Sauk Creek is one of three conservation properties chosen as part of a project to diversify forests that have been degraded. Project goals include restoring canopy cover and forest structure to support migratory and resident bird species. The project is supported by a USDA Forest Service grant awarded to American Bird Conservancy in partnership with Restoring Lands and Stantec Consulting, among other conservation partners.
Existing plant communities within the Preserve show the effects of over 180 years of intense agricultural activity after logging of the forest originally occupying the site occurred by European settlers in the area. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and invasion by non-local shrubs such as common buckthorn and honeysuckle are preventing natural regeneration of the forest now that farming has commenced. Project activities will include:
- Targeted invasive control in forest understories overgrown with woody invasive species and
- Planting diverse native tree species that are adapted to anticipated future conditions where invasive are controlled.
What to expect over the next few months as project activities are underway?
Project work will primarily be completed by Stantec Consulting. You may see our contractor, staff, or volunteers cutting and removing invasives or planting trees. Due to the high density of invasive species present, our contractor will be using machinery to “forestry mow” dense patches of invasive woody species in early March of 2026. The trail section from the entrance off N. Walters Street to the creek will be temporarily closed during this time and reopen once mowing activities are complete.
Native trees and shrubs will be avoided as much as possible, and hazardous ash trees that have died due to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) will be mowed and shredded along with non-local, invasive shrubs. As much as possible, non-hazardous dead ash trees will be left as wildlife snags. Forestry mowing activities will leave behind a carpet of shredded mulch material, suppressing the growth of herbaceous plants into the growing season. It won’t take long for seedlings to emerge, and we anticipate that a heavy blanket of seedlings from the invasives removed will be a part of the first to emerge. Follow up management will include herbicide applications during the growing season to target seedlings.
Over 500 trees and shrubs will be planted across the three-acre Project Area to promote resilience and restore canopy coverage and forest diversity. Long-term benefits of the project include the restoration of a diverse canopy that will support resident and migratory bird species. Our stewardship team is here for the long-haul to ensure sustainable management occurs after the three-year project is complete.
For questions or concerns on the Sauk Creek Project, please contact us at info@restoringlands.org or call 262-338-1794.
A contractor from Stantec Consulting explores the site of the project work before starting forestry-mowing.
Before (left) and After forestry-mowing (right). This photos show the huge impact this project has already had on the site. There is now plenty of space to plant native trees and shrubs.
Photo of Sauk Creek which leads to Lake Michigan and is an important resource for fish and wildlife.