Leonard and Independence Twp, MI – Parts of the forest at Independence Oaks and Addison Oaks county parks have received an Old-Growth Forest Recognition from The Old-Growth Forest Network. Independence Oaks is the 24th forest recognized in the state of Michigan and joins more than 315 forests recognized nationwide. Addison Oaks also was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network as a community forest, recognizing the role it plays in connecting people with nature. The forests in the Old-Growth Forest Network are chosen because they are among the oldest known forests in their county and receive formal protections to ensure their trees and ecosystems are protected from commercial logging.