This webpage is still under construction and information is continuing to be added.

A brief history of ​Tobico Marsh

Bay City State Park is important for biodiversity conservation and includes unique and vulnerable ecosystems. Tobico Marsh is a part of the Bay City State Park and is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Tobico Marsh is one of the largest Great Lakes coastal wetlands within Saginaw Bay.  It is connected to the bay which allows fish to access it for spawning, nursery, and foraging. Large coastal wetlands are also important to waterfowl, herons and egrets, marsh birds, and raptors, such as ospreys and bald eagles. Species such as the yellow-headed blackbird, ruddy duck, and redhead have also been sighted here.  The marshes are adjacent to lakeplain oak openings, a globally imperiled ecosystem that is dependent on periodic fire. Due to these features, DNR has been prescribed burning and managing invasive species in the most critical areas for over 15 years. 

A 3.3 mile walking trail with two observation towers enjoyed by many circles the marsh, providing views of the marsh, lake, and abundant wildlife. 
Picture
Yellow-Headed Blackbird "Posing" for the Camera
By: USFWS Mountain-Prairie
https://animalia.bio/yellow-headed-blackbird 

The Project:

Saginaw Bay CISMA, is working with Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan Tech, and DNR Parks and Recreation Division to begin a three-year project to enhance habitat for wildlife and rare species. We will be monitoring and treating the invasive species Phragmites that has taken over the area for several years. Invasive buckthorn, which can quickly take over large areas, will also be managed inside the marsh.

While much of the work will be done inside the park, we will also map and treat Phragmites on adjacent properties, free of charge during the project period.

How can I be a part of this project?

There are many ways to get involved in this project. If you are a landowner and you have received notification that you are in the project area, be sure to return your signed landowner permission form to Saginaw Bay CISMA so we can conduct monitoring and treatment at your site. Landowners and anyone enjoying Tobico Marsh can also take pictures to help us record our progress.

Perhaps the most important thing anyone can do to help is to practice decontamination when entering or leaving Bay City State Park or any natural area. This involves practices such as brushing dirt out of your shoe and tire treads, cleaning and draining watercraft and trailers, and cleaning fishing gear and apparel.

News and Updates

Permission Forms Needed

We had a great meeting about the project, if you missed it, check out the presentation below and contact us with any questions! We still need to get the word out to more landowners in the project area so if you know people who have not been made aware of this project, let them know and send their information to us! We will do our best to spread awareness as well!

You're invited: Project Kickoff meeting

Join us on May 22nd at 6:30 at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center (3582 State Park Drive Bay City, MI 48706) as we share information about this project! Attendees will hear from project partners about what we will be doing, why it is important, and how you can help us make it a success!