MICHIGAN BOTANICAL SOCIETY
SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP
Poor Conifer Swamp and other areas at Waterloo State Recreation Area
With Dr. Tony Reznicek,
University of Michigan
Saturday June 21, 2025, 10 AM to 2 PM
Poor conifer swamp is a nutrient-poor, forested peatland characterized by acidic, saturated peat, and
the prevalence of conifer trees, Sphagnum mosses, and ericaceous shrubs. The community is found in depressions in glacial outwash and sandy glacial lakeplains and in kettles. Poor conifer swamps occasionally occur on floating mats on the margins of lakes and ponds. Fire occurs naturally during drought periods and creates even-aged, often monospecific, stands of Picea mariana (black spruce).
Waterloo State Recreation Area is the largest state park in the lower peninsula and contains numerous natural communities such as Poor Conifer Swamp, Rich Tamarack Swamp, Bog, Southern Hardwood Swamp, Dry Southern & Dry-Mesic Southern Forest, Prairie Fen, Wet Prairie and Southern Wet Meadow. On this trip, we’ll start at the Cassidy Road trail head parking lot. The itinerary includes several sites before and after a noon lunch break. Don’t forget to pack lunch!
Swamps are wet and muddy, so rubber boots are recommended. While on a trail the hiking will be moderate, but in the swamps, it will be slow and muddy. Insect repellent, sunscreen, water as well as suitable clothing are suggested. The trip difficulty level is rated moderate but may be difficult in places.
Tony Reznicek is a retired curator of vascular plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium where he maintains the Michigan Flora website (
https://michiganflora.net/). He has researched extensively and published numerous papers on plant systematics (especially the sedges) and natural history of the Great Lakes region. He has a strong interest in rare and disjunct species.
Directions: Waterloo State Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties. The Cassidy Road parking lot is approximately 16500 Cassidy Rd Chelsea, MI 48118. The trip takes about 90 minutes. From Kalamazoo take I-94 east to exit 153, Clear Lake Rd. Turn left (north) on to Clear Lake Rd. In the town of Waterloo, turn right (east) on to Waterloo Rd. In about 1.2 miles, turn left (north) on to Roe Rd. In about 1.6 miles, turn right (east) on to Cassidy Rd. In about 1.4 miles the parking lot will be on your left (northside). The coordinates are 42.366171473163675, -84.08868403393369
Carpooling: If you are interested in carpooling, we will meet at the Park’n Ride lot at Oakland Rd and I-94. We will depart at 8:00 AM.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Munith.
