Higgins Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Welcome to the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

1. Welcome to the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum Marker

Inscription. In 1903 this site, like much of Northern Michigan, was barren. During the logging era (1850 - 1900) Michigan's forests had been almost entirely cut down. Fires ravaged what was left.

Professor Filibert Roth opened Michigan's first state nursery here in 1904 in hope of reforesting the empty land. Higgins Lake Nursery was the birthplace of Michigan's scientifically managed modern forests.

Higgins Lake Nursery
At its height, this 48-acre facility - the size of 36 football fields - grew millions of tree seedlings every year. Young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked with the nursery in the 1930s and 1940s to plant millions of trees around Michigan.

Walk through the Higgins Lake Nursery buildings and grounds. Visit the recreated Civilian Conservation Corps barracks. Learn how many of the Michigan forests you love started with tiny tree seedlings right here.

Erected by Michigan History Center and Department of Natural Resources.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the

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Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 44° 30.955′ N, 84° 45.416′ W. Marker is in Higgins Lake, Michigan, in Roscommon County. It is on North Higgins Lake Drive near Conservation Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located at the Higgins Lake Nursery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11128 N Higgins Lake Drive, Roscommon MI 48653, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hale Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest Heritage Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Michigan's First Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Beginning of State Reforestation (within shouting

Higgins Lake Nursery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

2. Higgins Lake Nursery

A few of the seedlings that remain for the museum display.

distance of this marker); Packing House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cone Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Ice House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Higgins Lake.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

3. Welcome to the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 426 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.