IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Dickinson Conservation District has announced plans for a new native wildflower planting project at the Pine Mountain stairs in Dickinson County. The site, recently cleared by the Dickinson Trail Network, will see the first plantings next spring, following a $500 mini-grant awarded by the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.
Josh Isaac, the district forester for Dickinson-Menominee, confirmed that the Kiwanis Ski Club has already approved the project. The planting will contribute to wildlife habitat goals in the area. Isaac shared that while the plant species haven’t been selected yet, the district is aiming for a mix of early and late bloomers to maximize the benefits for both pollinators and visitors.
“Some might be going into dormancy later in the year, depending on the varieties that we pick and what not but…We’ll try to pick some that provide cover later into the year,” Isaac said.
The collaboration between the Dickinson Trail Network and the Conservation District kicked off when the Trail Network approached the district with the project idea. Isaac explained, “So the Dickinson Trail work approached us about working together on a project, and so we applied for a small community grant with the Dickinson Area Community Foundation and of course the Kiwanis club on the property, so they gave us the go-ahead.”
To prepare for the spring planting, the Dickinson Trail Network took the lead in prepping the site. “The Dickinson Trail came out here and did some prep to prepare the site for a spring planting coming,” Isaac noted.
The plants will be sourced from Designs by Nature U.P. Natives, a company based out of Marquette. Although the species selection will take place over the winter, Isaac is optimistic about the positive impact the project will have on the area.
“It’ll provide a nice aesthetic touch for those who visit here to walk the stairs, do some sightseeing. It’ll be a great diverse pollinator habitat and wildlife habitat. It’s going to help with semi erosion and water control,” he added.
Despite the size of the project, Isaac emphasized its significance: “It’s a small spot, but it’s going to do mighty things.”
In addition to the wildflower project, Isaac is also working to help the city of Iron Mountain gain Tree City USA status, a distinction held by approximately 3,500 cities across the country.
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