to (Ammodramus savannarum, SC), short-eared owl the maintained fairways. Swamp rose mallow (SC) (Asio flammeus, E), dickcissel (Spiza americana, SC), was observed in a ditch along the southern border of migrant loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus the golf course and has the potential to occur along the migrans, E), and western meadowlark (Sturnella edges of other waterways and wetlands within the golf neglecta, SC) (Herkert et al. 1993, Sample and course. Mossman 1997). The majority of the orchids observed Management of these wetlands need not conflict during the surveys occurred in an old field dominated with management of the golf course, but care should by exotic plants, particularly tall fescue (Festuca be taken to minimize expansion of the mown fairway. arundinacea). Other exotic species observed at the site Whenever possible, golf course maintenance staff that pose a threat to the orchids include white sweet- should avoid mowing moist portions of the rough and clover, yellow sweet-clover (Melilotus officinalis), wetland borders between early June and late quack grass (Agropyron repens), and Morrow September. Minimizing overspray and drift of broad honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) (Appendix 2). spectrum herbicides and fungicides applied to the golf Successfully restoring prairie vegetation to the site will course during the growing season will also help reduce require the removal and control of invasive species. impacts to rare species that occur in the rough. Long-term maintenance of the site should include Additionally, wetlands should be maintained in a prescribed burning to prevent tree and shrub relatively open state, and small trees and tall shrubs of encroachment, bolster plant diversity, and create a species such as cottonwood, rough-leaved dogwood mosaic of grassland/savanna habitats (e.g., recently (Cornus drummondii), and willows should be burned and unburned patches). Where oaks persist, controlled (Appendix 2). If possible, shrub cutting resource managers should take care to maintain or should be done during fall and winter, to minimize promote large-diameter, open-grown oaks to create the impacts to rare species during the growing season. structural character of lakeplain oak openings of Managing the rough areas in ways that will allow the scattered overstory trees in a grassland matrix. For rare plants to survive and even thrive will contribute to detailed information on lakeplain prairies and biodiversity conservation in southeast Michigan. lakeplain oak openings, refer to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory abstracts for these communities Erie Marsh (Site Code: J) (Albert and Kost 1998a and 1998b, Cohen 2001a). A large network of marshes is located in the eastern portion of the park (Photographs 1 and 5 and Erie Golf Course Wetlands (Site Code: I) Figures 7 and 9: J). An element occurrence of Great Numerous wetlands in various states of Lakes marsh was originally document in 1988 at Pt. degradation occur along the margins of the golf course Mouille State Game Area and extends into the southern (Figures 7 and 9: I). Somewhat surprisingly, these portion of the metropark intersecting both the Erie wetlands also support a number of rare species. This is Prairie and Erie Golf Course Wetlands sites. This area especially remarkable given the fact that prior to the of Great Lakes marsh is associated with the mouth of construction of the golf course many of these areas the Huron River and within the metropark is heavily were actively farmed for the better part of the past infested with giant reed, a robust invasive grass century. The most prominent of these wetlands is species. Additional areas of Great Lakes marsh occur located immediately north of the clubhouse and in the central and northern portions of the metropark. stretches north between the tenth and eighteenth These areas of marsh occur in wide channels that run fairways of the golf course. Other important areas parallel to the Detroit River and along the shore of the include wetlands between the second and fourth Detroit River. The hydrology of several of the channels fairways, and between the fifth and eighth fairways. in the north end of the park appears disrupted by past Metroparks Inventory Page-26 dredging, and long-time area residents recall a local Management in the marshes at Lake Erie dredging operator storing equipment in an embayment Metropark should focus on maintaining hydrologic near a constructed causeway. Despite this past connectivity to Lake Erie and controlling invasive disturbance, the hydrology of the marshes remains species. The marsh contains numerous invasive species relatively intact and water levels still fluctuate with including common water hyacinth (Eichhornia changing water levels in Lake Erie, a feature that crassipes), reed, purple loosestrife, glossy buckthorn, distinguishes Great Lakes marshes from hydrologically narrow-leaved cattail, black alder (Alnus glutinosa), isolated emergent marshes. and flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus). Unlike most of the other invasive plants mentioned above, common water hyacinth is not presently widespread. Thus, efforts to control water hyacinth can be cost effectively undertaken at this time. Further south, water hyacinth spreads rapidly and has proven very difficult to control. Efforts to control or eradicate the other invasive species listed above should be targeted to areas that support populations of rare species or are prime observation points for the public. In attempting to control invasive species, it is important to monitor the success of control efforts and follow up with additional treatments where necessary. For detailed information on Great Lakes marsh, refer to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory abstract for this community (Albert 2001). Photograph 5. Great Lakes marsh provides critical habitat for spawning fish and for migrating, Erie Woods (Site Code: K) feeding, and nesting waterfowl (Photo by Ryan Lake Erie Metropark contains several small O’Connor). woodlots that are similar in species composition and structure (Figures 7 and 9: K). Like other upland areas According to park naturalists, the character of the of the park, the soils of these woodlots are dominated marshes has changed drastically over the past 5-10 by clay and hold water at or near the surface for much years. During higher lake levels, the marshes were of the year. Vernal ponds are a common feature of the dominated by open water with emergent vegetation woodlots and provide critical breeding sites for confined to the margins of the wetland. Currently, amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. With 22 however, many of the marshes are dominated by tree species documented during the surveys, it is clear extremely tall, dense giant reed and narrow-leaved these woodlots support a diverse assemblage of trees. cattail (Typha angustifolia). Small pockets of more Mature oaks are abundant within the woodlots as are open marsh occur in deeper water sections of the maples, especially near vernal ponds. Common tree swales and along a small section of natural Lake Erie species include the following: basswood, silver maple, shoreline east and north of the wave pool. These American elm, black walnut, honey locust (Gleditsia portions of the marsh also support large beds of triacanthos), red ash, swamp white oak, white oak, bur American lotus (T), a plant with large, round, peltate oak (Q. macrocarpa), and red oak, with one measuring leaves and beautiful, large flowers (Photographs 1 and 108 cm (42 inches) in diameter. Ten invasive species 6). Other common species in the emergent marshes were identified, several of which have the potential to include swamp rose-mallow (SC), common boneset, significantly reduce species diversity (Appendix 2). and swamp milkweed. In deeper, open water Signs of deer herbivory were abundant within the submergent aquatic vegetation is more common and woodlots. includes species such as eel grass (Vallisneria Management of the woodlots should include americana), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), removal and monitoring of invasive species, especially sweet-scented waterlily (Nymphaea odorata), garlic mustard and the following shrubs: Japanese pondweeds (Potamogeton gramineus and P. natans), barberry, Morrow honeysuckle, common privet, common waterweed (Elodea canadensis), common multiflora rose, european highbush-cranberry arrowhead, water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), (Viburnum opulus), glossy buckthorn, and common common water meal (Wolffia columbiana), and buckthorn. For detailed information on mesic southern duckweeds (Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna minor) forest, refer to the Michigan Natural Features (Appendix 2). Inventory abstract for this community (Cohen 2004). Metroparks Inventory Page-27 DISCUSSION

Rare Plants only seven of these are viable populations seen in the Eastern prairie-fringed orchid is state recent past. Occurrences typically range from only a endangered and federally threatened. The majority of few plants up to several thousand individuals in large orchid populations are known from wet prairies on colonies. The colonies at Lake Erie are particularly glacial lake plain in the Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie large and the park represents a significant site from the regions, with smaller populations also found in standpoint of conservation of the species. American southern Michigan bogs. Despite being observed in 40 lotus is easily recognized throughout the growing locations in Michigan, it is considered very rare season by its large emergent leaves, and its throughout its current range due to habitat alteration. characteristic yellowish-white flowers also grace the Virtually all of the vast prairies it once thrived in were large aquatic beds from late July through August. Like converted to agriculture at the time of settlement. In many plants of the Lake Erie marshes, the sizes of Michigan, these lakeplain prairie regions also occur in lotus colonies are related to fluctuations in water levels rapidly expanding metropolitan and suburban areas. of the Great Lakes. In addition, competition from tall, Much of the remaining habitat is subject to shrub aggressive emergent marsh species such as giant reed invasion unless maintained in an open condition and narrow-leaved cattail also likely affect the through periodic mowing or prescribed fire. The American lotus. Conservation strategies for this populations of prairie-fringed orchid at Lake Erie species include maintaining hydrologic connectivity to Metropark, while significant in size, are widely the naturally fluctuating water levels of the Great scattered across old fields and the margins of the golf Lakes and, if necessary, controlling invasive emergent course. This presents a potential problem, since the marsh vegetation. orchid is pollinated only by particular species of night- flying hawkmoths (the Hermit sphinx, Sphinx eremitis; Pandorus sphinx, Eumorpha pandorus; and the Achemon sphinx, Eumorpha achemon), and it is uncertain if moths could locate and pollinate isolated orchid individuals or colonies (Cuthrell et al. 1999). The orchid is easily recognized while flowering, which typically occurs in the first or second week of July. Seed set and dispersal is thought to occur in September. As with other species of orchids, the tiny seeds require special conditions for germination, including the presence of certain mycorrhizal fungi. Conservation strategies to maintain and enhance populations of prairie-fringed orchid include controlling shrub invasion through periodic mowing or prescribed fire, and maintaining natural hydrologic Photograph 6. Large colonies of American lotus regimes that allow soil moisture to fluctuate with thrive in Lake Erie Metropark. Conservation of changing Great Lakes’ water levels. It is also important this species depends on maintaining the hydrology to note that population levels fluctuate from year to of Great Lakes marshes and controlling invasive year, and individuals, and even entire colonies, may or marsh vegetation (Photo by Ryan O’Connor). may not flower in any given year. Thus, suitable habitat, especially along wet-mesic areas of the golf course and other moist meadows at Lake Erie Goldenseal is a state-threatened plant. Prior to this Metropark should be monitored annually for new or study, there were 70 known occurrences of goldenseal. expanding colonies. For additional information on This species has declined throughout its range due to eastern prairie-fringed orchid, refer to the Michigan exploitation of roots for herbal medicine and Natural Features Inventory abstract for this species significant loss of habitat due to development and (Penskar and Higman 2000). modification. In Michigan this species is concentrated in the southern three tiers of counties in the Lower American lotus (Photographs 1 and 6) is a state- Peninsula. Typical habitat for goldenseal includes rich threatened species occurring in marshes and river hardwood forests with beech/sugar maple/basswood or mouths near the Great Lakes in southern lower red oak/sugar maple canopies and occasionally upland Michigan. It is known from 21 sites in Michigan, but rises in floodplain forests. The population at Lake Erie Metroparks Inventory Page-28 is very small. Goldenseal can be easily recognized in prairie and moist meadow habitats. Frank’s sedge can early May when it is flowering. Conservation strategies be recognized by its characteristic fruiting structures include the preservation and restoration of ecologically from July through September. Conservation strategies viable tracts of rich woodland habitat, monitoring to maintain and enhance populations of Frank’s sedge known populations to determine if plants are being at Lake Erie include maintaining open areas of wet- poached or browsed, and educating the public about mesic prairies and golf course rough areas, and the detrimental effects caused by poaching and the use avoiding mowing moist meadows to low heights of wild herbs in the herbal market. For additional (approximately less than 4 inches) during the growing information on goldenseal, refer to the Michigan season. Natural Features Inventory abstract for this species (Penskar et al. 2001).

