The Old-Growth Forest Network was excited to bring on not one but two Midwest Network Forests this spring. We started in Wisconsin with Plum Lake Hemlock Forest State Natural Area in Vilas County. This verdant forest is situated between Plum and Star Lakes in north-central Wisconsin. The forest contains near virgin stands of old-growth hemlocks and other hardwood species. With its varied habitats, Plum Lake Hemlock Forest is a birder’s dream!

We ended our Spring 2022 Dedication season with a bang by inducting our second Michigan forest: Otto Nature Preserve. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Otto Nature Preserve is a mixed-age mature forest with species ranging from sugar maple and yellow birch to American beech, Eastern hemlock, and more. It’s been almost nine years since we Dedicated our first Michigan forest, so we’re thrilled to have another one. Fingers crossed we’ll have two more MI forests (if not more) by the end of the year!