|KBS Forest and Fields| Many of the upland environments on KBS
lands are not managed and are thus in a process of ecological
recovery from past disturbances. Hardwood forests of ca. 70
years age are abundant and occur in patches of variable size,
typically dominated by oaks, maples, beech, and hickories.
Conifer plantations of more than 40 years age are also common.
The Kellogg Experimental Forest contains some of the most
thoroughly studied forest ecosystems in Michigan. Kay Gross can
provide more information on local plant communities. Nearby
public lands - Yankee Springs State Recreation Area, Fort Custer
State Recreation Area, Allegan State Game Area, and Barry State
Game Area - are largely covered by forest and oak savanna and
include the largest blocks of contiguous forest in southern
Michigan. These areas also contain a wide variety of lakes and
wetlands, including bottomland floodplain forest along the
Kalamazoo River and Sphagnum peat bogs in isolated kettle holes.