It's A Plan

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URBAN NATURE: SBLC Leases 12-Acre Euclid Linear Park for Conservation

November 21, 2013
By: Dave Rogers

How do you preserve wildlife and natural habitat within a city?

You find a natural area and make it a special place for people to visit.

The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy's (SBLC) first urban nature preserve will be established at the Bay County-owned Euclid Linear Park in Bay City, according to County Executive Thomas L. Hickner.

"This county park is located on South Euclid Avenue on property commonly known as Keit's Wetland," states the City of Bay City Recreation Plan. "Dedicated in 2003, this 8.7 acre recreation facility includes 8-foot wide, hard-surface pathways, a boardwalk, viewing platform that overlooks a wetland, and interpretive signage."

The SBLC recently signed a long-term lease on the almost 12-acre park and will begin making improvements to the park in the spring of 2014, Hickner said, commenting:

"Many of the best qualities of the park will remain and new elements will be introduced to allow them to focus the park's program on nature experiences and habitat conservation. A new name for the park will be adopted after some community input."

The park, located on the east side of Euclid Avenue just north of Keit's Greenhouse, contains a variety of wildlife. Wood Ducks, Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, Green Herons, Painted Turtles, Northern Leopard Frogs and numerous other waterfowl and wetland wildlife have been regularly spotted in the lagoon.

The park's "Central Park effect" draws in birds and wildlife, as it provides suitable habitat right in the middle of an otherwise heavily commercial and residential area of the city.

Native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs will be planted on site and some of the current amenities, such as the boardwalk, wil be spruced up to welcome new visitors.

The Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative is sponsoring a website with amazing RECENT photos of rare birds promoting the new Saginaw Bay Birding Trail. see saginawbaybirding.org.

A total of 200 species from the Michigan Bird List were reported in the Saginaw Bay Area this summer, the highest since 1993, and the third highest total over the period of last 24 years, according to David Peters of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy owns 11 nature preserves that are open to the public, according to Zachary Branigan, SBLC executive director.

These are natural areas in need of protection and management for the ecological benefits they provide to people and the environment. They are open to the public for enjoyment, recreation, and education. They were purchased through collaborations with area partners or donated to the Conservancy.

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