DNR News Digest – Week of April 28, 2025

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of April 28, 2025

bright yellow marsh marigolds with dark green leaves brighten a roadside area in Alger County

Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTOS: Larger, high-res versions of some of the photos used in this email (mushroom picking, Cambridge Junction barn and stewardship volunteer) are available in the DNR’s public online image gallery. Others (Newberry opening, tree planting) are in this photo folder.

Prepare your home and yard for fire seasons

an orange-handled rake with black metal tines reaches into a pile of dried branches, twigs and leaves in a parklike setting

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is Saturday, May 3! This annual campaign encourages people to come together to raise awareness about wildfire risks and take steps to reduce those risks.

The weekend prep day presents a great opportunity to research and implement proven methods to prevent and withstand damage from wildfires. This year’s campaign highlights the value and impact of “Zone Zero” – the immediate 5-foot perimeter around your home’s exterior.

Some proven actions to protect your home in the face of wildfire and reduce the risk of home ignition include:

Removing potential fire hazards such as dead leaves and tree/shrub debris.
Clearing roofs and gutters.
Keeping lawns and native grasses mowed.
Removing flammable items from decks and porches.

Explore more firesafe resources on the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day website, and even pin your prep project on the nationwide map to share how you’re making a difference.

Questions about fire safety? Contact DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers.

Explore nature, history and more with May events

Spring is a great time to get outdoors, or into the classroom, and learn about Michigan’s natural and cultural resources. Following are just a few highlights from the DNR’s May calendar; discover what else is coming up in May and beyond on the DNR events calendar.

Fly fishing and wild mushrooms in Cadillac

little boy in overalls hands mushrooms to a man sitting down, holding open a plastic bag. They are in a dense, green forested area.

The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers classes – including expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning – on fly fishing and wild mushrooms in May. Both will be held at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, located in Cadillac’s Mitchell State Park.

During the May 3 Fly Fishing Seminar, designed for beginners to intermediate enthusiasts, you’ll learn fundamental fly-casting techniques, discover the secrets of fly selection based on target species and gain the skills to confidently approach the next fishing adventure. The Wild Mushroom Clinic, May 10, dives into the world of Michigan’s seasonal edible wild mushrooms, with a focus on the “big five” – morel, chanterelle, chicken of the woods, hen of the woods and oyster mushrooms – plus other foods found in nature.

See a full schedule of classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Family fun at the Outdoor Adventure Center

If you live in or are visiting the Detroit area, check out the Outdoor Adventure Center activity schedule for fun, educational programs for all ages. The May calendar includes archery, yoga, birding, programs just for kids and seniors, and more.

There also are two special opportunities to learn about the OAC’s Detroit-area community partners in recreation, leisure and health services. During Grown-Up Gatherings: Partner Meet and Greet, May 16, enjoy partner presentations and activities while you mix and mingle. At the May 17 Partner Expo, community partners will share news about their work and the services they provide.

Finally, artists shouldn’t miss the chance to chance to create a sticker design that celebrates the Outdoor Adventure Center’s 10th anniversary – enter the OAC Sticker Contest by May 15.

Find Michigan’s stories at museums, historic sites

a covered wagon with large, spoked wheels sits inside a restored barn, with both doors open, on grounds of Cambridge Junction State Park

Several of the Michigan History Center’s seasonal museums and historic sites open in May. These include:

Cambridge Junction in Lenawee County (historic buildings open May 11), along the Old Chicago Road, featuring exhibits and artifacts about people, travel and work during the 1840s and ’50s, and stories of early auto tourism and 20th-century Irish Hills tourist attractions.
Fayette Historic Townsite in Delta County (opens May 9), a once-bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron between 1867 and 1891 at the tip of the Garden Peninsula. Visitors can walk through the well-preserved buildings that have been standing for 150 years and learn about life during the 19th century.
Fort Wilkins in Keweenaw County (opens May 15), home of a restored 1844 army military outpost, including 19 buildings, with a living-history program. Visitors can experience a look back at life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800s and a time when soldiers were stationed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum in Crawford County (opens May 1*), which depicts the state’s 19th-century logging era, an industry that changed Michigan’s landscape, people and economy in ways that can still be seen today. (*The planned May 1 open date depends on whether Hartwick Pines State Park is set to reopen following the northern Michigan ice storm. Call ahead or check Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.)
Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in Crawford County (opens May 1), highlighting Michigan’s first tree nursery and the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

If you’re in the Lansing area, check out the new special exhibit at the Michigan History Museum, “Black Bottom Street View,” bringing Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood to life with panoramic, free-standing murals.

