Northern Forests, Michigan
See My Tree Program
“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” – John Muir
Project Description
Restoring the forests of Michigan
Michigan’s vast forest network—spanning nearly 4 million acres of state-managed land—provides clean air and water and supports biodiversity. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is leading a long-term effort to restore, maintain, and manage these forests using science-backed methods that ensure both ecological and economic sustainability for generations to come.
Through a combination of native tree planting and sustainable forest management, this project supports carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and local economic resilience. Primary tree species include Red Pine, White Pine, White Spruce, Northern White Cedar, and Northern Red Oak—all planted by hand across northern Michigan’s forest lands. Each species plays a unique role in habitat creation, soil stability, and long-term carbon capture.
Location
Region: Northern Michigan, United States
Sites: Multiple planting areas across Michigan’s northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas Michigan’s state forests are among the most ecologically diverse in the U.S., providing habitat for countless species and serving as a cornerstone for outdoor recreation and renewable timber production.
The Process
Seedlings are planted during a short seasonal window—mid-April through mid-May—to maximize survivability. Each seedling is planted by hand, ensuring proper depth and spacing for healthy growth. This project is carried out in partnership with EcoDrive and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Forest Resources Division (DNR-FRD).
Community and Ecosystem Impact
Carbon Impact: A single red pine can sequester between 2.2 and 3.7 metric tons of CO₂ over 80 years. At harvest, this equates to roughly 440–740 metric tons
(1,936–3,256 lbs) of CO₂ per acre.
Wildlife Habitat: The trees provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife through pine nuts, spruce cones, and acorns.
- Primary Species: Red Pine, White Pine, White Spruce, Northern White Cedar, Northern Red Oak
- Planting Window: Mid-April – Mid-May Estimated CO₂ Sequestered: 2.2–3.7 metric tons per tree (80-year cycle) CO₂ per Acre: 440–740 metric tons (1,936–3,256 lbs)
- Seedling Mortality Rate: <10% (approx. 90% survivability)
- Verification Partners: Michigan DNR-FRD, FSC, SFI
- Planting Method: Manual planting (hand-planted seedlings)
- Monitoring: Regeneration surveys at year 1 and 3
Virtual Tour
Spring plantings taking place now. Will post GPS coordinates and updated photos when complete.
Preserve Their Legacy For Future Generations.
Location listed on tree tribute planting certificate = Northern Forests, Michigan
If you have any questions, or need help in placing an order, please feel free to contact us.
