LONGYEAR FOREST
The Longyear tract is 160 acres that were donated to the university (120 acres in 1949 and an additional 40 acres in 1958) by Abby Beecher Roberts as a memorial to her father, John Munro Longyear. Longyear is primarily a forest habitat composed of northern hardwoods with some conifers. It also includes northern bog habitat. The forest is used for research and for ecology field exercises. It is also used for recreation by students and the local community.
Located between Forestville and Compeau Creek Roads.
Biology students Faith Chase and Ronnie Jones are pictured measuring burying beetles in the Longyear forest.
Sammi Beebe displays a newly captured specimen in Longyear Forest. The students work with Professor Ahvi Potticary to investigate the ecology and function of parenting to buffer offspring development from hazardous environments.
THE SHIRAS TRACT
The Shiras Tract is 205 acres that includes 100 acres acquired from the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1966 and another 105 acres received as a gift from Cleveland Cliffs in 1986. The area is used by some faculty for courses and research. The trails through the property are also extensively used by the local community.
Located between Shiras Hills and Mt. Marquette Road.
Earth, Environment and Geographical Sciences students conduct soil science sampling with Professor Matt Van Grisven in the Mount Marquette area of the Shiras Tract.
THE ENGLISH TRACT
The English Tract was donated to NMU by the family of Dr. John English in 2013. This property of approximately 145 acres includes sandy dune and pine forest habitat. It is available for courses and research such as bird netting and banding.
Located southeast of Marquette between the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Kawbawgam Road.
Biology students doing bird capturing and banding at the English Tract.
THE TRIANGLE
The Triangle Tract was originally 46 acres that were purchased from the Royal Charcoal Company in 1969. In 1972 NMU did a land exchange with the City of Marquette so that the city could build Lakeview Arena. This dune, swale and lake shore area is available for courses and research.
Located east of the Superior Dome.
