The W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest in Augusta, Michigan has a unique quality that combines forestry research and also provides a setting that is conducive to forest recreation.
Once abandoned agricultural land, the W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest is known worldwide for research on tree breeding and genetics, planting techniques, plantation establishment and management. That is right! The entire forest was planted on abandoned agricultural land.
Kellogg Forest was established in 1930 by Cereal Magnate, W.K. Kellogg, who during his many drives between his home and cereal factory in Battle Creek, saw farmland that was abandoned and badly eroded. He had a vision: to make a difference by planting trees. He purchased the original 285 acres that soon became known as the Kellogg Reforestation Tract now known as the W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest. 
The U.S. Forest Department committed to planting trees from 1932 to present day. Today the forest has grown to over 716+ acres, and it is a complete man-made forest.
Everyday visitors to the Forest range from researchers who work on or come to view 150+ experimental plots, to college students who come to learn and sharpen forestry skills and the casual visitors whose interests range from adding their knowledge of forest management to those searching for a shady spot enjoy a picnic lunch.
The W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest has a trail that runs through it called the ‘Lemmien Loop' named in appreciation of Walt and Virginia Lemmien who during their 41 years of service were instrumental in creating the present day forest.
Popular Forest Visitor Activities include hiking, picnicking, jogging & biking. You can also bring your dog for a walk, but he must stay on a leash. Horseback riding is also allowed on the trails, but you must bring your own horse.
The forest is also open to bow hunting, cross country skiing and trout fishing. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed within the forest. Guides are also available for group tours through the forest, but you must schedule in advance.
The W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest is one of fourteen Agricultural Experiment Stations of Michigan State University (MSU), and this particular station is one of four administered by the U.S. Forestry Department. There are many varieties of trees planted in the forest, and some are put to commercial uses to finance the maintenance and research. 
Referred to as a ‘Multiple Use Forest' that is managed for timbers, as well as maintained and developed for research. Red pine trees, for example, are used for telephone poles. This is one of the few species that is chemically treated for outdoor building.
Red pines have been thinned there numerous times to improve growth in the forest. As another example, White pines are grown, and harvested for cabin logs, clearing the way for new trees to be planted.
Much of the research that developed the ‘Spartan Spruce', a hybrid that combines the color and drought resistance of a blue spruce and the softer needles and rapid growth rate of the white spruce, was done at the W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest.
Other species of trees planted and maintained here include Aspens, Black Walnut, Red Oak, White Spruce, Oak, Ash, Tulip Popular, Sugar Maple and several varieties of Fir.
Each spring, sugar maples produce sap that can be collected and boiled to make maple syrup. There is a demonstration grove in the forest, also called a ‘sugar bush'. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce a gallon of syrup. Large crowned maple trees are grown on a hill facing south so the sun will warm them early in the day. Trees with stems at least 10 inches in diameter, four feet from the ground, have 250 or more taps and tubing to collect the sap in a centralized area.
MSU forest geneticists have 2 plantations of young trees that were chosen based upon their sweet tasting sap. Maple syrup is produced at a cabin on 
the grounds near the office at the entrance to the recreation area during February and March of every year. Visitors can buy maple syrup, grown right there from the forest gift shop.
The W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest is a great place to visit in Augusta, Michigan and not far from the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and Kellogg Biological Station, also maintained by MSU. Take time out for a peaceful walk, and marvel at the fact that once this was all an open field before the forest was planted over 75 years ago.
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