Jasper Woods

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Elmer P. Irene Jasper Woods Memorial
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
Location within the state of Michigan
Location Lower Peninsula, St. Clair County, Michigan USA
Nearest city Marysville, Michigan
Coordinates 42°57′25″N 82°35′06″W / 42.95694°N 82.58509°W / 42.95694; -82.58509Coordinates: 42°57′25″N 82°35′06″W / 42.95694°N 82.58509°W / 42.95694; -82.58509[1][2]
Area 49 acres (20 ha)
Governing body Michigan Nature Assoc. (non-profit)

Elmer P. Irene Jasper Woods Memorial, commonly referred to as Jasper Woods, is a 49-acre (20 ha) nature sanctuary located in St. Clair County, Michigan in the United States. It is maintained and preserved by the Michigan Nature Association, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Michigan's exceptional natural habitats and extraordinary and endangered plants and animals.

  • Red trillium (Trillium erectum) at Jasper Woods

  • Painted trillium (Trillium undulatum) at Jasper Woods

  • Entrance sign at Jasper Woods

History

Jasper Woods was acquired in 1977 from Elva Rabidue. Known then as Schenck Woods, the land had been in her family since 1869. She wanted to see it preserved for wildlife and sold it to the Michigan Nature Association in a bargain sale. In 1982, it was renamed Jasper Woods as a memorial to Elmer and Irene Jasper who were founding members of the Michigan Nature Association and both served as officers and directors in its early years.

About the Sanctuary

Jasper Woods is a cool northern-type woods primarily made up of hemlock, white pine, maples, oaks, white and yellow birches, and wild black cherry. The groves of hemlock, especially on the south central section, are the most prominent feature.[3] Shrubs include northern arrowwood, chokeberry, Michigan holly, leatherwood, and maple-leaved viburnum.

Jasper Woods is home to three kinds of trillium, which bloom at slightly different times and in different habitats. Earliest is the red trillium, which is found in the rich wet deciduous woods. It blooms in early May, depending on spring weather conditions. A few days later comes the white trillium, which appears in the drier woodlands. Finally, in mid-to-late May the painted trillium appears. This beautiful trillium is a Michigan Endangered species and is found only in St. Clair County and Sanilac County. It has a preference for hemlock woods.

References

  1. ↑ Connell, Mike (June 3, 2007). "Port Huron botanist first discovered rare flower in area". Times Herald. Retrieved July 19, 2011. 
  2. ↑ St. Clair County - Parcel Viewer
  3. ↑ Elmer P. Irene Jasper Woods Memorial Michigan Nature Association
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