Overview:
- The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge joins the Old-growth Forest Network, marking a key step in preserving Michigan's natural heritage.
- The 32.24-acre Humbug Marsh Unit, with its 300-year-old oak trees, stands as a rare ecological treasure. - A guided hike by Leona Addie and Alex Gilford educated attendees on the refuge's history and Humbug Marsh's unique ecosystems.
- This marsh, with its wet-mesic flatwoods and coastal wetlands, supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, making it an ecologically vital site in Michigan.
The Detroit River’s last unspoiled marshland just earned a spot on the national stage as part of the Old-growth Forest Network.
On October 20, 2024, the refuge celebrated the induction of its Humbug Marsh Unit into the national network. The Old-growth Forest Network is a national initiative dedicated to protecting and promoting native, old-growth forests.
According to Great Lakes Regional Manager Leona Addie, the network aims to ensure that “people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature.”
Humbug Marsh’s old-growth forest spans 32.24 acres within the larger 405.16-acre marsh unit. This area is home to oak trees over 300 years old, making it a rare and valuable ecological gem.
In a statement, park ranger Alex Gilford described it as “a special place where the public can get up close and personal with ancient trees and feel inspired by a protected natural gem in the downriver area.”
The celebration included a guided hike led by Addie and Gilford along the 2.25-mile Green Trail, which traverses the old-growth forest. Participants learned about the refuge’s history and the unique ecological communities of Humbug Marsh, as well as how to identify characteristics of old-growth forests.
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Humbug Marsh became part of the refuge in 2004 following years of local advocacy. In 1998, more than 1,000 residents rallied to oppose a proposed development that would have destroyed the last remaining mile of natural shoreline along the U.S. side of the Detroit River. Despite legal challenges, the community succeeded in preserving the area.
The marsh is an ecologically significant site containing wet-mesic flatwoods, a rare habitat type in Michigan, and a coastal wetland that supports a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Designated as Michigan’s first Wetland of International Importance in 2010 by the Ramsar Convention, Humbug Marsh plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem processes.
Learn more about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and its work.