Tyler Bassett is a Botanist and Plant Ecologist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. He has 25 years of experience studying the plants and plant communities of the Upper Midwest. His work, in part, aims to document and conserve these species, and to restore, expand, and reconnect the diminishing fragments of habitat that they require for persistence. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Plant Biology, and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University.

Carpool: If you are interested in carpooling from Kalamazoo, meet at the Oakland/Vincent Ave Park’n Ride lot on Saturday 25jul2026. We will depart at 8:00 am. The coordinates: 42.239108673721454, -85.6156874853463.

Directions: We will rendezvous at the Muir trailhead for the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawasee Trail (Railroad Street Park in Muir MI). The approximate address is 230 Superior St, Muir MI 48860. The coordinates are 42.99635084988905, -84.9429443455398. Directions from Kalamazoo, take I-94 east and then I-69 north to the Lansing area, then take I-96 west. Just west of Portland MI, take exit 73 and turn right (east) on to Portland Rd (E Grand River Ave). In 0.2 miles turn left (north) on to S Keefer Hwy. In 7.2 miles, in Lyons MI, Keefer Hwy becomes Libhart St and then bends to the east and becomes Bridge St. In 0.7 miles, turn left (north) on to Tabor St which becomes Prarie St in Muir MI. In Muir MI, turn left (west) on to W. Superior Street. In 300 feet, the parking lot for Railroad Street Park will be on your right. There is a restroom at the park.