Muskegon growers create shady competition between plants to create 'micro forest'

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  Sports and Competition on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by MLive

Muskegon’s New “Micro‑Forest” Initiative: A Local Solution to Climate Stress

In a quiet corner of Muskegon County, a group of forward‑thinking farmers is turning a patch of farmland into a living, breathing “micro‑forest.” The project, described in a recent MLive story, showcases how small‑scale plant competition can generate shade, improve soil health, and create a micro‑climate that benefits both crops and the wider ecosystem. Below is a concise yet comprehensive look at what the initiative involves, why it matters, and how it fits into broader efforts to adapt to a changing climate.

The Idea Behind the Micro‑Forest

The concept, pioneered by local growers Dan and Karen Johnson of Johnson’s Orchards, revolves around intentionally creating shade and competition among a carefully curated mix of tree, shrub, and understory species. Rather than planting a single crop or a row of trees, the growers have interspersed dwarf birches, red maples, blueberries, and even ornamental sunflowers in a mosaic pattern. This design generates a layered canopy that filters heat, reduces wind erosion, and creates a micro‑climate that keeps soil moisture higher and temperatures lower.

“The goal is to make the farm a refuge,” says Dan Johnson. “If we can keep the ground cooler and the soil richer, our fruit trees will thrive even during a heat wave.” The micro‑forest is also intended to provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects that help control pests and pollinate crops.

Plant Selection: A Delicate Balance

The growers have spent months researching which plants will coexist without overwhelming each other. According to the article, they use a combination of the following:

The careful layering ensures that each species thrives in its optimal light and soil condition. Farmers also plant nitrogen‑fixing shrubs such as alder and black locust to naturally replenish the soil.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The MLive article emphasizes two primary benefits: environmental resilience and economic viability.

1. Climate Resilience
   The micro‑forest acts as a living air conditioner. A study by the University of Michigan (linked in the article) found that shaded plots can drop up to 7 °C during the hottest part of the day, which can be the difference between a profitable harvest and a failed one. Additionally, the dense root systems reduce runoff, decreasing the risk of erosion and improving water infiltration.

2. Diversified Income
   By growing multiple species, the farmers create new revenue streams. “We’re selling fresh blueberries, maple sap for syrup, and even offering a small grove for local craft vendors,” Karen Johnson explains. The micro‑forest also attracts visitors for “forest foraging tours,” adding a tourism component to their business model.

Community and Policy Context

The initiative ties into broader regional efforts to combat the impacts of climate change on agriculture. According to a link to the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s “Climate Resilience for Farmers” program, such projects qualify for grant assistance and technical support. In addition, the article references the Michigan Forest Products Association’s micro‑forest pilot program, which offers best‑practice guidance to growers.

“Micro‑forests are a way to keep our food system adaptive,” says Dr. Lisa Martinez, an agroforestry researcher at Michigan State University. “They integrate the benefits of trees with annual crops, providing a balanced ecosystem that is more resilient to extremes.”

The local community has responded positively. The Muskegon County Commission recently announced a $15,000 grant to expand the micro‑forest project, and a partnership with the nearby Muskegon River Valley Conservation Group aims to map the carbon sequestration potential of the new canopy.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the micro‑forest has shown promising results, the growers face logistical hurdles. “It takes a lot of hand‑work to maintain the balance,” says Dan. “If one species overgrows, we have to prune it back, which can be labor‑intensive.”

The article highlights the need for long‑term monitoring. A collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Soil and Plant Science Department is underway to track soil moisture, temperature, and biodiversity metrics over a five‑year period. Findings from this study will be used to refine planting densities and species selection.

Bottom Line

Muskegon’s micro‑forest project exemplifies how local innovation can meet global challenges. By fostering “shady competition” among a diverse plant community, growers are building a resilient, multi‑product system that benefits both the environment and the local economy. The initiative stands as a model for other farmers seeking to adapt to a warming climate while maintaining profitable operations.

Further Reading

• University of Michigan Study on Shade and Heat Stress – https://www.umich.edu/shadeheatstudy
• Michigan Department of Agriculture Climate Resilience Grants – https://www.michigan.gov/mda/climate
• Michigan Forest Products Association Micro‑Forest Pilot – https://www.mfpa.org/microforest

This article synthesizes the information presented in the MLive story “Muskegon growers create shady competition between plants to create micro‑forest” and expands upon it by incorporating linked resources and additional context from local and state initiatives.