“This site is true habitat restoration in action. It’s like restoring a prairie on the surface of the moon.” - Bryant Eddy, Habitat Project Manager

Reynolds Road is a two-track trail leading to the site of a dusty abandoned gravel pit on state land in northern Otsego County. In the 1990s, gravel and sand excavated from this 7-acre site was used to maintain Sturgeon Valley Road, the gateway from the west to the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

In 2022, Huron Pines started work to restore the native prairie here which had become overrun with invasive plants, particularly spotted knapweed. A weedy, pale green plant with purple flowers, spotted knapweed is particularly bad for native plants as it spreads quickly and produces a toxic chemical from its roots that kills surrounding vegetation. With proper treatment, this site can be restored and managed as a prairie opening within the surrounding forest.

Huron Pines is working closely with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to restore this site in multiple ways. Removing spotted knapweed is helping native prairie grasses become reestablished. Black cherry trees, although not an invasive plant, have been encroaching into the opening and are being felled to maintain the open character. Future prescribed fires will help further restore the soil’s natural state. New growth of native plants will encourage browsing by elk, deer and other wildlife which will further help nourish the soil and eventually restore the site to its original wild glory.

The restoration of this area will take some time. Huron Pines will continue to monitor this site for spotted knapweed and other invasives, and keep the growth of woody vegetation down. The site will be planted with native prairie grassland species.

This restoration work is made possible through the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Habitat Grant Program. If you are interested in habitat restoration work consider attending a Huron Pines native seed collection volunteer day. To learn how to volunteer to assist with projects like these, visit our volunteer page.