DNR marks mass timber milestone with Newberry building

small group of men and women dressed in business casual, holding and cutting a big red ribbon in front of a wood-sided building

Those responsible for Michigan’s first mass timber building built with Michigan wood gathered April 16 to celebrate the official opening of the new DNR Customer Service Center in Newberry.

The project, featuring cross-laminated panels made with Michigan red pine wood, achieves a significant milestone as this construction technique continues to gain in popularity across the continent.

According to Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, “Mass timber buildings are cropping up across North America, along with factories that manufacture these versatile, sustainable, engineered wood building materials. That’s because mass timber offers a compelling suite of benefits.” Those include progress toward forest health management goals, rural economic development and new opportunities in manufacturing.

Building with mass timber also can reduce construction times, costs, crew sizes and equipment needs, and create beautiful buildings that people love to work, learn and live in, according to MSU.

“Mass timber materials result in fewer carbon emissions to source, make and transport,” Sandra Lupien, director of MassTimber@MSU, told the Newberry News in 2024. “As does all wood, mass timber products store carbon, holding it in place in the building, keeping it out of the atmosphere for 50, 100 to 200 years. With the Newberry customer service center, the DNR is demonstrating mass timber leadership by going first.”

When groundbreaking for the DNR building occurred in 2024, there were five buildings in Michigan either built or in progress using mass timber. Today, there are 60. The DNR anticipates hosting a public open house this summer at the Newberry CSC, located at 5666 M-123. Meanwhile, the new facility is open for business!

Take a video tour of this new mass timber building.

Questions? Contact Matt Watkeys, DNR forest marketing and outreach specialist, at [email protected].

Help improve ecosystems and wildlife habitat, protect sturgeon

Each month, there are a variety of opportunities to help the DNR take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources. Following are a few ways to get involved this May. Discover more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input at Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

State park volunteer stewardship workdays

A woman in T-shirt, jeans and headphones carries a neon green bag while pulling spotted knapweed in forested area of Island Lake Rec Area.

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host stewardship workdays, where volunteers are needed to help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems.

Workdays will take place at:

Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 2.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County), 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24.
Warren Woods State Park (Berrien County), 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10, and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, and 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.
Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11.
Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County), 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17.

Get more workday and registration details on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Sturgeon guarding along the Black River

Volunteers are needed in Cheboygan County through early June to stand guard as mature lake sturgeon head upstream to their spawning sites along the Black River. The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow is working in partnership with the DNR and various tribes to protect the fish from illegal harvest during the spawning season.

Visit sturgeonfortomorrow.org for more information and to register.

On the Ground habitat improvement projects

a man in red and black flannel shovels mulch around a tree planting area as a woman kneels on the ground, wrapping wire fencing around the area

Join in wildlife habitat improvement efforts with On the Ground, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer program in partnership with the DNR. This month you can:

Help improve habitat in Mecosta County.

Starting at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at Haymarsh State Game Area. During this habitat workday in partnership with the Ruffed Grouse Society, volunteers will plant fruit-bearing shrubs and white spruce to support ruffed grouse and American woodcock habitat. Lunch and refreshments provided. RSVP is required. Contact Kevin Crowley at 616-292-6385.

Plant jack pines for Kirtland’s warblers in Crawford County.

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3, in the DNR Grayling Forest Management Unit. The goal of the annual Jack Pine Planting Day, a collaboration with the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance and Huron Pines, is to improve and enhance Kirtland’s warbler habitat. MUCC will provide lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift to all registered volunteers. Registration for Crawford County event closes at 2 p.m. May 2.

Plant trees for wildlife in St. Clair County.

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10, at Port Huron State Game Area. The volunteer crew will plant oak trees for wildlife foraging and cover. Lunch provided. Registration for the St. Clair County event is required by 2 p.m. May 9.