Swamp rose mallow is listed as a species of special concern. Plants are given the status of special concern when the status of the species is unknown. A species remains on the special concern list until specialists are able to determine whether the species should be elevated to state threatened or endangered status or is common enough to remain untracked. Recent surveys have shown this species to be more common and less threatened than previously assumed. As a result, in 2005, swamp rose mallow was proposed for delisting. However, this species is still quite a unique feature of this metropark and efforts should be made to protect this population and others to prevent Photograph 7. Dwarf hackberry occurs in Huron future listing. Currently there are 31 occurrences of Meadows in degraded oak barrens and oak- swamp rose mallow in the state, most occurring in the hickory forest. Efforts to restore oak barrens and southern three tiers of counties. This species occupies implement prescribed fire in oak-hickory forest moist meadows, ditches, and the edges of emergent will benefit this species (Photo by Ryan marshes, and generally occurs more frequently in O’Connor). marshes and river mouths along Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Swamp rose mallow is easily recognized by Dwarf hackberry (Photograph 7) is listed as a its large pink flowers during late July and August. special concern species. First identified in 1973, this Conservation strategies to protect this species include small tree occurs in 36 sites in the southern portion of maintaining naturally fluctuating hydrologic regimes, Michigan, and is almost exclusively found in glacial especially in wetlands adjacent to the Great Lakes, and interlobate regions in the southeast and southwest controlling aggressive invasive species such as giant portion of the state where the oak barrens habitat it reed and narrow-leaved cattail. thrives in was most common. Despite a relatively large number of occurrences, most populations are known Frank’s sedge is also a species of special concern. from roadsides and very few large colonies in natural Prior to this study, there were 12 known sites for this habitat have been documented. At Huron Meadows, species, with only four of these estimated to be viable the species is prevalent in degraded oak barrens and populations. In 2005, botanical specialists determined along south facing slopes of dry-mesic southern forest. that Frank’s sedge was more common and less This dwarf hackberry population is quite extensive; threatened than previously thought and as a result, the close to 300 stems were documented during surveys. species has been proposed for delisting. Regardless of Dwarf hackberry is easily recognized throughout the the potential change in status, this species is still quite growing season by its short stature and leaves a unique feature of this metropark and efforts should resembling the larger northern hackberry (Celtis be made to protect this population and others to occidentalis). Conservation strategies to conserve prevent future listing. Frank’s sedge is found across the dwarf hackberry populations center on habitat southern two tiers of counties, with the majority restoration, including clearing closed-in oak barrens of located in southeast Michigan. The colonies at Lake invasive species and weedy native plants and Erie Metropark are significant in size and may implementing prescribed burning regimes to maintain constitute the second-largest population currently a semi-open canopy. known in the state. This species occupies wet-mesic Metroparks Inventory Page-29 Purple twayblade is also a species of special The conversion of open barrens and prairie to concern. Of the 17 occurrences known in Michigan forested communities continues today and often results prior to this study, most occurred in the two southern in a loss of species and habitat diversity (Curtis 1959, tier counties. Despite a sizable number of populations McCune and Cottam 1985, McClain et al. 1993). This known from Washtenaw County to the south, the was evident at many of the sites we surveyed. At colony found at Huron Meadows represents the only Huron Meadows Metropark the open character of known occurrence in Livingston County. Purple prairie fen, oak barrens, and dry-mesic southern forest twayblade occurs in a variety of disturbed upland is being lost as the communities actively succeed to habitats, ranging from brushy second-growth thickets, closed-canopy, shrub- and tree-dominated to mixed oak woods to pine plantations. This orchid communities. As shade-tolerant woody species and can be identified by its two broad basal leaves and canopy closure increases, light levels are reduced and purple flowers which bloom in late June through July. light-demanding species such as prairie forbs, grasses, The habitat requirements of this orchid are poorly and oak seedling and saplings are unable to remain understood, but it is likely that it requires some shade. viable. As a result, both species diversity and habitat Conservation strategies to protect this species include heterogeneity are reduced. restoring areas of degraded habitat by carefully Some of the biggest changes as a result of fire removing invasive species and gradually converting suppression have taken place within the wetlands south pine plantations back to oak barrens and oak of the river where shrub-carr has invaded previously woodlands. open wetlands. Reintroduction of fire into these wetlands will help restore open systems such as prairie Broad-leaved arrowhead is a state-threatened fen and wet meadow. More long term changes are species that had been previously reported from Lake occurring within the oak-hickory forest as the result of Erie but was not reconfirmed during the 2004 surveys. alteration of historic fire regimes. At present, oaks and In 1988, the species was reported from marshes near hickories dominate the canopies of dry-mesic forests at the Nature Center, but thorough searches in this area Huron Meadows. However, oak regeneration within and adjacent marshes failed to locate the species. Park these forests is limited to slopes, light gaps, and edges naturalists reported that the character of the marshes of forest blocks and suppression of the historic fire has changed significantly in the past several years with regime has allowed thin-barked, shade-tolerant species the lowering of water levels in the Great Lakes and such as red maple to infiltrate the subcanopy and forest subsequent invasion of formerly open water marshes understory (Abrams 1998). Repeat prescribed burns with tall, aggressive giant reed and narrow-leaved will eliminate the red maple seedlings and saplings cattail. Despite not finding broad-leaved arrowhead and help control the exotic shrub invasion. A sustained during this survey, large areas of suitable habitat fire management regime will allow for increased remain. As water levels rise and if marsh restoration recruitment of oak seedlings and saplings. practices are implemented, there is a high likelihood The establishment of red maple within oak-hickory that the species could be found again. forests also results in significant changes in adjacent wetland communities. For example, at Huron Fire as an Ecological Process Meadows fire suppression has enabled red maple to Many of the areas within the metroparks we establish within the dry-mesic forest and the species is surveyed once supported fire-dependent ecosystems now beginning to colonize an adjacent relict conifer such as wet meadow, prairie fen, oak barrens, oak- swamp (Huron Meadows Oak-Hickory Forest and hickory forest, lakeplain prairie, and lakeplain oak Winans Tamarack Swamp, Figures 6 and 8: E and B). openings. In the past, lightning- and human-induced Species loss following invasion of relict conifer swamp fires frequently spread over large areas of southern by red maple can be significant. The shift from conifer- Michigan and other Midwestern states (Curtis 1959, dominance to hardwood-dominance also results in a Dorney 1981, Grimm 1984). In the absence of frequent drastic reduction in shrub cover (Kost 2001c). The fires, open oak savanna and prairie communities reduction of shrub cover that results from red maple convert to forest such as oak-hickory forest or mixed invasion can adversely impact a wide range of both oak forest (see oak barrens abstract, Cohen 2001b). animal and plant species. In particular, many bird The reduction of wildfires in Midwestern states species rely heavily on the fruit of these wetland shrubs following the loss of indigenous cultures in the early during fall migration and winter. While fire is not a 1800s is well documented and resulted in a loss of fire- frequent form of natural disturbance for relict conifer dependent natural communities through both active swamp, its absence in the broader landscape has conversion for farming and succession from open significantly altered wetland successional pathways to barrens and prairie to forest (Curtis 1959). the detriment of light-demanding species like Metroparks Inventory Page-30 tamarack. Thus, actively cutting or girdling shade- sides of the site. Thus, the area is well suited for tolerant hardwoods such as red maple from relict conducting a landscape-scale burn that encompasses conifer swamps may be needed if this important several different natural communities, including both natural community type is to be maintained. uplands and wetlands. Plant communities, whether upland or lowland, benefit from prescribed fire in several ways. Implications for Forest Management Depending on the season and intensity of a burn, In the absence of natural fires, the oak-hickory prescribed fire may be used to decrease the cover of dominated, upland forests at Huron Meadows are exotic, cool-season grasses and woody species, and likely to continue to undergo significant changes in increase the cover of native warm-season grasses and structure and species composition as the oaks are forbs (White 1983, Abrams and Hulbert 1987, Tester replaced by more shade-tolerant tree species. 1989, Collins and Gibson 1990, Glenn-Lewin et al. Management of dry-mesic forests at Huron Meadows 1990, Anderson and Schwegman 1991). Prescribed fire should focus on maintaining conditions suitable for helps reduce litter levels, allowing sunlight to reach the oak regeneration, that is, an open canopy with high soil surface and stimulate seed germination and light levels. As noted, the first management step enhance seedling establishment (Daubenmire 1968, should be the reintroduction of fire. If a sustained fire Hulbert 1969, Knapp 1984, Tester 1989, Anderson and management program does not result in an increase in Schwegman 1991, Warners 1997). Important plant oak and hickory regeneration and the reduction of red nutrients (e.g., N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) are elevated maple recruitment and other shade-tolerant species, following prescribed fire (Daubenmire 1968, Viro metropark managers should consider more intrusive 1974, Reich et al. 1990, Schmalzer and Hinkle 1992). measures. Cutting or girdling shade-tolerant species Prescribed fire has been shown to result in increased like red maple is often effective. By removing plant biomass, flowering, and seed production competitors and also planting acorns or oak seedlings (Abrams et al. 1986, Laubhan 1995, Warners 1997, within large light gaps such as those created by recent Kost and De Steven 2000). Prescribed fire can also tree-falls, metropark staff can direct the ecological help express and rejuvenate seed banks, which may be succession of some portions of the forest. Any especially important for maintaining species diversity management for oak recruitment must also include (Leach and Givnish 1996, Kost and De Steven 2000). reducing densities of white-tailed deer and protecting Impacts to faunal communities should also be seedlings from browsing. strongly considered when planning a prescribed burn. Another important forest management goal at both Dividing a large area into smaller burn units that can Huron Meadows and Lake Erie will be to reduce forest be burned in alternate years or seasons can protect fragmentation. At present, a hard edge is maintained populations of many species. This allows unburned along many of the forest stands within the metroparks. units to serve as refugia for immobile invertebrates and Allowing oaks and hickories to establish within the old slow moving amphibian and reptile species. When fields between blocks of forest and then directing the burning larger areas it may be desirable to strive for succession of these fields towards oak savanna or oak patchy burns by igniting during times of high relative forest will enable isolated blocks of forest to be humidity. The unburned patches may then serve as enlarged and connected. The formation of larger refugia, which facilitate recolonization of burned blocks of forest will help improve nesting success for patches by fire-sensitive species. Burning under raptors, neotropical migrant songbirds, and ground- overcast skies and when air temperatures are cool nesting species because their nests are less likely to be (<55°F) can help protect reptiles, since they are less parasitized and predated in larger blocks of forest likely to be found basking above the surface when (Wilcove et al. 1986). In addition, invasions by exotic conditions are cloudy and cool. Lastly, conducting species are reduced in larger blocks of contiguous burns during the dormant season (late October through habitat, since the ratio of interior habitat to edge March) may also help minimize impacts to reptiles and typically increases with patch size. amphibians (Kingsbury and Gibson 2002). The southern portion of Huron Meadows offers an Oak Barrens Restoration excellent opportunity for prescribed fire management. At Huron Meadows, two large areas of the park In this portion of the metropark, several fire-dependent were historically oak barrens and mixed oak forest. communities occur adjacent to each other including Portions of both areas (see Figures 6 and 8: G) now prairie fen, wet meadow, dry-mesic southern forest, harbor large pockets with prairie grasses and forbs and and degraded oak barrens. With prevailing winds from scattered oaks. They also contain areas of heavy shrub the southwest, the Huron River and Rickett Road cover and closed-canopy oak, black cherry, and red provide excellent fire breaks along the north and east cedar forest. These areas provide a very good Metroparks Inventory Page-31 opportunity to restore large blocks of oak barrens, importance to wildlife as many animal taxa such as especially south of the river. Burning these areas will turtles, snakes, birds, and invertebrates require the reduce canopy cover and allow native prairie and presence of both intact wetlands and uplands during savanna species to expand or reestablish. Areas of their life cycles. former savanna and prairie often contain seed banks Several very helpful guides are available for that are expressed with canopy opening and restoring prairies and savannas. See Packard and reintroduction of fire. Reduction of canopy and shrub Mutel (1997) for a comprehensive treatment of the coverage can also be accomplished by cutting and/or subject and additional references. In addition, detailed mowing. management guidelines have been developed for managing grasslands for grassland birds by Herkert et Lakeplain Prairie Restoration al. (1993) and Sample and Mossman (1997). Listed An excellent opportunity for restoration of a below are several of the recommendations suggested lakeplain prairie/lakeplain oak openings complex is by Herkert et al. (1993) (see publication for complete present at the Erie Prairie site within Lake Erie list of management guidelines). Metropark and the adjacent Pt. Mouille State Game Area. This restoration effort has the potential to serve 1. Avoid fragmentation of existing grasslands. as a prime example of ecosystem management in 