Projecting Habitat for Native Species Within Binder Park Zoo's "Swamp Adventure" and Surrounding Wetlands

Abstract

Binder Park Zoo is a mid-sized zoo located in Battle Creek, MI that has a special focus on conservation of wild animals and their natural habitats. The zoo is spread out over 130 acres of varying Michigan habitat with another 300 preserved, but not accessible to the public. The focus of this study was on the wetland areas accessible to the public that provide a stable home to many native species. Habitats were categorized and quantified for reference to either locate indigenous species or introduce endangered native species into the public wetland areas within Binder Park Zoo. Aerial pictures and other maps available from online sources tend to generalize wetland areas and are not very helpful in locating a species or habitat for a species. This survey attempts to detail specific habitats as they relate to the location of, or introduction of, native Michigan species.