Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

About the Program
Sault Ste. Marie, a part of Dow, is located in Sault Ste Marie on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. As part of the site's operations, remediation efforts were necessary. However, the team went above and beyond requirements by ensuring a native vegetation community. In addition to required efforts, the team has also implemented several activities to benefit local wildlife populations.

Practices and Impacts

• The team manages 16 acres of native grassland habitat composed of annual rye grass and small fescue. The wildlife team regularly monitors for invasive phragmites and purple loosestrife, using spot treatment when necessary.
• The little brown bat and tri-colored bat are both known to use forests for roosting. To benefit these bats, which are susceptible to white-nose syndrome, preferred tree species are identified and inspected annually for evidence of use by bats. Nearby wetlands provide foraging resources. The team plans to install bat boxes on specific trees with the goal of increasing the bat populations and to help with consistent monitoring data.
• While opportunities for on-site community involvement are limited, the team is committed to working with local groups to increase awareness of native habitats. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians conducted an invasive species survey, identifying purple loosestrife on-site that led to a treatment project, and collected black ash seeds to promote growth of the species, which is impacted by the invasive emerald ash borer. Local schools and scout groups learned about conservation through toad box and owl box construction projects that contributed to native wildlife conservation.
• Both nesting boxes and perches for raptors have been installed on-site to encourage the presence of hawks and owls, which in turn minimize the populations of burrowing rodents. Boxes and perches are monitored throughout the season and cleaned/repaired/replaced as needed.
• Bluebird boxes have also been placed on-site to encourage nesting of eastern bluebirds and other cavity nesters.  Honeysuckle and dogwoods were also planted to improve forage. Boxes are monitored throughout the season and repaired/replaced as needed.