2. Grassland restorations aimed at supporting which multiple local, state, and federal partners work populations of the most area-sensitive grassland together to fund and implement a critical habitat birds should be at least 125 acres and preferably restoration for a globally rare species and ecosystem more than 250 acres in size. Area sensitive species (e.g., eastern prairie-fringed orchid and lakeplain requiring large patches of grassland (>100 acres) prairie/lakeplain oak openings). The Huron-Clinton include northern harrier (SC), bobolink, savannah Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) in collaboration with sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow (SC), grasshopper the DNR, DEQ, MNFI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sparrow (SC), eastern meadowlark (Sturnella (USFWS), and Great Lakes National Program Office magna), western meadowlark (SC), sedge wren of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Cistothorus platensis), sharp-tailed grouse (GLNPO) can all play important roles in restoring this (Tympanuchus phasianellus, SC ), upland site. The HCMA and DNR can provide planning, sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), short-eared owl management, and monitoring resources. MNFI can (E), and barn owl (Tyto alba, E) (Herkert et al. assist in grant proposal development, and site planning 1993, Sample and Mossman 1997). Patches of and monitoring. The USFWS can assist in monitoring, grassland less than 50 acres will benefit the least management planning, and funding. The DEQ Coastal area-sensitive grassland birds such as northern Zone Management grant program and the GLNPO are bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), red-winged black two very good partners for funding an ecological bird (Agelaius phoeniceus), American goldfinch restoration project of this type. (Carduelis tristis), Vesper sparrow (Pooecetes By removing the hedgerows that separate gramineus), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), song agricultural fields and old fields within the metropark sparrow (Melospiza melodia), dickcissel (SC), and and adjacent State Game Area and maintaining or common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) planting scattered oaks, over 100 acres of lakeplain (Herkert et al. 1993). prairie and lakeplain oak openings can be created. An 3. Maximize interior grassland habitat by area of native, open grassland/savanna of this size establishing circular (best) or square grassland would represent a significant resource to grassland plantings and avoiding long, narrow plantings, birds, many of which are rare or experiencing sharp which increase edge habitat. population declines due to habitat loss and changing 4. Where grassland habitats border forests, strive to agricultural practices (e.g., early mowing of hay create a feathered edge by allowing prescribed fields). fires to burn through adjacent forests as opposed to The significance of this restoration project is installing firebreaks along the forest edge. further heightened because the site includes a portion Grasslands with feathered edges experience lower of an element occurrence for Great Lakes marsh, rates of nest predation than those with sharply which like lakeplain prairie and lakeplain oak contrasting edges (Ratti and Reese 1988). openings, is also considered a rare natural community. 5. Grassland plantings should not be bordered by In addition, the potential juxtaposition of Great Lakes fence lines or groves of trees because these marsh and lakeplain prairie and lakeplain oak features attract nest predators and nest parasites. openings at this site would significantly contributes to habitat heterogeneity, which further increases its Metroparks Inventory Page-32 6. Establish a mixture of native warm season grasses Purple loosestrife is another pernicious invader of and forbs that will provide a diversity of both short wetland habitats, often completely replacing native and tall structure. emergent marsh communities. Some success in 7. Use a prescribed burn rotation in which portions controlling purple loosestrife has recently occurred (e.g., 20 to 30%) of the area are burned annually to with the application of biological control agents, provide habitat for both species that prefer recently Galerucella beetles, which are native to purple burned sites and unburned sites. loosestrife’s European habitat (Hight and Drea 1991, 8. In large areas of grassland, encroaching woody Blossey 1992). vegetation that exceeds the height of the dominant Giant reed dominates vast stretches of Great grasses should be removed to decrease the Lakes marsh and has become widespread at Lake Erie frequency of nest predation and nest parasitism. Metropark. Because of its robust stature, giant reed 9. Restrict trails and activities to the edges of displaces native marsh vegetation and degrades grassland plantings. wildlife habitat. 10. Avoid mowing grasslands through late July or Water hyacinth is a plant of open wetlands that early August and use a rotational mowing schedule has been called the worst invasive aquatic plant in the similar to that described above for prescription world. Native to the Amazonian basin, water hyacinth burning. reproduces prolifically by vegetative shoots and colonies can double in size in as little as twelve days. A Invasive Species pernicious pest causing severe ecological and Invasive species pose a major threat to species and economic disruption in Florida and other sub-tropical habitat diversity within the metroparks. By regions, it cannot tolerate cold winters and is limited in outcompeting and replacing native species, invasives its northern distribution. Research has shown that change species composition, alter vegetation structure temperatures near or below freezing for four and successional dynamics, and reduce native species continuous weeks are sufficient to kill water hyacinth diversity, often causing local or even complete (Owens and Madsen 1995). However, park naturalists extinction of native species (Harty 1986, Gorchov and have noted that this species appears in marshes in Trisel 2003). Invasive exotic species can also upset small amounts year after year in late summer. Despite delicately balanced ecological processes such as observations that colonies do not appear to be trophic relationships, interspecific competition, spreading, it is recommended that the species be nutrient cycling, soil erosion, hydrologic balance, and aggressively controlled to limit potential impacts in the solar insolation (Bratton 1982). Lastly, exotic invasive future, both within the park and to prevent accidental species often have no natural predators and spread transportation of the species by boat traffic to other aggressively through rapid sexual and asexual regions. reproduction. Several invasive species also threaten the upland While numerous invasive species occur within the dry-mesic forests of Huron Meadows. Among the most metroparks the species highlighted below are likely to problematic of these are oriental bittersweet, pose the greatest threat to biodiversity because of their common buckthorn, tree-of-heaven, and exotic ability to invade intact communities and quickly honeysuckle shrubs (Amur, Morrow, and Tartarian dominate. Invasive species abstracts, which include honeysuckle). By invading the shrub layer of semi- detailed methods for controlling invasive species, can open forest communities, these species severely reduce be obtained at the following web site: http:// the amount of light available to the ground layer, tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/. causing the elimination of many ground layer species Garlic mustard, in particular, is of serious and preventing the reproduction of overstory concern even in very small numbers because it is self- dominants (Gorchov and Trisel 2003). Oriental fertile, thus a single plant can establish an entire bittersweet is especially problematic. A twining vine, it population and quickly result in a large infestation. can literally strangle large trees by tightly wrapping While it invades all types of forested habitats, it is around the trunk and preventing new growth of especially aggressive in mesic and wet-mesic sites cambium tissue, effectively girdling the stem. These (Meekins and McCarthy 2001). Garlic mustard should species can be effectively controlled by stem removal, be removed prior to seedset wherever it is encountered. but cutting without immediate herbicide application Glossy buckthorn can also severely reduce should be strictly avoided, since resprouting typically species diversity, especially in alkaline, wetland results in the proliferation of multiple stems, thus habitats like prairie fen and relict conifer swamp. Left making it even more difficult to eliminate these untreated, it can form large, impenetrable, monotypic problematic species. stands in place of open, species diverse wetlands. Metroparks Inventory Page-33 Deer Densities 4) High-profile sites that are viewed by many Many studies have shown that high deer densities visitors such as well-used trails or sites with adversely impact local ecosystems and vegetation scenic overlooks or picturesque views. (Alverson et al. 1988, Balgooyen and Waller 1995, Opportunities to educate the public on Waller and Alverson 1997, Augustine and Frelich biodiversity and stewardship are maximized by 1998, Rooney 2001, Horsely et al. 2003). Deer browse actively working to restore frequently-visited was evident throughout both metroparks. Deer sites. Restoring sites that provide scenic vistas herbivory may be limiting oak regeneration within the will promote an appreciation of the park’s oak-hickory forests of Huron Meadows (Strole and natural resources. Anderson 1992). Through preferential grazing of native species, high deer densities are also thought to A brief summary of sites with high restoration contribute to the spread of invasive, exotic species potential in each park follows below. Detailed site such as garlic mustard (Victoria Nuzzo pers. comm. descriptions and management recommendations are 1998). It is recommended that the Huron-Clinton included in the Site Summaries and Management Metropolitan Authority work cooperatively with the section (Page 20). Michigan Department of Natural Resources to assess metropark deer densities and reduce deer densities if High Priority Sites at Huron Meadows determined to be higher than recommended by the At Huron Meadows, we identified several sites DNR. with high restoration potential. As noted earlier, the southern portion of the park offers a unique Setting Stewardship Priorities management opportunity in that several high-quality or While invasive species occur in nearly all natural restorable natural communities can be managed and communities surveyed in this study, management restored simultaneously with the use of prescribed fire. priority should be given to the highest quality sites. By These communities include prairie fen and wet concentrating effort on a few high-quality sites, limited meadow (Rickett Road Wet Meadow/Prairie Fen resources of time, personnel, volunteer effort, and Complex), dry-mesic southern forest (Huron money can be directed to make a significant impact on Meadows Oak-Hickory Forest), and oak barrens biodiversity. How should metropark managers and (Huron Oak Barrens). The Rickett Road Wet naturalists determine which sites to manage? That Meadow/Prairie Fen Complex (Photographs 2 and 8 decision is one best made by metropark resource and Figures 6 and 8: A) contains many high-quality professionals, but evaluation criteria should include the pockets and would greatly benefit from shrub and tree following: removal and prescribed burning. The Huron Meadows Oak-Hickory Forest (Figures 6 and 8: E) 1) A preference toward high-quality sites with is characterized by moderate levels of exotic species in minimal infestations of invasive species. the understory and ground cover that can be controlled Biodiversity is most easily and effectively with a concerted management effort. Repeat prescribed protected by preventing high-quality sites from burns will help control exotic shrub invasion and also degrading, and invasives are much easier to eliminate red maple seedlings and saplings. In eradicate when they are not yet well addition, portions of the Huron Meadows Oak- established. Hickory Forest are highly visible and easily accessible. The nature trail passes through the block of 2) A focus on sites that harbor high levels of mature dry-mesic southern forest just north of the native species diversity or unique elements of canoe launch. Fire management of the Maltby Lake biodiversity (e.g., prairie fens, tamarack Fen (Figures 6 and 8: F) carried out in conjunction swamps, floodplain forests, springs, rare with burning of the adjacent oak-hickory forest slope species, etc.). Wetlands in particular, harbor a would provide visitors with a unique glimpse of disproportionate number of rare species and ecological restoration in action and an enhanced view provide critical habitat for many species. of Maltby Lake. The most intensive restoration would involve the rehabilitation of the Huron Oak Barrens 3) Sites that enhance core areas of high-quality (Figures 6 and 8: G). Reintroduction of a sustained fire habitat or act as critical corridors for wildlife. regime, likely in conjunction with extensive cutting, Reducing forest fragmentation at Lake Erie or mowing, and herbicide would be required. Though this restoring oak barrens at Huron Meadows will process would require heavy investment of time and enhance many of the existing high-quality money, the oak barrens restoration would pay rich sites. Metroparks Inventory Page-34 biodiversity dividends because of the rarity of oak High Priority Sites at Lake Erie barrens ecosystems and the species that depend on Lake Erie contains several regionally significant them. Other sites at Huron Meadows may also merit natural features and important sites for restoration. attention and should be evaluated for work based on 1). The Erie Marsh (Photographs 1 and 5 and Figures available resources. 7 and 9: J) provides important fish and wildlife habitat and harbors several rare species. Reducing the dominance of giant reed will significantly improve habitat for native plants and animals that depend on Great Lakes marsh. 2). The Erie Prairie (Figures 7 and 9: H) has the potential to be restored as a lakeplain prairie/lakeplain oak openings complex. The site provides critical habitat for the eastern prairie-fringed orchid, a globally rare prairie plant. With the cooperation of the DNR managers at Point Mouille State Game Area, which borders the site to south, the site has the potential to provide habitat to rare and declining grassland birds. Lakeplain prairie and lakeplain oak openings are considered globally rare natural communities and efforts to restore these systems are critically important to the long-term protection of biodiversity. 3) Erie Woods (Figures 7 and 9: K) currently consists of several isolated blocks Photograph 8. The juxtaposition of the extensive of forest with hard edges. Managing these sites to wet meadow/prairie fen complex with oak- prevent colonization of invasive species like garlic hickory forest and degraded oak barrens mustard, buckthorn, and honeysuckles will help ensure provides HCMA stewards of Huron Meadows that they continue to harbor a diverse assemblage of with the unique ecosystem management native species. In addition, softening the forest edges opportunity of conducting landscape-scale burns by allowing succession of some of the adjacent old that encompass several different natural fields and mowed lawns to forest or savanna will communities and include wetlands and uplands increase breeding habitat for forest species and help (Photo by Joshua Cohen). protect the core areas of mature forest. Other sites at Lake Erie may also merit attention, and should be evaluated for work based on available resources.