Pitch in and clean up for wildlife in Wayne and Monroe counties.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Help improve fish and wildlife habitat by removing trash from this unique wetland area. Lunch, snacks and supplies provided. Registration for the Wayne/Monroe County event closes at 2 p.m. May 16.

Photo ambassador snapshot: West Michigan boating bliss

a sailboat and a speedboat in shallow water near the Big Red Lighthouse pier at Holland State Park with pinkish blue evening light See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Sarah Goodwin, for the Michigan DNR, at Holland State Park in Ottawa County.)

THINGS TO DO

Can’t wait to hit the water? If boating is a big part of your spring and summer plans, visit our boating webpage to find launch sites, safety tips, rules and regulations, invasive species info and other helpful resources.

BUY & APPLY

Take care of fishing and hunting license and permit needs with the DNR Hunt Fish app. It’s your mobile path to buy and store licenses, permits, report harvests and more, right at your fingertips!

GET INVOLVED

Help support the recovery effort! In April and May, proceeds from sales in the Great Lakes Proud x Michigan State Parks collection will help restore ice storm-damaged state parks and trails.

Following a severe ice storm in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails. Find up-to-date information about closures, volunteer opportunities and more on the DNR storm recovery page.

Football Storylines Around the League to watch this summer

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Football Storylines Around the League to watch this summer.

Written Sunday April 20th at 12:03 PM

Happy Easter OAA Nation. Here are several OAA Football storylines heading into this fall.

Any takers to Ford Field???

There should be plenty of OAA representation that are serious contenders to get back to Ford Field. Adams in Division One when healthy is a very dangerous team especially with the system they run in the veer offense and with Ryland Waters coming back at quarterback which should allow Nolan Farris to move back to wide receiver. The Highlanders could be a team when healthy could make another deep postseason run. Harper Woods is the other serious contender in Division Four, the Pioneers are loaded with proven experience on both sides of the football and wants to get back after a really tough loss to Goodrich in the State Semifinals last season. Other teams that could get to Ford Field include Stoney Creek, Clarkston, West Bloomfield, and Lake Orion in Division One while Groves, Oak Park, North Farmington, Farmington, and Seaholm are possible teams to watch in Division Two.

Groves is the most interesting to keep an eye on.

The Falcons had Ford Field in their grasp but very questionable play calling and coaching decisions cost them in their stunning 28-27 overtime loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the Division Two State Semifinals last season. Groves lost a ton of proven talent from last season. They will have a new quarterback in LaVelle Shannon taking over and proven lines on both sides of the football. The White will be much improved with Stoney Creek and Harper Woods looking to be the top teams with Rochester not too far behind while Southfield Arts and Tech should be improved. Coach Brendan Flaherty will have some big challenges ahead of him.

New Coaches:

The OAA has several new coaches coming into the league this fall. Scott Merchant (Bloomfield Hills,) James Carlisle (Avondale,) Donovan Jackson (Ferndale,) and Trevor Potts (Oxford) are the new coaches in the league. Merchant comes to Bloomfield Hills from Lawrence Tech (College Football) and was at Chippewa Valley for a long time and his son is in the program. Carlisle comes to Auburn Hills from the thumb area (Vassar) and was at Imlay City. Jackson was on the staff at Detroit Cass Tech and played at Ferndale so he’s really familiar with the city. Potts was the defensive coordinator under Coach Zach Line at Oxford. He was also an assistant at Adams under Coach Tony Patritto. Every coach is going to have different challenges to adjust to this season.

Weaknesses:

Every team in the OAA has glaring weaknesses heading into the season that they will need to address. It should be really interesting to see how each team addresses their weaknesses this summer before each team heads into their week one matchups. My goal this summer is to talk to every coach including the Waterford Schools and see how everyone is doing heading into the season on my podcast.

