Nahma
Location
MI Natural Community Types:
Based on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory natural community types, Nahma RNA is composed primarily of Northern white-cedar (262.1ac. [106.1ha]).
Potential Research Topics:
Nahma provides opportunity to study northern white cedar swamps as well as conifer swamp succession. Research may also include the effects of water levels on ecosystem function and wildlife within the Great Lakes Marsh. In addition, the site lends itself to study of fire history –woody invasion, invasive species, climate change as it effects on northern wetlands, herpetological, ecological, or wildlife research.
Ecological and Physical Description
This RNA contains a high-quality example of Great Lakes marsh and upland forest atop a wooded dune and swale complex. This unique ecosystem along the Great Lakes shoreline does not exist anywhere else in the world. Nahma RNA encompasses shoreline, a dune and swale complex, a large Great Lakes marsh, upland forests, and a northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) swamp. The Great Lakes marsh coversa significant portion of the RNA and provides essential food and habitat to migratory birds. Areas in the wetland may also offer important habitat for fur bearers such as bobcat (Lynx rufus) and black bear (Ursus americanus).
Annual rainfall averages 28.7inches (728.2cm). Average seasonal snowfall is 49.5inches (1257.3cm).
is Escanaba (station ID number: GHCND: USW00014824), Latitude: 45.7181° N Latitude, -87.0939° W Longitude). The station is about 10miles due northeast of the RNA.
Bedrock of the area includes Queenstone Shale (70%) and Big Hill Dolomite (27%) with surficial Lacustrine sand and gravel, peat and muck.
The majority of soils falls within the Roscommon Series,whichconsist of poorly drained, nearly level soils on lake plains, outwash plains and till plains. Roscommon soils have low available water capacity and low natural fertility. Permeability is rapid, run off is very slow or ponded, and the water table is usually within 12 inches (30.5 cm) of the surface (NRCS 1994).
Great Lakes Marsh provides habitat to many wildlife species, most notably migratory birds. Nahma is near the mouth of the Sturgeon River. Protecting this area ensures a quality water supply for many plant and animal species, as well as providing crucial habitat for riparian corridors.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccinium angustifolium | Blueberry | Common Flora | are the dominant ground species within upland forests on dunes |
|
| Cornus canadensis | Canadian bunchberry | Common Flora | are the dominant ground species within upland forests on dunes |
|
| Alnus rugosa | tag alder | Common Flora | The Great Lakes marsh, dominated by tag alder (Alnus rugosa) and willow (Salix spp), spans the middle of the RNA and merges with a cedar swamp in the northern half of tract. |
|
| Salix spp | willow | Common Flora | The Great Lakes marsh, dominated by tag alder (Alnus rugosa) and willow (Salix spp), spans the middle of the RNA and merges with a cedar swamp in the northern half of tract. |
|
| Coptis trifolia | three leaf goldthread | Common Flora | Ground species within the cedar swamp |
|
| Trientalis borealis | starflower | Common Flora | Ground species within the cedar swamp |
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| Arailia nudicaulis | wild sarsaparilla | Common Flora | Ground species within the cedar swamp |
|
| Cornus canadensis) | Canadian Bunchberry | Common Flora | Ground species within the cedar swamp |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| black bear | Common Fauna | This habitat is suitable for large fur bearers such as black bear and lynx. Its wetlands and proximity to Lake Michigan make it an important resting and foraging habitat for migratory birds and neotropical songbirds. |
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| lynx | Common Fauna | This habitat is suitable for large fur bearers such as black bear and lynx. Its wetlands and proximity to Lake Michigan make it an important resting and foraging habitat for migratory birds and neotropical songbirds. |