ESCANABA — In collaboration with the Superior Watershed Partnership and the Great Lakes Conservation Corps (GLCC), 500 native trees and shrubs were recently planted within the city of Escanaba. A majority of the trees were planted on Aronson Island by the GLCC and volunteers.

The goal of the work was to utilize green infrastructure to capture and reduce stormwater runoff from urban areas before it reaches the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. Project efforts were supported by a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding award through the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Forest Service.

Common Coast Research and Conservation also participated and the plantings are in support of the Escanaba Migratory Bird Enhancement Initiative (EMBEI). The EMBEI is a community-supported project that benefits migratory birds through habitat creation, invasive control and placement of nest boxes in the City’s waterfront parks.

“Having partnerships with these entities is extremely important as it allows us to go above and beyond making Escanaba a great community,” said City Recreation Director Kim Peterson stated. “Special thanks to Joe Kaplan, Mike Segorski and Glenn Vandewater who volunteer many hours to the City of Escanaba and helped to oversee this project to completion.”