Starting in early 2016, the TLC assisted Port Huron Township in Saint Clair County with management of wetland and forest around the vacant Super Kmart and Sam’s Club at the northeast corner of I-69 and 32nd Street. Wetland was constructed north and east of the stores, and natural swamp forest preserved as mitigation for a wetland permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental quality back in 1992. In total, about 18.5 acres of wetland and forested upland was protected by a State of Michigan conservation easement. Management of the area was lacking for years and became even more critical when the Super Kmart closed.

TLC member and friend, then Port Huron Township Fire Chief Craig Miller, advocated for the preserve while working for a compromise that allowed the Township better management of the area for public safety. In late 2016, County Sheriff deputies moved an encampment of about 15 young men living in tents and other shelters on the preserve to adequate housing elsewhere. They not only caused a lot of destruction on the preserve for years, but produced drugs and engaged in theft of local stores and customers. Relocating these men was key to gaining control of the preserve.

The constructed wetland on the Super Kmart and Sam’s Club preserve leaves a lot to be desired, being almost completely dominated by invasive Reed – Phragmites australis subspecies australis. The most striking part of the constructed wetland is a large pond east of the stores that is utilized by an abundance of waterfowl. In contrast, a large part of the preserve consists of the original native forest community with uncommon species like Blue-bead Lily, Fringed Polygala, Michigan Holly, Black Chokeberry, and a Scarlet Oak x Pin Oak hybrid, or Hill’s Oak variety, particular to the Port Huron area. The TLC produced a detailed management plan for the preserve which has helped gain approval for management actions from the MDEQ while taking the sensitive natural
features into consideration.

In March and December of 2016, the TLC assisted a County community service crew with clean-ups, removing litter and materials left on the site by the young men that lived on the preserve. During unseasonably warm weather on February 26, the TLC assisted the Port Huron Township Fire Department in an attempt to burn the invasive Reed in the wetland east of the stores. Unfortunately, the air temperature was too low to sustain a good burn. The TLC has not sought authorization in recent years to continue stewardship, but may again as we are able.