Helping trees adapt to climate stresses

Trees can’t pack up and move when invasive plants and extreme weather patterns threaten their habitat. But in the shoreline forests of Lake Michigan, the accredited Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) and partners have found a way to improve forest health in the face of climate change. Their solution: assisted tree migration.

With a grant from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Climate Adaptation Fund, supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, SWMLC and partners undertook major projects to restore and improve forest health on 427 acres along 100 miles of Lake Michigan. Along with tried-and-true approaches like invasive pest management, prescribed fire, native seeding, forest diversification and tree planting, the partners utilized species and genotypes of trees that are predicted to be resilient despite climate change.

By intentionally planting trees that are native to the area, as well as those from 100 miles to the south, the partners are establishing young, diversified forests better adapted to changes in the region’s weather patterns. The new trees also provide important habitat to thousands of species, protect water quality and deter invasive species.

SWMLC recently shared the project’s story on a series of webpages that offer encouragement to other land trusts, land managers and individuals through tangible, proactive ideas they can adapt to their own circumstances in the face of climate change.