Groups plant trees to help endangered Wis. birds

Local groups are helping the Kirtland’s warbler make a comeback in central Wisconsin by planting pines that help the endangered songbird survive.

A Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune report says the bird likes to nest under low-hanging branches of young jack pine trees. But the jack pines in the area are older and losing their low branches, so groups will be planting seedlings, as well as native grasses and plants that protect the birds’ habitat.

The groups include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the state Department of Natural Resources and the Plum Creek Timber Co. Inc.

DNR ornithologist Kim Grveles says jack pine seedlings will create a safe habitat, and when the trees get too old they can be used for paper pulp