“This project gives students a sense of ownership and responsibility for their forest, helping build the next generation of conservation leaders.” - Maddie Khuri, Community Educator

Since 2021, students at Alcona Community Schools have been playing an active role in restoring their school forest. They are learning firsthand how to care for the land while improving the habitat in this outdoor classroom. Alcona Community Schools took the LHF Pledge in June 2025, committing to actions which protect Lake Huron’s water quality while empowering its students to become the next generation of community and conservation leaders. 

Located on a 43-acre forested property connected directly to the school campus, the school forest was purchased in 2019 and includes a diverse mix of forest types and tree species. This accessible, hands-on learning space has become a place for ongoing restoration efforts led in partnership with Huron Pines. 

With guidance from Huron Pines staff, students in Jenny Schroeder’s science class began by learning about invasive species, with a focus on autumn olive, a fast-spreading shrub that can outcompete native plants. After exploring different management techniques, students select treatment methods for designated study plots within the forest. Huron Pines then implements those methods, bringing student decisions into practice. 

This work has also deepened students' understanding of the connection between healthy forests and healthy water. Forests act as natural filters, taking up rain and snowmelt, stabilizing soil and recharging groundwater — all of which directly benefits Lake Huron's water quality. To help educators bring these connections into their own classrooms, Huron Pines partnered with the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative this winter to host a professional development workshop at Alcona Community Schools. More than a dozen educators from across the region explored forest health fundamentals, tree planting techniques and ways to engage students in real-world stewardship — building local capacity to connect place-based learning with water quality protection.

To date, approximately five acres of the school forest have been treated for autumn olive. In addition to invasive species removal, 400 white spruce trees have been planted, expanding forest cover and contributing to long-term ecosystem health. This project highlights the power of place-based stewardship education, giving students a direct connection to the land while contributing to meaningful restoration work. Through this ongoing collaboration, students are not only improving the health of their school forest but also building knowledge and skills that support future stewardship.

Work at the site is ongoing, with continued partnership between Huron Pines and Alcona Community Schools to manage invasive species and the forest. Community members can support similar efforts by getting involved in local stewardship projects, learning about invasive species management or planting native plants at their home. 

Huron Pines would like to recognize Alcona Community Schools, dedicated educators and administrators, and students for their leadership and commitment to caring for this special place.

Support is provided by Great Lakes Fishery Trust to advance the learning connections between healthy forests for healthy water. This work is also supported by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (michigan.gov/invasives).