Native Plant Area Overview

The Northern Michigan University Native Plant Area was designed to create an on-campus, outdoor study area.  This area can be used by classes for long-term monitoring of vegetation, insects, birds, and small mammals. By providing an area where students can collect field samples, identify plants, study restoration techniques, and learn water quality analysis, the Native Plant Area provides students with techniques directly applicable their graduate studies or entry-level positions in conservation, environmental restoration and research management fields. 

Through this project, students have the opportunity to work with natural resource and environmental agencies as well as non-governmental conservation organizations.  Additionally, the Native Plant Area also reduces landscape maintenance costs, enhances the soils, vegetation and wildlife and provides an area for students and community members alike to appreciate “Northern Naturally."