is a core mission here at Namebini, and has many facets. From in-stream trout habitat improvement to sugar maple stand improvement, there are a wide variety of projects underway. Read below to see what's going on, and remember to let us know if you're interested in helping out!

Primary funding for the project has been procured via Minnesota Trout Unlimted from the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council. This funding will be used to conduct both in-stream and riparian habitat work. Check out our Sucker River Habitat Improvement page for additional information and the full details.

Riparian Forest Diversity Planting One of our early projects, this tree planiting project will continue in 2010, and will be helped by additional DNR funding as a portion of the Sucker River Habitat Improvement project. Currently, a large portion of the riparian forest along the Sucker River is composed of black ash trees. In light of the invasive emerald ash borer and our the long-term dire outlook for our ash trees, we are planting a wide mix of different tree species in the riparian corridor, so that in the future no one disease or pest will have the potential to wipe out such a large segment of the forest at once. For more information on the Emerald Ash Borer, check out the link to EAB in MN

White Pine Restoration Begun in 2007, our white pine planting program seeks to help restore this once dominant tree species to the forest. Using trees provided by the MN DNR Cost Share program, over 800 trees have been planted. Much of this planting has been conducted in forest openings, where forest management will ensure a chance for the pines to thrive as they grow. "Wild" white pine trees are also identified and caged to protect them from browsing. For more information, check out our Logging and Forestry Fact Sheet.

Sugar Maple Stand Improvement While not a dominant forest type on site currently, sugar maple trees are prevalent in some stands. We began this project by mapping our sugar maple trees via GIS to select stands that will benefit the most from our efforts. We are now actively "releasing" these trees where they are overtopped by removing balsam fir, quaking aspen, and black ash. We hope to accelerate growth and reproduction in the stands, and are planning on tapping trees for maple syrup in the future.

Wildlife Food Plot Enhancement In addition to hosting our group camp site, a portion of our north field has been planted as a wildlife food plot. Keep your eyes peeled to check out wildlife that uses forest openings when you visit. In the same area, just to the north of the clearing, there is a planting of flowering shrubs to attract pollinating insects.