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Grassland Project
Invasive Plant Control at Columbus County Park Scheduled for the Week of June 29, 2026
St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission, with funding and technical support from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is establishing approximately 100 acres of native grassland habitat to support songbirds, pollinators, and other wildlife at Columbus County Park in Columbus Township, Michigan. Invasive species herbicide spray treatments are planned for the week of June 29, 2026 as part of the initial steps in restoring this unique and locally rare ecosystem.
Herbicide spray treatments by contractor will begin on June 30, weather permitting. Areas where the spray crew is actively working will be closed to the public for several hours until the spray has dried. Signs will be posted to alert park users of the treatments and closures. For safety reasons, we ask that everyone visiting the park comply with the posted signs and other directives from park staff and the spray crew.
A map showing the general locations of the areas to be treated and more information on the products to be used are posted below.
If you have any questions, please contact Kirsten Lyons, Park Naturalist – Invasive Species Specialist, 8254 County Park Dr., Goodells, Michigan 48027, via email at klyons@stclaircounty.org or via telephone at 810-989-6317.
Columbus County Park is located at 1670 Bauman Rd., Columbus MI 48063. St. Clair County Parks can be reached at (810) 989-6960, visit St. Clair County Parks on the web at www.stclaircountyparks.org or find us on Facebook.
Contractor: Wildlife and Wetland Solutions, 7804 W Moorestown Rd, Manton, MI 49663.
Products:
Aquaneat (herbicide): https://nufarm.com/uscrop/product/aquaneat/
Cygnet Plus (adjuvant): https://www.cygnetenterprises.com/labels/Cygnet_Plus_Label.pdf
Control Duo (adjuvant): https://www.garrco.com/products/dadma/controlduo
From Meadows to Mosaic: Improving Grasslands for Birds and Butterflies
Wildlife habitat improvements are coming to Columbus County Park!
St. Clair County Parks was recently awarded an $80,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to establish over 100 acres of grassland habitat in the northern, eastern, and southern portions of the park. These areas, which are former farm fields, will be converted into songbird and pollinator habitat in the coming months.
Contractors will begin forestry mulching in portions of the park this week to remove woody and invasive shrubs and small trees. During the next few weeks, work areas will be temporarily closed to vehicular and foot traffic and will be marked with flagging, barricades, and/or signs to alert park users.
Forestry mulching is the first step in creating high-quality habitat for native flowers and grasses, as well as the pollinators that rely on them, such as Monarch butterflies. Habitat for songbird species like Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Dickcissel will also be created as part of this project.
Additional wildlife expected to benefit from the newly created habitat includes Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer, and many other species.
For more information on the grassland project at Columbus County Park and how you can get involved, contact Kirsten Lyons by email or call (810) 989-6317.
