“During late spring and summer, wood turtles spend much of their time on land, foraging in fields, forests and floodplains for a variety of foods, including berries, slugs, insects and earthworms,” said Tony Henehan, coordinator of the DNR’s State Willdlife Action Plan.

An idyllic existence, if not for threats like habitat loss, road mortality, nest predation and illegal collection that have decreased population numbers to the point that wood turtles are among Michigan’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need, as identified in that plan.

There’s good news, too, Henehan said. The DNR and its partners have launched several conservation-focused research efforts to solve this challenge. One of the most promising innovations has been the use of detection dogs trained to locate turtles more efficiently in the wild.

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Natural Resources Department’s Inland Fish & Wildlife Program has been a key collaborator in these efforts. Each year, LTBB biologists and technicians research and monitor rare turtle species in the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory of northern Michigan. For the tribe, the wood turtle — Mitig-mishiikenh in Anishinaabemowin — is more than a species of concern; it is a culturally significant animal. Many tribal citizens belong to the Turtle (mishiikenh) Clan, and conserving this species for the next seven generations is both an ecological and cultural priority.

LTBB biologist Bill Parsons said the tribe’s conservation work includes a variety of conventional survey methods to locate and monitor the turtles: float trips along rivers using kayaks or canoes to spot turtles in or near the water, visual surveys along riverbanks and tributaries to assess habitat use, and the use of radio telemetry.

While effective, these methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive — especially in dense vegetation or rugged terrain where turtles are difficult to spot. In response, LTBB has adopted a novel and increasingly effective tool: detection dogs. These dogs are trained to sniff out turtles based on their scent, allowing researchers to locate individuals that would otherwise go unnoticed. The dogs can quickly cover large areas and reduce human disturbance in sensitive habitats.

Working with his trained Labradoodle, Mooz, Parsons has found dozens of turtles and nest sites using this approach over the past five years. The use of detection dogs is proving to be a game-changer, not only for wood turtle conservation but potentially for locating other rare species in Michigan as well – all in all, a pretty doggone good deal.

Seeing Michigan’s wood turtles up close is a memorable experience, and the summer months are a great time to find them. Just remember not to touch or collect turtles, except if one is crossing the road. If it’s safe to do so, feel free to lend a hand and help it across in the direction it was headed.

Questions? Contact Tony Henehan at HenehanT@Michigan.gov.

Offering these guides is part of a new partnership between the Library of Michigan and the DNR.

“We’re so excited about this collaboration aimed at enriching the outdoor experiences of residents and visitors to our beautiful state,” said Maia Turek, engagement and innovations specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “One of the best things about this new partnership is that these guides are free to access through the Library of Michigan’s ReadMichigan.org e-book platform.”

With detailed information on flora, fauna, geology and other natural features, the Michigan Field Guides will now be easily accessible to anyone with a mobile device. Whether identifying wildflowers along the trails, spotting native birds or learning about Michigan’s unique ecosystems, users can dive deeper into the natural world around them.

The guides are available for instant use at ReadMichigan.org, a free resource provided by the Library of Michigan that offers access to Michigan-based e-books and educational materials with no wait lists or holds to Michigan residents or visitors anywhere within the state.

ReadMichigan.org was initially developed by the Library of Michigan in collaboration with Michigan Humanities and the presses of University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University to create a unique collection of regional e-books available to all Michigan residents. The collection has expanded to include many past Michigan Notable Books selections, titles by Michigan poets, and local histories of towns and cities across the state.

This newest partnership underscores Michigan’s commitment to accessible learning and environmental awareness for all ages and is part of a broader effort to enhance the visitor experience across Michigan’s 100-plus state parks.

The Library of Michigan is an agency within the Michigan Department of Education and is dedicated to providing the people of this state and their government with one perpetual institution to collect, preserve and provide access to the story of the state, and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors. Learn more at Michigan.gov/LibraryofMichigan.

Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.

Warmer days mean that Michigan bats are on the move. If you’ve seen bats flying from trees, chimneys, bridges or other structures around dusk, you may have spotted a bat roost. These are places where bats rest and raise pups.

“Roosts are a key part of a bat’s life cycle, but we still don’t fully understand how and where bats are using them across Michigan,” said DNR bat specialist John DePue. “That’s where people can help. By reporting roosts, you provide valuable data to guide conservation efforts.”

Reporting roosts

The new Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program, launched in partnership with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and the DNR, invites community members to become “roost spotters.” If you observe bats regularly entering and exiting a tree, building, bridge or other structure during sunrise or sunset, it is likely a roost site and should be reported.

“You don’t need a science background, just a notepad, a flashlight and a bit of time,” said Nicolette Sexton, research assistant with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. “This is an easy and rewarding way to connect with nature and make a real difference for our native bat species.”

To participate, open the survey page and plug in location information for the roost. Photos of the roost are helpful, but please don’t get too close; disturbing a roost can harm the bats.

If you suspect someone has been bitten by or had direct exposure to a bat, contact your local health department, as bats can carry rabies. If a pet may have been exposed, contact your veterinarian.

