Van Buren Conservation District

Native Conifers

Michigan’s native conifers are some of the most elegant and storied plants in the state.  The eastern white pine was vital to Michigan’s development as much of the state was covered with this valuable lumber tree.  Chicago and many other cities were built with the lumber from our state.  The red pine was planted extensively in the first half of the 20th century as the need for reforestation was realized.  Plantations of tall red pines in straight rows were planted throughout the state as public works projects were created after the Great Depression and continued through the 50s and 60s.  Hemlocks, cedars, and junipers all provide wonderful wildlife habitat and stately beauty.  While much of Michigan’s virgin forests have been forested and replanted, many prime examples still remain.  Hartwick Pines State Park, Sailors Pines and Hiawatha National Forest’s Squaw Creek are just a few old growth forests open to the public.  Aside from their history and beauty, the natural adaptations our native conifers have achieved over hundreds of thousands of years help them to thrive in sites where less adapted trees might not.