Tree Tube Pick Up

Friends of the Rouge planted over 13,000 bare-root tree saplings along the Lower Rouge in Wayne County. Plastic tree tubes were installed with each tree to deter predators and increase survivability. We are incredibly excited to report that, in just a few short years, many of our trees are thriving! Our Sycamores, especially, grew so quickly they didn’t even bother to wait for us to remove their protection. The tubes weren’t even a barrier—the trees just kept growing, thriving, and bursting through like the protective shell wasn’t even there. We swear it was just yesterday they were nothing more than fragile, tiny bare roots. If it wasn’t for the tubes clearly marking our handiwork, we might not have believed these were our new additions to the ecosystem. It’s incredible how quickly these trees have grown in just a few short years—what were just saplings are now trees towering over the landscape. It’s a beautiful reminder that the smallest seed can make a great impact. 

It’s so rewarding to see how far these trees have come, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the support of our Rouge community. We’re excited to see these trees continue to grow and become an even bigger part of the ecosystem. As always, we are beyond grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Thank you for helping us make projects like these possible.  

Interested in seeing the trees for yourself? We meet weekly to head into the woods and collect the tubes to free up our trees! This is the perfect chance to get outdoors, meet fellow tree enthusiasts, and make a positive impact in your Rouge community. Everyone is welcome, but please note that minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Simply fill out the form below to join our email list and receive weekly location details (all sites are in the Inkster area). We’ll be out every Tuesday, but we’ll also send updates if we add extra dates! Groups that are looking for a more private experience are encouraged to reach out, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. 

For more information or to schedule a private group clean-up, please contact Jacqueline Kristofik (jkristofik@therouge.org). We can’t wait to see you out there!