Hear about Michigan's resident rattlesnake population, rare turtles, salamanders, and plants at this intern presentation at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

University of Michigan student interns working at Matthaei-Nichols this summer will discuss the conservation and restoration work being conducted on our four properties. Presentation highlights include invasive species management, reintroduction of fire as a natural-areas management tool, collection and sowing of native seeds, snake surveys, rare plants, and animals. Discussion is followed by a tour of several restoration sites to view snake survey methods as well as ecological management practices.

The University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is responsible for the stewardship of four properties: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum, Horner/McLaughlin Woods, and Mud Lake Bog---a total of 837 acres.

These properties contain a diverse array of natural habitat, 15 natural communities in total. These communities include 88 rare plants and a thriving population of the state listed Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. There have also been sightings of the State Threatened Duke’s skipper, northern leopard frog, Blanding’s turtle, and the regionally significant Butler’s garter snake. Habitat was also identified as appropriate for other threatened species including the Special Concern queensnake, the Threatened spotted turtle and two Endangered Species, the small-mouthed salamander and Kirtland’s snake.