Metroparks Inventory Page-35 CONCLUSION

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority has the Both Huron Meadows and Lake Erie Metroparks considerable responsibility of stewarding numerous support significant natural features that are threatened populations of rare species and ecologically significant by events taking place within the parks as well as natural communities. As the region becomes more outside their boundaries. The metroparks have lost a developed, the prominence of natural features harbored considerable amount of their biodiversity as a result of by the metroparks is substantially heightened. Both fire suppression, infestation of pernicious invasive rare and common native species are threatened by the species, and high white-tail deer populations. rapid pace of development in southeast Michigan. In Restoring the ecological process of fire to the addition, changes taking place outside the metropark ecosystems at Huron Meadows and Lake Erie will boundaries are having significant repercussions within profoundly enhance their ecological integrity. Prime their borders. For example, as new roads, subdivisions, opportunities exist for restoring oak barrens in Huron shopping centers, and industries are built outside the Meadows Metropark and a lakeplain prairie/lakeplain park, invasive plants used in landscaping quickly find oak openings complex in Lake Erie Metropark. The their way into the park and cause severe degradation to loss of biodiversity caused by infestations of invasive natural communities and their associated complement plants can be reversed by developing monitoring and of native species. Historic wildlife corridors are eradication programs that are focused on protecting the disrupted, and cosmopolitan edge species such as centers of biodiversity, namely the prairie fens, wet white-tailed deer increasingly seek refuge within the meadows, dry-mesic southern forests, mesic southern confines of the metroparks. The increased deer forests, floodplain forests, southern swamps, relict densities within the metroparks result in extirpation of conifer swamps, and Great Lakes marsh. Active numerous plant and animal species as their effects on management of the local deer herd is likely to result in ecosystems reverberate at multiple trophic levels the recovery of many plants and ground- and shrub- (McShea and Rappole 1992, Waller and Alverson nesting animal species over time. 1997, Augustine and Frelich 1998, Rooney 2001). As Tremendous ecological benefits can also be gained rare plants and high-quality natural communities are by directing the ecological succession of old fields lost due to development, the regional significance of towards oak barrens, lakeplain oak openings, oak safeguarding these natural features within the woodlands, mesic southern forest, or floodplain forest. metroparks becomes even more important. Connecting isolated forest patches, enlarging current Conservation scientists and practitioners are more woodlands, and creating a more natural transition aware today than ever before that protecting rare between open field and forest edge will help increase species and ecologically significant natural nesting success rates of ground-nesting birds and communities requires far more than simply building mammals, forest raptors, and neotropical migrant preserves to prevent their outright destruction (Janzen songbirds, many of which are experiencing sharp 1986). Because changes occurring outside the declines in their populations. metropark boundaries result in significant impacts The diversity of natural features found within the within the park, protection of rare species and natural Huron Meadows Metropark and the Lake Erie communities today requires the active participation by Metropark are threatened by a wide range of factors. metropark staff in stewarding the land for ecological Mitigating these threats and enhancing biodiveristy integrity. This formidable task requires metropark staff presents the HCMA staff with a diverse array of to identify significant natural features, develop stewardship opportunities. As southeastern Michigan conservation strategies, and apply their considerable continues to develop, the responsibility for conserving expertise in resource management to the active regional biodiversity within these metroparks will stewardship of ecological integrity. become increasingly imperative.

Metroparks Inventory Page-36 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Funding for the project was provided by the Tony Reznicek, University of Michigan Herbarium, for Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority and the providing information on many of the metroparks and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. We are assisting with identification of rare plants. We grateful to Paul Muelle and Dave Moilanen, HCMA, sincerely appreciate the assistance of numerous MNFI for their support and assistance throughout this staff for supporting the project in many ways. In multiyear project. We thank Jerry Wykes, the naturalist particular, we wish to acknowledge the following at Lake Erie, for providing valuable natural history MNFI staff for their contributions: Mike Penskar and information that both improved our success in the field Phyllis Higman supplied their invaluable expertise and advanced the level of information contained in this with plant identification and rare plant survey report. Jerry also kindly let us borrow a canoe to methodologies; Patrick Brown, Lyn Scrimger, Sue facilitate marsh surveys. We wish to thank members of Ridge, and Connie Brinson provided very helpful the Huron River Watershed Council and Michigan administrative support; and Rebecca Boehm, Michael Natural Areas Council for encouraging and supporting Fashoway, and Meghan Burns carefully reviewed all a natural features inventory of the Huron-Clinton element occurrence data for accuracy. Finally, thanks Metroparks. We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. to Martha Gove for providing editorial assistance.