Waterford Schools lurking:

Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott will join the OAA this winter while North Farmington and Farmington will depart the OAA joining the Lakes Valley Conference next season. The Waterford schools will have one more fall in the Lakes Valley Conference before coming into the league. Waterford Mott will have a new football coach in Tra’Jan Seay taking over the program for Chris Fahr who is the defensive coordinator at Davison. Seay was an assistant at Orchard Lake St. Marys last season so he brings that to Waterford. He will have an transition period which has to happen during the season. The Corsairs did not make the postseason going 3-5 and has a ton of questions in the Lakes Valley Conference this season. Waterford Kettering went 3-6 but was one win away from making the postseason for first year coach Brian Barnes. Barnes has done a really good job with the Captains in his second season with the program. The postseason is within reach for Waterford Kettering but getting there will be the challenge especially in Division Three.

Divisions:

Here are the divisions heading into this season in the league, not in any particular order.

Red: Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Adams, West Bloomfield.

White: Stoney Creek, Harper Woods, Groves, Rochester, Southfield Arts and Tech.

Blue: Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Seaholm, North Farmington, Farmington, Troy, Troy Athens.

Gold: Pontiac, Ferndale, Avondale, Berkley, Royal Oak

Basketball Top Storylines Around the League this offseason

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top Storylines Around the League this offseason.

Written Sunday April 20th at 11:08 AM

Happy Easter OAA Nation. We are officially in the offseason for girls and boys basketball and AAU season is underway. Here are the top storylines heading into next season for both girls and boys basketball.

Will the OAA be represented at Breslin next season???

This question could be answered in June when the MHSAA releases the basketball districts. The league in girls has a ton of solid teams heading into next season but it comes down to proximity that could create the best path if anyone has a shot at getting to the Breslin Center next season. In the boys there really isn’t a dominant team and it was really disastrous for the league with only three teams getting out of the districts last season. Could this be Ferndale’s best chance to make it back to East Lansing after two dominating years by Warren Lincoln??? They fell to Detroit Pershing in the district semifinals but the Eagles might have the league’s best chance to get back to Breslin. As mentioned the question could be answered when the MHSAA releases the districts in June.

Coaching vacancies.

There has been several vacancies to watch this offseason. The changeover surrounding Stoney Creek has been really fascinating. The Cougars recently let go boys basketball coach Jeff Olind which who takes over the job will be their third coach in four years. There is talent and proven experience but whoever takes the job is going to have a daunting task ahead of them and behind the scenes has been a complete mess. Coaches Joe Sermo and Terrance Porter has stepped down at their respective schools (Berkley, Southfield Arts and Tech.) Both schools are really appeasing when it comes to talent and program strength. In the girls, the Ferndale girls basketball job is open but whoever takes that job will have a huge challenge ahead of them when it comes to building program strength.

Coming and Going.

Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott are reentering into the league for the first time since 2008 this winter. Waterford Kettering has a new coach in Rex Walters with an very experienced team coming back and could be the early favorite in the Gold this season. Waterford Mott made it to the regional finals under Coach Jeff Jayson but they will have to replace several players from last season’s team. Waterford in the girls will be really interesting to keep an eye on led by returning guard Savannah Sartorius for Coach Andrew Wellman. On the flip side it will be the Farmington schools (North Farmington and Farmington) final year in the OAA as they will depart for the Lakes Valley Conference in 2026-2027. Farmington and North Farmington are loaded with proven talent and experience in the boys and they are in the Red. In the girls Farmington and North Farmington should be much improved after having rough seasons.

Divisions for 2025-2026 season.

Here are the divisions for the 2025-2026 season, not in any particular order.

Boys:

Red: Clarkston, Avondale, Groves, North Farmington, Farmington, Ferndale, West Bloomfield.

White: Lake Orion, Oxford, Adams, Rochester, Stoney Creek, Waterford Mott.

Blue: Troy, Troy Athens, Seaholm, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac.

Gold: Berkley, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park, Harper Woods, Ferndale University, Waterford Kettering.

Girls:

Red: Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Stoney Creek, West Bloomfield, Rochester.

White: Groves, Seaholm, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Avondale, Berkley.

Blue: Troy, Troy Athens, Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, Harper Woods, Ferndale.

Gold: Oak Park, Ferndale University, Farmington, North Farmington, Pontiac, Waterford.

Stay tuned to the blog and OAA Now for updates.

