A  treasure  in  our  backyard  

Steve  Hamilton,  MSU-­‐KBS,  (269)  671-­‐2231,  hamilton@kbs.msu.edu  

�  Excellent  water  quality  �  Limited  development  along  creek  

�  Rich  diversity  of  habitats,  especially  wetlands  

�  Rare  and  uncommon  plants  and  animals  

�  Public  access  (Kellogg  Forest,  MDNR  land)  

�  Trout  fishery  �  History  of  research  

Local  wetlands  show  great  ecological  diversity  

!

Delton

Hickory Corners

Shallow open water

Marsh or sedge

Forested swamp

Lake

Shrub wetland

Bog

Gilkey  and  Fair  lakes  

Sherriff’s  Marsh  

From  Dr.  Doug  Landis  

Spotted  Turtle  photo:  Dr.  Bruce  Kingsbury  

Hognosed  snake  photo:  Carol  Baker  

Blanchard’s  Cricket  Frog  upper  photo:  Dr.  Jim  Harding  

Top:  Michigan  Natural  Features  Inventory;  Bottom:  Dr.  Bruce  Kingsbury;  Left:  NY  Dept.  Conservation  

�  Last  stronghold  �  Threatened  or  endangered  in  other  states  

�  Declining  due  to  wetland  loss  and  human  persecution  

�  Bites  are  rare!