Projects on the Property

A nature sanctuary is both a blessing and a responsibility. Though Mother Nature provides most of the heavy lifting, in an environment that is intended to be natural, human parts of the sanctuary require care. The constant evolution of the natural environment inspires new and creative projects for curious humans, such as tree mapping, maple syrup production, and the discovery of the land's pedigree through research of historical records and archeological excavation to find evidence of the past.

Tree Mapping

The tree mapping project is intended to show the change in trees on the land over time. Some historical data exists, including:

1858 had written land survey noting the forest makeup at that time and also identifying specific trees.
1938 aerial photograph showing tree coverage at that time.
A new tree survey will be done step-by-step east of the agricultural fields on Winterfield Pines North and South, and for all of Winterfield Pines East. This is a multi-year project.
1. Step 1: Identify white pines 20” in diameter or larger (white pines at least 100 years old in 2025.) GPS location and approximate size of each tree will be plotted. Scheduled for summer 2025.
2. Step 2: Identify white pines less than 20” in diameter, including areas of white pine new growth, with the approximate density of new growth identified.
3. Step 3: Identify significant oak, maple, birch, cherry, beech, cedar, and hemlock.

Excavation of Old Foundation

The early 20th-century house foundation and surrounding area located on Winterfield Pines East is the site of an archaeological excavation being performed by Samantha Ellens, PhD. Many artifacts have already been recovered and identified, including:

Frame of a horse-drawn buggy
Various bottles dating back to the late 1800s
Components of cast iron stoves
1938 license plate
Iron straps

It is Samantha’s intent to create a permanent display near the site. The excavation takes place on an intermittent basis.

Seasonal Maple Tapping

Each year, from late February through late March, we accept a gift from Mother Nature. Maple Sap! Each year two to three trees are tapped providing twentyfive to fifty gallons of sap which is reduced down to half a gallon to pure michigan liquid gold.

Construction and Maintenance

Winterfield Pines Nature Sanctuary is committed to maintaining park-like trails, structures, recreational areas, and experiences. This requires ongoing maintenance, comprised of both annual projects and seasonal tasks at Mother Nature's direction.

Replace roof on outhouse south of the Bunkee, scheduled for summer of 2025.
Restore fence along Winterfield Pines South and North border with the Winterfield Conservation Club, scheduled for summer of 2025.
Restore hillside hunting ground blind, scheduled for summer of 2025.
Replace roof and paint blind.
Clear fallen branches and trees from trails, ongoing as needed.
Firewood management, ongoing as needed.
Trail mowing or snow removal, ongoing as needed.
Pond restocking, scheduled for late April annually.