Tree planting at Tawas Point State Park April 30, 2022
AuSable Valley Audubon continued its third year of tree planting at Tawas Point State Park this year. The first year we planted 100 jack pine seedlings along the two-track out to the point. Last year we planted 12 4-5’ white and red oaks in the campground and this year we again planted in the campground: 10 3-4’ linden or basswood trees. Larry VanWagoner picked up the trees we special ordered from the Alcona County Conservation District tree sale. They were all in good shape except for one tree with no roots longer than an inch. The others had roots up to two feet long. We planted them all and will keep our fingers crossed on the first one.
Six AVA volunteers planted along with four park staff members. Most of the holes were in pure sand below the sod. A couple lucky trees actually had dirt in the hole. After planting we mulched each tree with wood chips while Larry made a wire cage held up by rerod – mainly to make the trees more visible to campers backing up trailers. Then a kitty litter container with two holes in the bottom was placed inside the cage and filled with water. Larry and his wife, Sue Duncan, have agreed to water the trees again this year – weekly! It’s quite a commitment on their part. We’re anxiously waiting for the trees to leaf out so we know they’re alive. – Patsy Mortimer
Pictured: Staff, Kathleen Swindlehurst, Tim Morand, Dee Morand, Staff, Staff