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Metroparks Inventory Page-38 Knapp, A.K. 1984. Post-burn differences in solar Packard, S., and C.F. Mutel. 1997. The tallgrass radiation, leaf temperature and water stress restoration handbook for prairies, savannas, and influencing production in a lowland tallgrass woodlands. Island Press, Washington D.C. 463 pp. prairie. American Journal of Botany 71: 220-227. Penskar, M.R., and P.J. Higman. 2000. Special plant Kingsbury, B., and G. J. Gibson. 2002. Habitat abstract for Platanthera leucophaea (eastern management guidelines for amphibians and prairie fringed-orchid). Michigan Natural Features reptiles of the Midwest. Partners in Amphibian and Inventory, Lansing, MI. 3 pp. http:// Reptile Conservation publication. 57 pp. web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/botany Kost, M.A. 2001a. Natural community abstract for Platanthera_leucophaea.pdf relict conifer swamp. Michigan Natural Features Penskar, M.R., E.G. Choberka, and P.J. Higman 2001. Inventory, Lansing, MI. 6 pp. http:// Special Plant Abstract for Hydrastis canadensis web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/ecology/ (goldenseal). Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Relict_conifer_swamp.pdf Lansing, MI. 3 pp. http://web4.msue.msu.edu/ mnfi/abstracts/botany/Hydrastis_canadensis.pdf Kost, M.A. 2001b. Natural community abstract for Ratti, J.T., and K.P. Reese. 1988. Preliminary test of southern wet meadow. Michigan Natural Features the ecological trap hypothesis. Journal of Wildlife Inventory, Lansing, MI. 5 pp. http:// Management 52: 484-491. web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/ecology/ Southern_wet_meadow.pdf Reich, P.B., M.D. Abrams, D.S. Ellsworth, E.L. Kruger, and T.J. Tabone. 1990. Fire affects Kost, M.A. 2001c. Potential indicators for assessing ecophysiology and community dynamics of central biological integrity of forested, depressional Wisconsin oak forest regeneration. Ecology 71: wetlands in southern Michigan. Michigan Natural 2179-2190. Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 69 pp. Reinartz, J.A. 1997. Controlling glossy buckthorn Kost, M.A., and D. De Steven. 2000. Plant (Rhamnus frangula L.) with winter herbicide community responses to prescribed burning in treatments of cut stumps. Natural Areas Journal Wisconsin sedge meadows. Natural Areas Journal 17: 38-41. 20: 36-49. Roberts, D.L. 2003. The emerald ash borer: A threat to Laubhan, M.K. 1995. Effects of prescribed fire on ash in North America. Michigan State University moist-soil vegetation and macronutrients. Extension, East Lansing, MI. Available: http:// Wetlands 15: 159-166. www.msue.msu.edu/reg_se/roberts/ash/ Leach, M.K., and T.J. Givnish. 1996. Ecological eab_threat03.pdf. (Accessed: March 1, 2004.) determinants of species loss in remnant prairies. Rooney, T.P. 2001. Deer impacts on forest Science 273: 1555-1558. ecosystems: A North American perspective. McClain, W.E., M.A. Jenkins, S.E. Jenkins, and J.E. Forestry 74: 201-208. Ebinger. 1993. Changes in the woody vegetation Sample, D.W., and M.J. Mossman. 1997. Managing of a bur oak savanna remnant in central Illinois. habitat for grassland birds: A guide for Wisconsin. Natural Areas Journal 13: 108-114. Bureau of Integrated Science Services, Department McCune, B., and G. Cottam. 1985. The successional of Natural Resources, Madison, WI. 154 pp. status of a southern Wisconsin oak woods. Ecology Schmalzer, P.A., and C.R. Hinkle. 1992. Soil 66:1270-1278. dynamics following fire in Juncus and Spartina McShea, W.J., and J.H. Rappole. 1992. White-tailed marshes. Wetlands 12: 8-21. deer as keystone species within forest habitats of Spieles, J.B., P.J. Comer, D.A. Albert, and M.A. Kost. Virginia. Virginia Journal of Science 43: 177-186. 1999. Natural community abstract for prairie fen. Meekins, F.J., and B.C. McCarthy. 2001. Effect of Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. environmental variation on the invasive success of 4 pp. http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/ a nonindigenous forest herb. Ecological ecology/Prairie_fen.pdf Applications 11: 1336-1348. Strole, T.A., and R.C. Anderson. 1992. White-tailed Nuzzo, V. 1998. Natural Area Consultants, Groton, deer browsing: Species preferences and NY. implications for central Illinois forests. Natural Owens, C.S., and J.D. Madsen. 1995. Low Areas Journal 12: 139-144. temperature limits of water-hyacinth. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 33: 63-68.

Metroparks Inventory Page-39 Tepley, A.J., J.G. Cohen, and L. Huberty. 2004. Natural Warners, D. P. 1997. Plant diversity in sedge community abstract for floodplain forest. Michigan meadows: Effects of groundwater and fire. Ph.D. Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI.14 pp. http:/ dissertation, U. of Mich., Ann Arbor, MI. 231 pp. /web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/ecology/ White, A.S. 1983. The effects of thirteen years of floodplain_forest.pdf annual prescribed burning on a Quercus Tester, J.R. 1989. Effects of fire frequency on oak ellipsoidalis community in Minnesota. Ecology 64: savanna in east-central Minnesota. Bulletin of the 1081-1085. Torrey Botanical Club 116: 134-144. Wilcove, D.S., C.H. McLellan, and A.P. Dobson. USDA Forest Service. 2002. Pest Alert – Emerald Ash 1986. Habitat fragmentation in the temperate Borer. St Paul, MN. Available: http:// zone. Pp. 237-256 in M.E. Soule, ed., www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/eab/eab.htm. Conservation Biology: The Science of Scarcity and (Accessed: March 1, 2004.) Diversity. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA. Viro, P.J. 1974. Effects of forest fire on soil. Pp. 7-45 in T.T. Kozlowski and C.E. Ahlgren, eds., Fire and Ecosystems. Academic Press, New York, NY. Waller, D.M., and W.S. Alverson. 1997. The white- tailed deer: A keystone herbivore. Wildlife Society Bulletin 25: 217-226.

Metroparks Inventory Page-40 llows: Nt, al. 2001). F E C B A G D Site Code ---xx------x------x-- -xx-x------x------x-x ----x------x------x------x- ----x------x-- ---x------x------x-- -x--x------x ----x-- x-xx--- x--x--- x------x-----x x-----x ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB . "X" indicates the species occurred within site. "-" Site Abbreviation WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Ricket Road Wet Meadow/Prairie Fen Complex Huron Meadows Oak-Hickory Forest Site Name Winans Tamarack Swamp Ore Lake Swamp Huron River Floodplain Forest Maltby Lake Fen Huron Oak Barrens Acer negundoAcer nigrumACER PLATANOIDESAcer rubrumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharumAchillea millefolium NORWAY MAPLEAcorus calamus box elderActaea pachypoda black mapleActaea rubraAdiantum pedatum silver maple red mapleAgalinis purpurea yarrow Ad Tree sugar mapleAgrimonia pubescensAgropyron trachycaulum sweet-flagAILANTHUS ALTISSIMA doll's-eyes 0 Alisma plantago-aquatica maidenhair fernALLIARIA PETIOLATA Nt Tree red baneberry slender wheat grass TREE-OF-HEAVEN Nt Tree soft agrimonyAmelanchier arborea purple gerardiaAmphicarpaea bracteata Nt Tree water-plantainAndropogon gerardii GARLIC MUSTARD Nt Tree 0 Nt TreeAndropogon scoparius 4 Nt P-ForbAnemone cylindrica 2 Tree Ad Anemonella thalictroides hog-peanut juneberry Nt P-Forb Nt P-Grass Nt P-Forb Nt Fern 1 5 1 big bluestem Nt A-Forb Nt P-Forb Ad B-Forb Nt P-Forb little bluestem grass 8 6 0 7 rue anemone 6 Nt P-Forb thimbleweed 0 7 7 5 1 Nt P-Grass Nt A-Forb Nt Tree Nt P-Grass 5 5 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 5 4 8 6 Scientific Name Common Nam was not observed at the site. Capitalized scientific and common names indicate non-native species. Life form acronyms are as fo Appendix 1. native; P, perennial; Ad, adventive; B, biannual; A, annual. "C" is the Coefficient of Conservation for each species (Herman et A, annual. "C" is the Coefficient Ad, adventive; B, biannual; perennial; native; P,

