Michigan State University researchers have launched a decades-long effort to understand how certain conifer species might adapt to future climate stressors. 

That includes extreme heat and cold, changing soil conditions, invasive pests, disease, and more. 

The project, backed by a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will study three native tree species: jack pine, red pine and eastern white pine, alongside three southern pine species to see how they may adapt to Michigan’s changing environment.

Jeremy Johnson, assistant professor of forest genetics at MSU, says it’s the kind of forward-looking research needed to maintain tree health in the coming century.

“We have to be looking 50 years in the future,” Johnson says. “So much of the research I’ve seen is focused on short-lived species where you can quickly get results but it’s so much harder in [these kinds] trees.”

The research will focus on six test sites statewide and will track progress for 20 years.

Johnson says the study aims to identify trees that are genetically better suited to Michigan’s future climate, and then breed them for stronger growth and resilience.

“We’re dealing with organisms that have very long lives,” explains Johnson “We have to start now, otherwise it’s just going to be too late.”

WDET’s Detroit Tree Canopy Project is an ongoing reporting series that explores the health of Michigan’s trees, forests and urban canopies.

Southeast Michigan is wrapping up April with temperatures trending slightly higher than average, according to the National Weather Service. Despite several days in the 80s, early April brought cooler conditions.

“Overall, I think we are coming in just slightly above normal,” meteorologist Trent Frey told WDET. “We did have a couple of really hot days. We had 83 degrees on the 18th and then we had 80 [degrees] on the 23rd and 82 [degrees] again on the 24th.”

Rainfall totals for the month are near typical levels, with just under 3 inches. 

Frey say a low-pressure system is expected to move in Thursday into Friday, bringing widespread showers and a drop in temperatures.

“This week is kind of a microcosm of the whole month,” Frey said. “We’ll be kind of up and down the rest of this week.”

Looking ahead to summer, Frey says the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center gives southeast Michigan a 30% to 40% chance of warmer-than-normal conditions.