History
The township held its first annual meeting of electors on April 4, 1853. Its initial officers were supervisor Joseph Matheson, clerk Calvin Silvernail, and treasurer Hirum Brown. The name refers to a local creek that runs through a stand of birch trees. The community was briefly renamed Deer Lick in 1863 before reverting to Birch Run in 1868.
Geography and population
The township spans approximately 36.5 square miles of land. The 2020 federal census recorded 5,888 residents. The incorporated Village of Birch Run, established in 1955, covers 1.89 square miles within those boundaries and accounts for 1,555 of those residents.
Schools
Most students living in the township attend Birch Run Area Schools. Roughly 8.5 square miles of the township are served by Frankenmuth School District, and a small portion (about one-third of a square mile) is served by Clio Area Schools.
Township Hall
8425 Main St., PO Box 152, Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone (989) 624-9773 · Fax (989) 624-1177
At that first election — held at the home of Proctor Williams — Joseph Matheson was elected the first supervisor with 18 votes to 17 for Proctor Williams; Calvin Silvernail was elected the first clerk with 21 votes to 14 for Elisha Marvin; and Hirum Brown was elected treasurer with 19 votes to 16 for Elisha Marvin.