Jack pine barrens in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula.

Pine barrens are native grassland openings found primarily in conjunction with jack pine habitats. These areas are generally found on dry, sandy soils with flat to gently rolling topography. Pine barrens were historically kept open by frequent fires which cleared out the underbrush and stimulated the native grasses. With the settlement of man came fire suppression and 99% of barrens have converted into forest in the absence of fire. Many wildlife species that depend on these habitats such as the dusted skipper butterfly, great plains spittlebug, and prairie warbler, have become threatened or endangered. Other species also benefit from these openings such as the white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and elk. Barrens can be restored by harvesting trees to create openings and reintroducing fire by conducting prescribed burns. If you are interested in restoring or managing pine barrens habitat on your property, see the northern Lower Peninsula LIP page for more information.