Mike Walters

East Lansing, Mich. — Another growing season has ended for Mike Walters, an associate professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Forestry, and the research he’s overseen in Michigan’s northern hardwood forests. This summer marked the sixth year since trees were harvested from 140 30-acre forest stands, or areas of trees that share similar characteristics, across northern Michigan to identify the best ways of promoting diverse and abundant tree regeneration after harvest. …Desirable species for this study are those that have traditionally brought timber and wildlife value to the forests, some of which are now underrepresented. These include basswood, black cherry, hemlock, northern red oak, sugar maple, white pine and yellow birch. …The research team will try to collaborate with agencies and institutions from different states and provinces to bridge together data and identify the best ways to manage northern hardwoods across the entire region of the northern U.S. and Canada.