Metroparks Inventory Page-41 --xxxx- ----x------x-x --x-x-- --x-x------x ------x ----x------x-x ---x------x------x- --x-x-- --xxx------x --x-x------x------x------x-x ----x-- xxx-- - - x------x------x------x------x-x-xx- xx-x- - - x-x---- x-xxxx- xx- -- - - x-x---- xx-x- - - ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Apios americana groundnut Nt P-Forb 3 Apocynum androsaemifoliumApocynum cannabinumAralia nudicaulis spreading dogbaneArisaema triphyllumAristida purpurascensAsclepias amplexicaulis indian hempAsclepias exaltataAsclepias incarnataAsplenium platyneuron Nt P-Forb jack-in-the-pulpit wild sarsaparilla three-awned grassAster borealis clasping milkweedAster laevis 3 Aster lanceolatusAster lateriflorus poke milkweed ebony spleenwort swamp milkweedAster macrophyllus Nt P-ForbAster novae-angliae Nt P-ForbAster puniceus Nt P-Grass Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 3 Aster umbellatus northern bog asterAthyrium filix-femina 5 8 eastern lined aster 10 5 BERBERIS THUNBERGII smooth aster side-flowering aster big-leaved aster Nt Fern Nt P-ForbBERTEROA INCANA Nt P-Forb New England asterBetula alleghaniensis JAPANESE BARBERRYBetula pumila 6 6 lady fern 2 Bidens cernuus swamp aster tall flat-top white aster Nt P-ForbBoehmeria cylindrica HOARY ALYSSUM Nt P-ForbBotrychium virginianum Nt P-Forb Ad ShrubBrachyelytrum erectum yellow birch 9 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt P-ForbBromus ciliatus 2 2 BROMUS INERMIS Nt P-Forb 0 3 rattlesnake fern false nettleCalamagrostis canadensis 4 bog birch Ad A-Forb 5 nodding bur-marigoldCaltha palustris long-awned wood grass 5 Campanula americana Nt P-Forb 0 Nt Fern blue-joint grass SMOOTH BROME 5 fringed brome Nt Tree Nt P-Grass Nt A-Forb 4 tall bellflower Nt Fern 7 marsh marigold 3 7 Nt P-Forb Nt Shrub Ad P-Grass 5 Nt P-Grass 5 0 8 Nt P-Grass 3 Nt A-Forb 6 Nt P-Forb 8 6 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-42 -x---x- ----x------x- --x--x- --x------x ----x------x------x- --xxx------x------x------x-- --x-x------x-x ----x-x --xx--- --x---- -xx------x --xx--- --x-x------x-- x------xx- -- - - xxxx- - - x------xxxx-x- xx- -- - - xx- --x- xx- -- - - ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron OX-EYE DAISY Ad P-Forb 0 Plant species observed at Carex albursinaCarex aquatilisCarex buxbaumiiCarex cryptolepisCarex hystericinaCarex lacustrisCarex lasiocarpa sedgeCarex lupulinaCarex muhlenbergii sedge sedgeCarex pedunculata sedgeCarex pensylvanica sedgeCarex strictaCarex vulpinoidea sedge sedgeCarpinus caroliniana sedgeCarya cordiformis sedge sedgeCarya glabra sedgeCarya ovataCELASTRUS ORBICULATA Nt P-Sedge sedgeCeltis tenuifolia Nt P-Sedge blue-beech Nt P-Sedge sedge ORIENTAL BITTERSWEETCENTAUREA MACULOSA 5 Nt P-SedgeCephalanthus occidentalis bitternut hickory 7 Nt P-Sedge 10 Cercis canadensis Ad W-Vine 10 SPOTTED KNAPWEEDChelone glabra Nt P-Sedge 2 Nt P-Sedge pignut hickoryCHRYSANTHEMUM 0 buttonbush Nt P-Sedge shagbark hickoryLEUCANTHEMUM Nt P-Sedge 6 dwarf hackberry 8 Cicuta bulbifera Ad B-Forb Nt P-Sedge Nt P-Sedge 7 Cicuta maculata 4 Nt Tree Nt TreeCircaea lutetiana redbud 5 0 4 Cirsium muticum Nt P-Sedge Nt P-SedgeCladium mariscoides turtlehead 5 Collinsonia canadensis 6 Nt Tree 1 Nt Tree 4 Nt Shrub water hemlock Nt Shrub water hemlock 5 enchanter's-nightshade 5 twig rush swamp thistle 5 richweed 7 Nt Tree Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt B-Forb 8 7 2 5 Nt B-Forb 4 Nt P-Sedge Nt P-Forb 6 10 8 Campanula aparinoides marsh bellflower Nt P-Forb 7 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-43 ----x-- --x------x------x------x --x-x------x ------x ----x-x --x------x ------x ------x ----x------x ----x------x ------x ---xx-- --x-x-- --x---- -x-xx-x -x------xx------x-- x------xx-x- - - x-xxxxx xx- -- - - xx- -- - - x------x------ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Comandra umbellata bastard toadflax Nt P-Forb 5 CONVALLARIA MAJALISCoptis trifoliaCornus alternifolia LILY-OF-THE-VALLEYCornus amomumCornus floridaCornus foeminaCornus stolonifera Ad P-ForbCORONILLA VARIA alternate-leaved dogwoodCorylus americana 0 goldthreadCuscuta gronovii silky dogwoodCrataegus sp.Cyperus filiculmis flowering dogwood Nt Tree CROWN-VETCH gray dogwood red-osier dogwoodDAUCUS CAROTADecodon verticillatus hazelnutDeschampsia flexuosa 5 Desmodium canadense common dodderDesmodium ciliare Nt Shrub Nt Tree slender sand sedge Nt P-ForbDesmodium glutinosum QUEEN-ANNE'S-LACE Ad P-Forb hawthorn Nt ShrubDesmodium illinoense whorled or swamp loosestrife hair grassDesmodium nudiflorum Nt Shrub 2 showy tick-trefoil 5 0 Desmodium sessilifolium 8 Nt Shrub 2 Ad B-ForbDIANTHUS ARMERIA clustered-leaved tick-trefoil hairy tick-trefoil 1 Dioscorea villosa Nt A-Forb prairie tick-trefoil Nt P-SedgeDryopteris carthusiana Nt Shrub naked tick-trefoil 0 7 sessile-leaved tick-trefoilDryopteris cristata Nt P-Forb 3 DEPTFORD PINKEchinocystis lobata 2 Nt P-Forb 5 ELAEAGNUS UMBELLATA Nt Tree 5 Eleocharis elliptica Nt P-Forb Nt P-Grass spinulose woodfern AUTUMN-OLIVEEleocharis rostellata 3 wild yam Nt P-Forb Nt P-ForbElymus virginicus Nt P-Forb 6 crested shield fernEpifagus virginiana 8 Ad A-Forb wild-cucumber 10 6 7 golden-seeded spike-rush 0 Nt Fern spike-rush Ad Shrub Virginia wild-rye beech drops Nt Fern 0 Nt P-Sedge 5 Nt P-Forb Nt A-Forb 6 6 4 2 Nt P-Grass Nt P-Sedge 4 Nt P-Forb 10 10 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-44 --x-x-- -xx------x ----x------x------x ----x------x ------x ----x-- --xx------x------x------x------x-- --xx--- --x------x------x------x ----x------x------x x------xxxx-x- xxx--x- x----x- x-xx--- x---x-- xx- -- - - x------x------ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Epilobium coloratum cinnamon willow-herb Nt P-Forb 3 Equisetum arvenseEquisetum fluviatileErigeron strigosusEUONYMUS ALATAEuonymus obovataEupatorium maculatum common horsetailEupatorium perfoliatum water horsetailEuphorbia corollata WINGED WAHOOEuthamia graminifolia daisy fleabaneFagus grandifolia joe-pye-weed running strawberry-bushFESTUCA RUBRA common bonesetFragaria virginianaFraxinus americana Nt Fern Ally flowering spurge grass-leaved goldenrod Ad ShrubFraxinus nigra Nt Fern Ally 0 Nt ShrubFraxinus pennsylvanicaGalium aparine American beech 7 RED FESCUE Nt P-Forb 0 Galium boreale 5 Nt P-Forb wild strawberry Nt P-ForbGalium circaezans Nt P-Forb white ash 4 Gaylussacia baccata red ashGentianopsis procera Nt P-Forb 4 4 3 Geranium maculatum black ashGeum canadense 4 annual bedstraw Nt TreeGLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ad P-Grass northern bedstraw white wild licoriceGlyceria striata huckleberry Nt P-ForbHackelia virginiana small fringed gentian GROUND IVY 0 wild geraniumHamamelis virginiana 6 Helenium autumnale 2 Nt TreeHelianthemum bicknellii white avens Nt TreeHepatica americana Nt A-Forb Nt P-ForbHESPERIS MATRONALIS Nt P-Forb Nt Tree Nt A-Forb beggar's-lice witch-hazel 5 fowl manna grassHIERACIUM AURANTIACUM rockrose 0 ORANGE HAWKWEED Ad P-Forb sneezeweed 2 4 Nt Shrub 3 8 DAME'S ROCKET Nt P-Forb 6 round-lobed hepatica 0 7 Ad P-Forb 4 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Grass 0 Ad P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt Shrub 1 4 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 0 1 Nt P-Forb 5 6 5 10 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-45 ------x ----x------x --x-x------x -x--x-- --xx--- --x------x------xx------x ------x ------x ------x --x-x-- -xxxx------x --x-x-- --xx-x- ----x------x-x xxxx- - - xxxx- - - x-xx--- x------x----x- x---x-x xxxx-x- xx- --x- x-xx--- x--x--- x------ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at HIERACIUM CAESPITOSUM KING-DEVIL Ad P-Forb 0 Humulus lupulusHYPERICUM PERFORATUMHystrix patula COMMON ST. JOHN'S-WORTIlex verticillataImpatiens capensis Ad P-ForbIris virginicaJuglans nigra 0 common hopJuncus brachycephalusJuncus tenuisJuniperus communis bottlebrush grass spotted touch-me-notJuniperus virginiana Michigan hollyLaportea canadensis rushLarix laricina southern blue flagLathyrus palustris black walnutLeersia oryzoides Nt H-Vine common or ground juniper Nt A-ForbLeersia virginica red-cedar path rush Nt P-GrassLemna minor wood nettle 3 LEONURUS CARDIACA Nt Shrub 2 Nt ShrubLespedeza capitata 5 Nt P-ForbLespedeza hirta marsh pea tamarack 5 Lespedeza virginica MOTHERWORT cut grass 4 Liatris aspera white grass Nt Tree 5 LIGUSTRUM VULGARE Nt P-ForbLindera benzoin small duckweed round-headed bush-cloverLiparis lilifolia Nt Tree Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 7 5 Liriodendron tulipifera COMMON PRIVET slender bush-clover hairy bush-cloverLobelia cardinalis Ad P-ForbLobelia kalmii 4 1 Nt P-Forb 3 Nt P-ForbLobelia siphilitica rough blazing star Nt Tree 0 LONICERA MAACKII Nt P-Grass tulip tree spicebush Nt P-Grass 5 LONICERA MORROWII Nt A-Forb 7 Ad Shrub purple twayblade orchid Nt P-Forb 3 5 5 cardinal flower Nt P-Forb 5 AMUR HONEYSUCKLE 0 MORROW HONEYSUCKLE 5 great blue lobelia bog lobelia Nt P-Forb 7 Nt P-Forb Ad Shrub Ad Shrub 4 8 0 Nt Shrub Nt Tree Nt P-Forb 0 Nt P-Forb 7 7 9 Nt P-Forb 4 10 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-46 ----x-- --x------xx------x------x --x------x --x-x------x-x ----x------x-x ---x--- --x------x-x------x ----x------x-- --xx------x------x -xxxx-- x-xx--- xxx-- - - xx- -- - - x-xx--- xx-x-x- xx- -- - - x----x- xxxx- - - x------xx- -- - - x----x- ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at LONICERA TATARICA TARTARIAN HONEYSUCKLE Shrub Ad 0 Lycopus americanusLycopus uniflorusLysimachia ciliataLYSIMACHIA NUMMULARIALysimachia quadrifolia MONEYWORTLYTHRUM SALICARIA common water horehoundMaianthemum canadenseMalus sp. northern bugle weed fringed loosestrifeMatteuccia struthiopteris four-leaved loosestrife PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE Nt P-ForbMELILOTUS ALBA Canada mayflowerMentha arvensis Ad P-ForbMitchella repens 2 ostrich fern Ad P-ForbMonarda fistulosa Nt P-ForbMonotropa uniflora 0 Nt P-Forb WHITE SWEET CLOVERMORUS ALBA Nt P-Forb 0 2 Muhlenbergia glomerata Nt P-Forb 8 appleMuhlenbergia mexicana wild mint 4 MYOSOTIS SCORPIOIDES B-Forb Ad partridge berryNymphaea odorata wild bergamot 4 indian pipe marsh wild-timothyNyssa sylvatica 0 FORGET-ME-NOTOenothera biennis leafy satin grass Nt Fern WHITE MULBERRYOnoclea sensibilisOsmorhiza claytoniiOsmunda cinnamomea 3 sweet-scented waterlilyOsmunda regalis Nt P-Grass Nt P-Forb Ad P-ForbOstrya virginiana Ad Tree Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb black gumOxypolis rigidior Nt Tree common evening primrose 10 Nt P-Grass Nt P-ForbPanicum virgatum sensitive fern 0 5 hairy sweet-cicely cinnamon fern 2 Parnassia glauca 3 Nt P-Forb 0 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 3 5 Nt B-Forb 5 Pedicularis lanceolata royal fern 6 ironwood; hop-hornbeam 2 Virginia creeper cowbane switch grass Nt P-Forb Nt Tree grass-of-parnassus Nt Fern Nt Fern swamp-betony Nt Tree 4 9 2 5 5 Nt W-Vine Nt Fern Nt P-Forb 5 Nt P-Grass Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 5 8 4 6 8 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-47 ---x------x ----x------x------x-- --x------x------x-x ------x ----x------x-x --x------x------x------x-- ---x------x-x ----x-x --x-x------x------x------x-- --xx--- --x-x-- xxxx-x- x--x--- x------x--x--- x-x---- x- - -xxx xx- --x- xxx--x- ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Phalaris arundinaceaPHLEUM PRATENSEPhragmites australisPhryma leptostachyaPhysocarpus opulifoliusPhytolacca americana reed canary grass TIMOTHYPICEA ABIESPilea pumila reedPinus strobus ninebark lopseedPINUS SYLVESTRIS pokeweedPLANTAGO MAJORPlatanus occidentalis Nt P-GrassPOA COMPRESSAPoa palustris NORWAY SPRUCE SCOTCH PINE Ad P-Grass 0 Podophyllum peltatum COMMON PLANTAIN clearweedPolygonatum pubescens white pine 0 Polygonum hydropiper sycamorePolygonum sagittatum CANADA BLUEGRASS Nt Shrub Nt P-ForbPolygonum virginianum Nt P-Grass Ad Tree may-apple Nt P-Forb Ad P-ForbPopulus deltoides downy solomon-sealPopulus grandidentata 4 0 4 Tree Ad water-pepper fowl meadow grass P-Grass Ad Populus tremuloides 0 2 0 arrow-leaved tear-thumbPotentilla fruticosa jumpseedPrunus serotina 0 0 Nt A-ForbPrunus virginiana Nt Tree Nt P-Forb big-toothed aspenPteridium aquilinum Nt Tree cottonwood A-Forb Nt Pycnanthemum virginianum 5 quaking aspen Nt P-Grass 5 Pyrola elliptica Nt P-Forb 3 shrubby cinquefoilQuercus alba 5 Nt A-Forb 7 3 common mountain mintQuercus bicolor 3 wild black cherryQuercus macrocarpa choke cherry bracken fern 1 Nt P-Forb Nt Tree Nt P-Forb Nt Tree 4 Nt Tree Nt Shrub large-leaved shinleaf 4 bur oak 5 white oak swamp white oak Nt Tree 10 1 1 Nt Shrub Nt Fern Nt P-Forb 2 2 0 6 Nt Tree Nt Tree Nt Tree 8 5 5 Peltandra virginica arrow-arum Nt P-Forb 6 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-48 ----x------x-x ----x-- -x------xx- ----x-x ------x ----x------x-x --x-x-x ----x------x-x ----x-x ------x -xxx------x--- --x--x------x- --x------x------x-- ---x------x- xxx-x- - xx- -- - - xx- --x- xxx-- - - x---x-x xx-x-x- xxxx-x- xx- -- - - xx- -- - - ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Quercus rubra red oak Nt Tree 5 Quercus velutinaRanunculus abortivusRhamnus alnifoliaRHAMNUS CATHARTICARHAMNUS FRANGULARhus aromatica COMMON BUCKTHORN small-flowered buttercupRhus glabra black oakRhynchospora capillacea GLOSSY BUCKTHORN alder-leaved buckthornRibes cynosbati Ad TreeROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA Nt A-ForbROSA MULTIFLORA beak-rush Ad ShrubRosa palustris BLACK LOCUST 0 fragrant sumacRubus allegheniensis 0 Nt ShrubRubus flagellaris 0 Rubus occidentalis smooth sumac MULTIFLORA ROSE prickly or wild gooseberryRubus pubescens Nt Tree 8 Rudbeckia hirtaRUMEX ACETOSELLA Ad Tree common blackberryRumex orbiculatus Nt Shrub swamp rose 6 Ad ShrubSagittaria latifolia Nt Shrub northern dewberry Nt P-Sedge black raspberrySalix amygdaloides 0 SHEEP SORRELSalix bebbiana 4 dwarf raspberry Nt Tree 10 0 7 Salix candida Nt Shrub black-eyed susanSalix exigua great water dockSalix petiolaris 2 Sambucus canadensis common arrowhead Nt Shrub 1 peach-leaved willowSanicula gregaria Nt Shrub Nt Shrub Ad P-ForbSarracenia purpureaSassafras albidum Bebb's willow Nt P-Forb 1 Saururus cernuus 0 Nt P-Forb 5 hoary willow 1 elderberrySchoenoplectus acutus Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 4 Nt Tree sandbar willow slender willow 1 black snakeroot pitcher-plant 9 1 sassafras 3 hardstem bulrush lizard's-tail Nt Shrub Nt Shrub Nt Shrub Nt Shrub 1 Nt Shrub Nt P-Forb 9 Nt P-Forb 1 Nt P-Sedge 1 3 2 10 5 Nt Tree Nt P-Forb 9 5 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-49 -----x------x- --x------x --xx-x- ----x-- --x------x------x ------x ------x --x------x -xxxx-- --x-x-- --x------xxx------x xx- -- - - xxx-- - - xx- --x- x------x------x-x--x- xx- --x- x-x-x-- xx- -- - - x--x--- x-xx--- xx- -- - - x------xxxx-x- ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C e Huron Meadows Metropark Huron Plant species observed at Schoenoplectus pungens three-square Nt P-Sedge 5 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontaniScirpus atrovirens softstem bulrushScutellaria galericulataSenecio aureusSILENE PRATENSISSium suaveSmilacina stellata common skullcapSOLANUM DULCAMARA bulrush Nt P-SedgeSolidago altissima WHITE CATCHFLYSolidago caesia BITTERSWEET NIGHTSHADESolidago canadensis 4 golden ragwort Ad P-ForbSolidago giganteaSolidago nemoralis starry false solomon-seal Nt P-ForbSolidago ohioensis 0 water-parsnip Ad P-Forb tall goldenrodSolidago patulaSolidago riddellii Canada goldenrod 5 blue-stemmed goldenrod 0 Solidago rugosa Nt P-Forb Nt P-SedgeSolidago speciosa late goldenrod Nt P-Forb old field goldenrodSolidago uliginosa 5 3 Ohio goldenrodSparganium eurycarpum 5 Nt P-ForbSpiraea alba Nt P-Forb swamp goldenrodSpiranthes cernua Riddell's goldenrod Nt P-Forb Nt P-ForbStaphylea trifolia 7 rough goldenrod common bur-reedSTELLARIA GRAMINEA showy goldenrod 5 Nt P-Forb bog goldenrodSymplocarpus foetidus 1 1 Nt P-ForbThalictrum dasycarpum Nt P-ForbThalictrum dioicum STARWORT 2 Nt P-ForbThelypteris palustris 3 Nt P-Forb nodding ladies'-tresses meadowsweetThuja occidentalis 8 bladdernut skunk cabbageTilia americana Nt P-Forb purple meadow-rue Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 6 6 TORILIS JAPONICA Nt P-Forb early meadow-rue 5 Nt P-Forb 3 5 marsh fern Ad P-Forb 4 northern white-cedar 4 HEDGE-PARSLEY Nt P-Forb Nt Shrub Nt P-Forb basswood 0 Nt Shrub 3 Nt P-Forb 4 6 Nt Tree 9 Ad A-Forb 6 Nt Fern 0 4 2 Nt Tree 5 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-50 ----x-- --x------x-- ---x------x-- --xx------x-- -xxxx------x ------x ------x ------x -xxxx------x------x-- --x-x------x ----x------x-- --x-x-- xxxx-x- xx- -- - - xxxx-x- xxxxx- - xx- -- - - x------x------xxxxx- - ABCDEFG Site Site Code Name WMPF WTS OLS HRFF HOHF MLF HOB (continued). Life Form C Ad Shrub 0 Nt Shrub 3 e Y h Huron Meadows Metropark Huron rickly-as p CRANBERR m Plant species observed at Viola nephrophyllaViola pubescensViola sororiaVitis aestivalisVitis ripariaZanthoxylum americanu northern bog violetTotal number of species observed in survey siteTotal number of species observed in Huron Meadows Metropark: 338 yellow violet common blue violet summer grape Nt P-Forb riverbank grape 8 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt W-Vine 1 4 Nt W-Vine 6 3 102 65 100 68 145 42 75 Toxicodendron radicans poison ivy Nt W-Vine 2 Toxicodendron vernixTRAGOPOGON DUBIUSTriadenum fraseriTRIFOLIUM CAMPESTRETRIFOLIUM PRATENSE GOAT'S BEARD poison sumacTypha latifolia LOW HOP CLOVERUlmus americanaULMUS PUMILA RED CLOVERUrtica dioica marsh St. John's-wortUtricularia intermediaUvularia grandiflora Ad B-Forb Ad A-ForbVaccinium angustifoliumVaccinium corymbosum broad-leaved cattail American elm Nt Shrub 0 0 SIBERIAN ELMValeriana uliginosa Nt P-Forb flat-leaved bladderwortVERBASCUM THAPSUS Ad P-Forb blueberryVerbena hastata 6 bellwort 6 nettle smooth highbush blueberryVerbena urticifolia 0 Viburnum acerifolium COMMON MULLEIN Nt P-ForbViburnum dentatum Nt P-Forb bog valerianViburnum lentago Nt Shrub Ad Tree Nt TreeVIBURNUM OPULUS 1 10 Ad B-Forb maple-leaved arrow-wood blue vervain white vervain 6 0 1 smooth arrow-wood Nt Shrub 0 EUROPEAN HIGHBUSH- Nt P-Forb nannyberry Nt Shrub Nt P-Forb 4 Nt P-Forb 5 6 1 Nt Shrub 10 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 6 4 4 Nt Shrub 4 Scientific Name Common Nam Appendix 1.

