Enzo Creek Nature Sanctuary - The Flora

The Flora

The flora found at Enzo Creek have yet to be comprehensively inventoried, as the project would be a colossal undertaking. Tree types of obvious notation include deciduous species such as Pin Oak, White Oak, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Aspen, Ash, Birch, Cherry, Apple, Sassafras, American Hornbeam, Ironwood, and Walnut trees. Coniferous species include Jack Pine, Red Pine, Eastern White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, Arborvitae, Scots Pine, and Blue Spruce.

Selective harvest of aspen was done in 2003 to improve habitat for Ruffed Grouse and other upland birds such as the Wild Turkey. Low impact selective harvest proved to be a successful project.

Since 2006, several stands of conifers were planted for future economic timber value and also to provide dense cover for several wildlife species. Approximately 4,000 Red Pines were planted in a 2-acre (8,100 m2) stand primarily for future economic timber value and 1500 Jack Pine were planted in a fallow area with poor soil types suitable for Jack Pine but not conducive to forage plants to serve as a future area of dense cover for wildlife.

There are several other tree species including Tamarack Larch which is known as a deciduous conifer and hence loses its needles each autumn. Staghorn Sumac is abundant in many areas of the sanctuary. Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) was planted in the 1950s under the recommendation of the then Michigan Department of Conservation (now the Michigan Department of Natural Resources), as the shrub was believed to be very beneficial to wildlife. It is now know to be invasive, and an 8-acre (32,000 m2) area was cut back in 2006 and converted to a hayland.

Wildflowers are found in every season except winter. Cardinal flower, Indian Paintbrush, Touch-me-not, Multiflora Rose and Trout lily serve only as examples.

Aquatic flora is abundant and diverse. Wetland species such as narrow leaf cattails, horsetail, and giant reed are abundant. The Hunt Marsh is covered with duckweed for several months in the summer where patches of white water lily can also be found. Poison Sumac is common in Hunt Marsh, discovered by accident and never to be mistaken again by Enzo Creek's manager. Winterberry (also known as Michigan Holly) is a colorful addition to Hunt Marsh in the winter when the marsh's greenery subsides in late fall. It also provides an abundant forage base for many wild birds.