Seedling data shows Michigan forests under pressure from climate change, deer, disease

For the past three decades, MSU researchers have gone to Manistee National Forest to see which seedlings survive and how that will affect the future of Michigan's forests.

By: Isabella Figueroa Nogueira

Outlets: Bridge Michigan

Published: July 30, 2026

Words: 1,322

Last Updated: 4 days, 4 hours ago

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Researchers are using nearly three decades of seedling data from Michigan’s Manistee National Forest to understand how the state’s forests may change in the future
Climate change could favor some tree species, including red and white oak, red maple and black cherry, while making it harder for species such as sugar maple and American beech to regenerate
Deer browsing, invasive pests and diseases could also shape Michigan’s future forests, making long-term monitoring of seedling …

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