Jackson Audubon will have Robert Ayotte present "Notes from the Underground: A Focus on Soils in Forest Ecosystems" at 10 AM. Tuesday, January 22 at Hidden Lakes Gardens. Carpool leaves Jackson at 9 AM.
Our forest soils are a living and vibrant matrix that has been evolving since the close of the last ice age. They are a key and stable component of forest ecosystems and provide sustenance to plant, animal, and fungal communities, which in turn, enrich the soil.
We will discuss the different classes of soil found in Michigan’s southern forests, and their glacial landform origins. Features such as soil development, horizons, texture, structure, color, nutrients, pH, and drainage class will be explored. We’ll discuss why certain soils generate specific types of forest ecosystems. Comparisons will be made to soils which have been converted to agriculture.
Are earthworms invasive? What are the threats posed from invasive species and climate change? Join us for a discussion of these relevant topics.
Robert Ayotte is a gradual student in the field of Forest Ecology; and has previously worked for the USDA Forest Service, and Michigan Natural Features Inventory. He has applied the shovel to soils in several local forests and wetlands, and is enthused about sharing his observations
Please arrive in time for a carpool to leave at 9 a.m. from the east side (nearest Summit Township’s offices) of the Polly’s Country Market parking lot, 2119 Ferguson Road, Jackson (42.198482, -84.439890). If you would rather drive separately, meet the group at 9:45 a.m. at the Gardens’ visitors center, 6214 Monroe Road (M-50, 42.029902, -84.110799), Tipton.
Admission to the grounds is free for HLG members, $3 for nonmembers. Hidden Lake (http://www.canr.msu.edu/hiddenlakegardens/) graciously agreed to host this presentation in its well-equipped meeting room and included it in the Garden’s online programs listing.
Email jacksonaudubon@gmail.com for more information.
Weather cancellation Policy: JAS programs and activities will be cancelled if Jackson Schools close.