Metroparks Inventory Page-51 s: Nt, native; 1). ---x ---x -x-x --x- ---x --x- ---x ---x -xx- ---x ---x --x- ---x -x-- --x- --x- --x- --x- -x-- x--- x--- x--- x--- x--- x--- HI JK Site Site Code Name EP EGCW EM EW I J H . "X" indicates the species occurred within site. "-" was Lake Erie Metropark EGCW EM EP Plant species observed at Erie Golf Course Wetlands Erie Marsh Erie Woods EW K Site NameErie Prairie Site Abbreviation Site Code Scientific NameAcer negundoAcer saccharinumAcer saccharumAgrimonia gryposepalaAGROPYRON REPENSAlisma plantago-aquatica Common NameALLIARIA PETIOLATA silver mapleALNUS GLUTINOSA tall agrimony box elder QUACK GRASSAnemone canadensis water-plantain sugar mapleApocynum cannabinum GARLIC MUSTARDARCTIUM MINUSArisaema triphyllum BLACK ALDERAsclepias incarnata Canada anemone indian hempAsclepias syriacaAster lateriflorus Life FormBERBERIS THUNBERGII COMMON BURDOCKBidens cernuus jack-in-the-pulpit Ad P-Grass C Ad B-Forb Nt P-ForbBoehmeria cylindrica Nt Tree swamp milkweed JAPANESE BARBERRY Nt P-ForbBolboschoenus fluviatilis 0 Nt Tree 0 Nt TreeBUTOMUS UMBELLATUS common milkweed 2 Ad TreeCalamagrostis canadensis side-flowering aster 2 1 Calystegia sepium FLOWERING RUSH bulrush Ad B-Forb Nt P-Forb 0 false nettleCarex bebbii 5 nodding bur-marigold 0 Carex comosa P-Forb Nt blue-joint grass Ad Shrub 0 Carex frankii 4 Nt P-Forb 3 Nt P-Forb 0 hedge bindweed Nt P-Forb 5 Nt P-Forb Ad P-Forb 6 sedge 1 Nt A-Forb sedge 2 0 Frank's sedge 3 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Grass Nt P-Sedge 3 5 6 Nt P-Forb 2 Nt P-Sedge Nt P-Sedge Nt P-Sedge 4 4 5 not observed at the site. Capitalized scientific and common names indicate non-native species. Life form acronyms are as follow Appendix 2. of Conservation for each species (Herman et al. 200 A, annual. "C" is the Coefficient Ad, adventive; B, biannual; perennial; P,

