Helping Nature Heal: How You Can Support Northern Michigan’s Wild Places After the Storm

The March ice storms didn’t just knock out power — they knocked down branches, split trees, and tangled trails across northern Michigan. As we bundle up against an unusually cold April, many of our beloved forests, parks, and nature preserves are still quietly recovering from the damage.

Winds howled, ice snapped limbs like matchsticks, and paths once used for peaceful walks are now scattered with debris. But as the snow melts and the sun slowly warms the soil, we’re invited to witness — and help — the quiet resilience of nature.

What the Storm Left Behind

In places like the Pere Marquette State Forest, the Leelanau Conservancy lands, and state recreation areas throughout Emmet and Grand Traverse counties, the damage is still being assessed. Trees were weighed down by heavy ice, creating dangerous “widowmakers” — branches that broke but didn’t fall — and some trails remain closed due to safety hazards.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), crews are working hard to reopen areas as soon as it’s safe, but with limited staff and resources, cleanup is expected to continue through the spring. They’ve also issued a reminder not to dump personal brush piles onto public lands, which only complicates recovery.

How You Can Help Nature Bounce Back

While nature is remarkably self-healing, there are small ways we can support the process:

1. Volunteer with local conservancies and trail associations

Groups like Leelanau Conservancy and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy often host volunteer days — trail clearing, invasive species pulls, and habitat restoration projects that get you outside and give back.

2. Practice trail etiquette

Stick to open, designated trails and avoid cutting through muddy or damaged areas. This protects fragile ecosystems from further harm.

3. Clear debris on your own property — thoughtfully

If your property borders public land or natural areas, careful cleanup helps prevent hazards from spreading. If you have fallen trees, consider leaving a brush pile for wildlife, or contact a local forester for advice on safe removal.

4. Support conservation with your wallet (or your voice)

Many local nonprofits rely on donations to fund trail repairs and land stewardship. Even small monthly gifts make a difference — or reach out and ask how to amplify their work through your network.

5. Be a student of the landscape

Teach kids (or yourself!) to notice signs of tree recovery. Look for buds forming on snapped limbs, fungi working to decompose fallen logs, or birds nesting in newly opened canopy gaps. Nature is already doing the work — sometimes, we just need to slow down enough to witness it.

 A Season of Stewardship

This chilly April might not look like the kind of spring we hoped for — but maybe it’s exactly the kind we need. One where we show up not just to explore wild spaces, but to care for them. One where neighborly action extends to the forests and fields that sustain our spirits year-round.

And as OurVenture families, adventurers, and learners, we have a chance to model what it means to be gentle guests — the kind who help sweep up after the storm and say, “Thank you,” with our hands and hearts.