Make a Difference Week - Three Ponds Restoration

Little Forks Conservancy and Nature Niche are participating in the global restoration initiative, "Make a Difference Week", hosted by the Society for Ecological Restoration! This effort brings organizations and individuals together to create positive and impactful change across the world. You can be part of this collective action by joining us on June 2nd at 4 pm at Three Ponds to restore native habitat by removal of invasive species and trash throughout the property! To learn more about this initiative, you can visit their webpage here at: makeadifferenceweek.org.

What we’ll be doing: Volunteers will help restore the native habitat of Three Ponds by manually removing invasive species and trash from the natural area. Invasive species are those that are non-native to local ecosystems and can be harmful to the environment. Staff from the Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area will also be applying herbicide to invasive cut stumps to prevent future growth. By removing trash and invasive species, we are able to build a healthier habitat for wildlife and our community. Those under 15 must have a parent present or a chaperone. This event is recommended for ages 10 and up.

What to bring: Gloves, water, safety glasses, and loppers or handsaws - if available! We will be working outside in shrubs, tall grasses and brush, so please dress accordingly for the event and weather. Closed toed shoes are required and long pants are recommended. Little Forks Conservancy will also provide additional tools, bug spray, and trash bags for attendees.

Location and time: Three Ponds located at 2739 W North Union Rd, Midland, MI 48642. This event will be held on Monday, June 2 from 4-6 PM.

Directions: Volunteers will meet at the preserve parking lot, located east of Midland on West N. Union Rd. across from the Perry Creek Townhomes, just east of the US-10 overpass and a LFC staff member will be waiting at the parking lot to direct volunteers! For Google Maps directions, visit the link here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8P2yxpJhAHQSPpr68

Optional: If you have a kayak or canoe and are interested in helping to remove debris from within the ponds, please reach out to Benjamin Vandyke at bvandyke@littleforks.org! We could use 1-3 individuals that can bring their own lightweight watercraft to remove hard to reach debris in the water!

Please RSVP to receive updates. All events are subject to cancellation due to heavy rain or extreme heat. Please email any questions to Benjamin VanDyke at bvandyke@littleforks.org.

We appreciate your willingness to help us with our conservation and habitat efforts here in mid-Michigan and the Midland community!

*** by signing up for this event you are agreeing to the volunteer waiver below***