Plants

Vegetation History

Since 1902, several cutting and planting episodes have taken place within the woodlot. In 1903, improvement cuttings described as the removal of over mature trees were made and replaced with black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiforis), and basswood (Tilia americana). From 1906 to 1909, several fires occurred within the woodlot. Black locust, chestnut (Castanea dentata) and white ash (Fraxinus americana) were planted soon thereafter. In 1935, R. H. Westveld of the Forestry Department selected two small plots in the north-central part of the woodlot for experimentation. One was clear cut and the other selectively cut for the purpose of comparing the growth rate between trees in each section. General improvement cuttings also took place in 1938 and 1947 to remove over mature trees. Records are not clear as to the precise location of these cuttings and plantings (Beach and Stevens 1979).

Black Locust Bitternut Hickory Basswood Chestnut

The southern edge of the woodlot was used as a nursery around the turn of the century for black locust and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). The northwest corner was also used for this purpose; planted with alternating rows of eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) and northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) in 1910. Northern white cedar has been removed since this time, with the exception of one remaining tree (Beach and Stevens 1979).

White Ash Ponderosa Pine Black Walnut Northern White Cedar

Baker Woodlot and the RRNMBS is one of eight areas on the Michigan State University campus with a Category I natural area designation. Category 1 natural areas are areas managed at the highest level of protection and lowest level of usage.

Literature Cited

Beach, J. H., and W. D. Stevens. 1979. A study of Baker Woodlot. I. Physical and historical description. Michigan Botanist. 18:126-136.

Bogue, E. E. 1903. Report of the Forestry Department. Annual Report State Board of Agriculture. 41:42-46.

Crozier, A. A. 1896. The college woodlots. MAC Record. 1:1.

Smith, C. D. 1897. Report of the Department of Practical Agriculture. Annual Report Secretary of State Board of Agriculture Michigan. 34:33-40.

Tree Photo Credits (left to right)

Norbert Frank, University of West Hungary, Bugwood.org

Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Richard Webb, Bugwood.org

Tom DeGomez, University of Arizona, Bugwood.org

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Becca MacDonald, Sault College, Bugwood.org