On Saturday, June 11th, at 10:00 am, the Oceana Conservation District’s Otto Nature Preserve will be formally inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network. To celebrate the dedication of this protected forest, a ceremony will be held at the trailhead and Old-Growth Forest Network’s Network Manager, Nick Sanchez, will present a plaque to the Oceana Conservation District. Following the ceremony, District Forester, Rod Denning and Nick Sanchez will lead a trail walk. The event will take place rain or shine.
Otto Nature Preserve is a protected mature Northern Mesic Beech-Maple forest developing old-growth conditions. Many of the trees on the property are estimated to be 120-140 years old, dominated by sugar maple, American beech, northern red oak, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock. While the forest was historically logged, minimal human disturbance since the logging era has maintained structures and characteristics that are often present in old-growth forests, including an undulating forest floor with “pillows & cradles” which indicates long term wind disturbance, “stilt rooted trees” identify former nurse logs that provided a place for birch and hemlock seedlings to establish, and large trees are also present with mature bark and weathered canopies. As this forest continues to mature it will increase in value to local wildlife and migratory songbirds and provide a growing source of local inspiration to the visiting public.
Rod Denning of the Conservation District states, “forest conditions at the Otto Nature Preserve are unique. The tall dense canopy with a well-stocked midstory and understory canopy is something to be admired. Spring migrating songbirds are abundant, and use the forest for nesting. The sounds of Lake Michigan can often be heard when walking the trails. It is such a peaceful place to explore.”
Richard and Lorayne Otto donated the property to the Conservation District in 2019 with the intention of protecting its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. Buildings and development will not be a part of its future, letting nature take its course as it ages into old growth conditions.
The mission of the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) is to connect people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests. The organization’s goal is to preserve at least one forest in every county in the United States that can sustain a forest, estimated to be 2,370 out of a total of 3,140 counties. OGFN’s program works to identify forests for the Network, ensure their protection from logging, and connect people to these properties to experience old-growth forests. OGFN also educates about the extraordinary ecological and human wellness benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests.
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN has over 160 forests in 28 states. The Otto Nature Preserve will be the second Michigan forest to join the Old-Growth Forest Network. It will join Hartwick Pines State Park in Crawford County. The full list of forests in the Network may be viewed at www.oldgrowthforest.net.
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