Addison Oaks and Independence Oaks Gain Old-Growth Forest Recognition

Addison Oaks and Independence Oaks obtain recognition for old-growth forest

(Oakland CountyNovember 17, 2025)

Leonard and Independence Twp, MI – Elements of the forest at Independence Oak And Addison Oak provincial parks have obtained recognition for major forest from The network of ancient forests.

Independence Oaks is the twenty fourth^e forest acknowledged within the state of Michigan, becoming a member of greater than 315 nationally acknowledged forests. Addison Oaks was additionally included within the Outdated-Development Forest Community as a group forest, recognizing the position it performs in connecting folks to nature.

The forests within the Outdated-Development Forest Community had been chosen as a result of they’re among the many oldest identified forests of their province and have formal protections to make sure their timber and ecosystems are protected against industrial logging.

The Outdated-Development Forest Community was offered in the beginning of November Oakland County Parks with official designation plates and shared some info on how you can establish the indicators of an old-growth forest and the significance of defending it.

As a result of historic prevalence of logging and agriculture east of the Mississippi River, old-growth forests are very unusual in Michigan. Lower than 1% of old-growth forests are nonetheless east of the Mississippi River and fewer than 5% of old-growth forests are within the western United States.

For Independence and Addison Oaks, a historical past of personal land possession doubtless saved parts of the forest from the booming logging trade, permitting them to flourish over time.

Outdated-growth forests are identified for his or her various, native populations of timber and shrubs and infrequently require invasive species administration from the park system’s Pure Sources staff. The thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem offers important habitat for native animals and creates excellent circumstances for native timber to mature.

The layers of timber of various ages and berry-producing shrubs in old-growth forests permit animals to search out sufficient meals and shelter to thrive. Hole cavities in timber present essential nesting websites for small mammals and fallen timber present important habitat for fungi, reptiles and amphibians.

From appreciating the tall canopies of the oldest timber to traversing the distinctive patterns of the forest ground after years of pure decomposition and erosion, there’s something for each hiker to take pleasure in within the old-growth forest sections of Addison and Independence Oaks. Take time to flee the stress of on a regular basis life and reconnect with the pure great thing about old-growth forests this season.

For info, go to OaklandCountyParks.com

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