Metroparks Inventory Page-52 ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x --x- ---x -xx- --x- --x- --x- -x-- ---x ---x --x- --x- --x- -x-- --xx x--- x--- xx-x xxxx x--- HI JK Site Site Code Name EP EGCW EM EW (continued). Lake Erie Metropark Plant species observed at Scientific Name Common Name Life Form C Carex granularis sedge Nt P-Sedge 2 Carex grayiCarex hirtifoliaCarex leptonerviaCarex muskingumensisCarex pensylvanicaCarex plantagineaCarex radiataCarex stricta sedge sedge sedge sedgeCarex vulpinoideaCarpinus caroliniana sedgeCarya cordiformis sedgeCarya laciniosaCarya ovataCeltis occidentalis straight-styled wood sedge sedgeCeratophyllum demersum blue-beech sedgeCircaea lutetiana bitternut hickoryCIRSIUM ARVENSECornus drummondii coontail shellbark hickoryCrataegus sp. hackberry Nt P-SedgeCuscuta gronovii Nt P-Sedge shagbark hickoryCyperus erythrorhizos Nt P-Sedge Nt P-Sedge Nt P-Sedge CANADIAN THISTLECyperus strigosus 2 enchanter's-nightshade 6 Nt P-SedgeDIPSACUS FULLONUM 5 rough-leaved dogwood 6 3 Dryopteris carthusiana Nt P-Sedge 4 Echinocystis lobata umbrella sedge Nt Tree Nt TreeEICHHORNIA CRASSIPES COMMON TEASEL common dodder 8 hawthornElodea canadensis Nt P-Sedge Nt Tree Ad P-Forb Nt P-Sedge long-scaled nut sedgeEpilobium coloratum COMMON WATER HYACINTH spinulose woodfern 5 6 EPILOBIUM HIRSUTUM Nt P-Forb 1 Nt Tree Nt P-Forb Nt ShrubErechtites hieracifolia 4 0 wild cucumber 9 Nt Tree Ad A-Forb 2 GREAT HAIRY WILLOW-HERB 1 5 common waterweed 6 cinnamon willow herb Ad P-Forb 0 5 fireweed Ad P-Forb Nt A-Sedge Nt A-Forb Nt P-Sedge 0 Nt Fern 6 0 3 Nt Tree 3 5 Nt P-Forb Nt A-Forb Nt P-Forb 2 3 1 Nt A-Forb 2 Appendix 2.

Metroparks Inventory Page-53 -xx- ---x -x-x ---x ---x ---x ---x -x-- ---x ---x -xx- ---x ---x -xxx ---x ---x ---x ---x --x- ---x --x- ---x -xx- x--- x--- x--- x--- x--- x--x x--- x--- HI JK Site Site Code Name EP EGCW EM EW (continued). Lake Erie Metropark Plant species observed at Scientific Name Common Name Life Form C Eupatorium perfoliatumFagus grandifoliaFESTUCA ARUNDINACEAFraxinus americana common bonesetFraxinus nigra TALL FESCUEFraxinus pennsylvanicaGalium triflorumGeranium maculatum American beechGeum canadense white ashGeum rivale red ashGleditsia triacanthosGlyceria striata black ash wild geraniumHibiscus moscheutos fragrant bedstraw Nt P-Forb Ad P-GrassHORDEUM JUBATUMHydrastis canadensis white avensHystrix patula 0 honey locust 4 Nt TreeImpatiens capensis SQUIRREL-TAIL GRASS purple avens swamp rose mallowJuglans nigra fowl manna grassJuncus dudleyi goldensealLaportea canadensis 6 Nt TreeLathyrus palustris Nt P-Forb Nt TreeLeersia oryzoides Nt P-Forb spotted touch-me-notLeersia virginica Ad P-Grass bottlebrush grass Nt Tree 5 Lemna minor 4 4 LIGUSTRUM VULGARE 0 wood nettle 2 black walnut Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Dudley's rushLONICERA MORROWII Nt Tree 6 marsh peaLycopus uniflorus Nt P-Grass Nt P-Forb COMMON PRIVETLYSIMACHIA NUMMULARIA cut grass 1 7 MONEYWORTLYTHRUM SALICARIA MORROW HONEYSUCKLE white grass 8 4 Nt A-ForbMELILOTUS ALBA 7 Nt P-ForbMELILOTUS OFFICINALIS small duckweed Nt P-Grass PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE 2 northern bugle weed YELLOW SWEET-CLOVER 5 Ad Shrub 5 WHITE SWEET-CLOVER Ad Shrub Nt Tree Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 0 Ad B-Forb Ad P-Forb Nt P-Forb Ad P-Forb 4 0 1 5 Nt P-Grass 0 Nt P-Grass Ad B-Forb 0 0 Nt A-Forb 7 Nt P-Forb 3 5 0 5 2 Appendix 2.

Metroparks Inventory Page-54 ---x --x- --x- --x- --x- ---x ---x -xxx -x-- ---x --x- --x- --x- ---x --x- --x- --x- ---x ---x ---x ---x ---x -x-x ---x ---x --xx xx- - xx- - x--- xxxx x--- HI JK Site Site Code Name EP EGCW EM EW (continued). Lake Erie Metropark Plant species observed at Scientific Name Common Name Life Form C Menispermum canadense moonseed Nt W-Vine 5 Mentha arvensisNelumbo luteaNymphaea odorataOenothera biennisOstrya virginianaParthenocissus quinquefoliaPhalaris arundinacea wild mintPHLEUM PRATENSE sweet-scented waterlily Virginia creeper American lotusPhragmites australis common evening primrosePlatanthera leucophaeaPOA PRATENSIS ironwood; hop-hornbeamPodophyllum peltatum reed canary grass TIMOTHYPolygonum amphibiumPolygonum hydropiper reed eastern prairie-fringed orchidPOLYGONUM PERSICARIA Nt P-Forb Nt B-ForbPolygonum virginianum may-apple KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS LADY'S THUMBPopulus deltoides Nt Tree water smartweed Nt W-Vine 6 2 POTAMOGETON CRISPUS Nt P-Forb water-pepper Nt P-ForbPotamogeton gramineus Nt P-Forb 5 jumpseedPotamogeton natans PONDWEED 5 Nt P-Grass 8 3 Potentilla simplex 10 Ad P-GrassPrenanthes alba Ad P-Grass 0 pondweed cottonwoodPrunus serotina 0 Quercus alba 0 Ad A-ForbQuercus bicolor pondweed Nt P-ForbQuercus macrocarpa old field cinquefoil Nt P-GrassQuercus rubra Nt P-Forb 0 RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Nt A-Forb 6 white lettuceRHAMNUS FRANGULA 0 3 black cherry Ad P-ForbRhus typhina COMMON BUCKTHORN 1 Nt P-Forb bur oak white oak swamp white oak GLOSSY BUCKTHORN 0 Nt Tree 4 Nt P-Forb red oak Nt P-Forb Ad Tree Nt P-Forb 5 1 2 staghorn sumac Ad Shrub 5 Nt P-Forb 0 Nt Tree Nt Tree 0 5 Nt Tree Nt Tree 2 8 5 Nt Tree 5 Nt Tree 5 2 Appendix 2.

Metroparks Inventory Page-55 ---x ---x --x- -xx- -x-- ---x -x-- --x- --x- --x- --x- ---x -x-x -x-- --x- ---x ---x ---x --x- -xx- --x- --x- --xx ---x xx- - x--- xx- - x--x xx- - xx-x x--- HI JK Site Site Code Name EP EGCW EM EW (continued). Lake Erie Metropark Plant species observed at Scientific Name Common Name Life Form C Ribes americanum wild black currant Nt Shrub 6 ROSA MULTIFLORARosa setigeraRUMEX CRISPUSSagittaria latifoliaSalix exigua MULTIFLORA ROSESambucus canadensisSanicula gregariaSchoenoplectus acutus CURLY DOCKScirpus atrovirens prairie rose common arrowheadScirpus pendulus elderberryScutellaria galericulata Ad ShrubScutellaria lateriflora hardstem bulrush sandbar willowSium suave black snakerootSmilacina racemosa 0 bulrushSOLANUM DULCAMARA common skullcapSolidago altissima bulrush mad-dog skullcapSpirodela polyrhiza Ad P-Forb BITTERSWEET NIGHTSHADE Nt P-ForbTeucrium canadenseTilia americana false spikenard 0 Nt ShrubToxicodendron radicans 1 Ad P-Forb water-parsnipTRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Nt P-Sedge Nt Shrub tall goldenrod Nt ShrubTriosteum perfoliatum Nt P-Forb great duckweed 5 TYPHA ANGUSTIFOLIA 0 wood sage 5 Nt P-Forb poison ivyTypha latifolia RED CLOVER 3 2 1 Ulmus americana Nt P-Forb basswood NARROW-LEAVED CATTAILVallisneria americana 5 horse-gentian Nt P-SedgeVerbena hastata 5 Nt P-SedgeVerbena urticifolia Nt P-Forb 3 Vernonia missurica Ad P-ForbViburnum lentago 3 eel grass Nt P-Forb broad-leaved cattail American elm 5 Nt P-Forb Nt A-Forb 0 Ad P-Forb 5 blue vervain white vervain Nt P-Forb 6 1 Missouri ironweed Nt W-Vine 0 nannyberry Nt P-Forb 4 Nt Tree 2 Nt P-Forb 5 5 Nt Tree 1 Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb Nt P-Forb 1 7 4 4 4 Nt Shrub 4 Appendix 2.

Metroparks Inventory Page-56 ---x -xxx --x- ---x HI JK 31 32 52 76 Site Site Code Name EP EGCW EM EW (continued). Lake Erie Metropark site y Plant species observed at Scientific Name Common Name Life Form C VIBURNUM OPULUS EUROPEAN HIGHBUSH-CRANBERRY Ad Shrub 0 Vitis ripariaWolffia columbianaZanthoxylum americanumTotal number of species observed in surve prickly-ash common water meal riverbank grape Nt A-Forb Nt Shrub 5 Nt W-Vine 3 3 Total number of species observed in Lake Erie Metropark: 153 Appendix 2.

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