COLUMBIAVILLE (DTV) – (6/16/2025) – On a cold Sunday morning in the middle of November, dozens of people banded together with shovels and gloves to show their love for the environment. The Flint Watershed Coalition was issued a grant to plant 5,000 trees throughout Genesee County. 500 of those were planted close to home at the Wolverine Campground in Columbiaville.
“The Watershed Coalition partners with Genesee County Parks on many projects, so it just seemed like a natural fit to reach out to the county park system to put some trees in here,” says FRWC Education Manager Tom Esper.
Hammer the dibble into the ground, make a hole and plant the tree. It’s easy as that, but such a simple task carries more weight than anyone can imagine. Not only are trees good for the world but they’re good for the local ecosystem as well. It’s another small step forward towards facing a big problem; Climate Change.
“The trees are going to help filter water. It’s gonna provide fresh air. As the trees grow, they’re gonna provide habitat for all kinds of creatures, and there are all kinds of creatures here at Wolverine Campground,” says Esper.
Trees aren’t just superheroes for the climate and local ecosystems. They have sentimental values as well. Many Michiganders have grown up surrounded by beautiful lush wilderness and tall trees that provide the basis for tons of outdoor fun.
“I’ve spent my whole life outdoors. I worked here last summer, I go camping all the time. It’s just kind of by thing to be outdoors so anything I can do to help the environment really resonates with me,” says DHS Student Caleb Cottongim.
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