OC Planting Nearly 700 Trees on Government Campus

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Regional News

Oakland County Planting Nearly 700 Trees on Government Campus While Reducing Fleet Fuel Consumption

Post Date:04/29/2025 11:22 AM

These trees have the potential to absorb 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere.
The county’s reduction in fuel consumption averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, nearly equal to the amount of carbon dioxide released globally every second.
Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050.

Pontiac, Mich. – In Celebration of April as Earth Month, Oakland County is once again demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship with the planting of about 700 trees across its government campus. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these trees will each remove an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually once mature or an estimated 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.

In addition to the tree planting, the county continues to make significant strides in reducing emissions from its fleet operations. Despite an increase in fleet size and total miles traveled in 2024, Oakland County’s investment in higher fuel-efficiency vehicles helped save more than 22,000 gallons of gas. This reduction averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing approximately 46 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for an entire year.

“This kind of progress underscores our commitment to sustainable practices,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “From our growing canopy of trees to smart fleet management, we’re taking action today to build a healthier, more resilient environment for our children and future generations.”

Building on last year’s momentum, when the county planted 500 trees and saved 123,000 gallons of fuel, Oakland County has now planted 1,200 trees since launching the initiative and averted the release of more than 2.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide in just two years. The initiative is a major step toward achieving the county’s goal of planting 2,027 trees by 2027 and reaching net zero emissions from operations by 2050.

“Our goal is to continually implement best practices that reduce operational emissions and resource consumption while creating a campus that is accessible, safe and enjoyable for all,” said Julie Lyons Bricker, Oakland County’s sustainability manager.

This third year of tree planting began in late April and includes a diverse mix of native evergreen, deciduous shade and flowering trees throughout the campus. Several new apple trees will be added to the orchard near the Oakland County Farmers Market. All trees are planted using the International Society of Arboriculture guidelines to ensure healthy root growth and long-term vitality.

“Proper planting techniques are essential to ensure that the trees thrive,” said Mark Baldwin, chief of landscape services. “Healthy trees purify our air, cool our surroundings and increase biodiversity which is a smart investment for generations to come.”

In addition to fleet and landscaping improvements, new landscaping around the Executive Office Building is now completely herbicide- and pesticide-free, further promoting a sustainable and biodiverse environment.

The county’s fleet of more than 900 vehicles accounts for about 16 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, Oakland County has introduced 12 electric vehicles and three hybrids, replaces vehicles every six years – well ahead of the national average – and implements rigorous maintenance practices like regular wheel alignments to improve fuel efficiency.

Oakland County buildings, which span nearly 2 million square feet, contribute to 76 percent of operational greenhouse gas emissions. A collaboration between Facilities Management and the Office of Sustainability is driving improvements in energy efficiency, building decarbonization and renewable energy installation.
Oakland County’s environmental sustainability initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to innovation, climate resilience, and the well-being of residents and employees alike.

For more information about Oakland County’s sustainability initiatives, visit oakgov.com/community/sustainability.

DNR News: Red Flag Warning: Delay burning today

by Becky Andrus | Apr 28, 2025 | Recreation

DNR News

April 28, 2025
Contact: Paul Rogers, 616-260-8406

Red Flag Warning: Delay burning today, especially in northern Lower Peninsula

Michiganders, if you were planning to burn outside today – don’t. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Monday, with fire danger higher than normal across the entire Lower Peninsula and in the eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula.

“It’s a combination of warm temperatures, relatively low humidity and winds gusting to 25 miles per hour,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Instead of burning waste left from the historic ice storm in late March, people who live in the affected area are advised to take debris to a collection station. Find a list of debris disposal sites on the state’s ice storm dashboard at Michigan.gov/IceStorm.

If you intend to burn leaves or yard debris, always check online for a burn permit to make sure weather conditions are safe for burning. In the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire department or municipality to make sure conditions allow for safe burning.

Keep fire safety in mind

Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment. Whenever you have finished with your campfire, make sure to drench it with water, stir the ashes and drench again.

Here are additional fire safety tips:

Whenever you burn anything, keep a hose or other water source nearby.
Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
Don’t burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Learn more about fire safety at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Following severe ice storms in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails. Find up-to-date information about closures, volunteer opportunities and more on the DNR storm recovery page.

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