Take action for bats

If you’re out enjoying a summer sunset and see bats using a roost, let us know. It takes just three short minutes to submit a report that can have a lasting impact on bat conservation. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Bats.

Questions? Contact Nicolette Sexton at SextonN@Michigan.gov.

• Helpful safety tips — for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics — are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation in the Safety Information section. Please pay special attention to fire safety at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.  Also be cautious of cold-water temperatures when visiting the Great Lakes and inland lakes. Sudden immersion can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing drowning risk. Stay safe and enjoy our beautiful waters!
• The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.
• Boaters can help prevent the spread of invasive species by removing mud and debris from all surfaces, draining water from all bilges, wells and tanks, and drying all equipment before transporting boats over land.

All state park campgrounds and overnight lodging locations in affected parks have reopened. Please keep in mind that in some areas the landscape may look different and some day-use areas, such as boating access sites and park trails, may still be closed.

If you plan to hit a trail or a forest road, look ahead as usual – but also look up and down. Some broken limbs and branches are still hanging in some trees and may fall without warning. In other cases, trees are down or leaning on other trees. For your safety, please respect all closures. If there are open trails in the park or region, please stay on the trail corridor due to potential hazards in the surrounding forest.

The storms profoundly affected nearly 1 million acres of state forest land, including 3,400 miles of state forest roads, 19 state parks, 54 state forest campgrounds, 169 boating access sites and 3,260 miles of trails (including 1,700 miles of state-designated ORV trails and routes).

“Crews have been working hard to reopen forest roads and trails and repair state facilities, and they’ve made a lot of progress so far,” said Kerry Heckman, public information officer for the DNR Ice Storm Response Team. “We know everyone wants to get outside to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors, and we want that, too. But it’s critical to use caution, steer clear of closed areas and be fully aware of your surroundings.”

Find a dedicated map and dashboard with the latest status (open, partially open, closed) of state parks, state-managed trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds, safety updates and more at the DNR’s Ice Storm Response page.

Questions? Contact Beth Fults at FultsB@Michigan.gov.

However, installation of swim buoys is delayed at several locations due to this year’s cooler temperatures in the Great Lakes and inland lakes. Those chillier temps are creating conditions that make it dangerous for DNR staff to complete the installation. Not all buoys will be in place until weather conditions allow for safe installation.

“We want to remind our visitors to be cautious of cold-water temperatures. Sudden immersion and/or sustained time in cold water can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing your risk of drowning,” said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

To keep everyone safe, follow these must-know tips throughout the swim season:

• Check beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags = water access closed, red flag = high hazard, yellow flag = medium hazard, green flag = low hazard). By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
• The absence of flags does not ensure safe swimming conditions. Swim at your own risk and be vigilant about monitoring beach and water conditions.
• For safer swimming, choose buoyed swim areas when visiting many state parks. These areas offer added safety measures and visual cues, helping you avoid potentially hazardous locations like piers with structural currents. Keep in mind that not all state parks offer buoyed swim areas.
• Never swim alone, especially children.
• Keep close watch on children and less experienced swimmers: Stay within arm’s reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take frequent breaks.
• Be aware of water temperatures and weather warnings.
• Water currents near piers, breakwalls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.

The DNR is proud to promote National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, and safe boating practices all year long. Where the cause of death was known, U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause in 75 percent of recreational boating fatalities in 2023, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Before leaving shore, consider these boating safety tips:

Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use.

“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump or try to make turns or stop.”

All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this other important guidance in mind, too:

• Ride at a safe speed.
• Ride sober.
• Ride on the right side of the trail.
• Keep lights on when riding.
• Always wear a helmet.

Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on state ORV laws and where to ride, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.

Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at HearnM@Michigan.gov.

People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires – almost never on purpose – and nearly all of these could have been prevented.

Next time you plan to burn, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Build your campfire in a metal ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you’re done, thoroughly douse the fire with water, stir and douse again.
• When using fireworks, keep a hose handy and make sure to soak used sparklers in water before discarding them. Never shoot fireworks into dry grass, brush or trees.
• When barbecuing, never leave the grill unattended and keep a water source nearby.
• Taking a trailer up north? Ensure tow chains don’t drag and cause sparks, which can light a fire along the road’s edge.
• Avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Don’t park an ORV or other vehicle on dry grass, as a hot exhaust system can ignite the grass.
• Before burning yard debris, see if burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information. People in Michigan’s 12-county ice storm emergency area are asked to hold off on burning and to take fallen limbs and other debris to dropoff sites.
• If you do burn, keep your debris piles small. A large pile can burn for hours.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/FireSafety. Questions? Contact DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.

Sometimes it’s just about knowing how to take action. Fortunately, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program has excellent, clear-cut guidance for boaters and anglers, campers, hunters and trail users, and land owners, gardeners and pond owners.

Before ever leaving the house, though, it’s good to know exactly what you’re looking for and what do do when you find it! Check out the invasive species identify and report page for profiles on different species and guidance on how best to report them. Invasive species of greatest concern in Michigan are on the Watch List, and several species are prohibited or restricted in Michigan.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman, DNR invasives species communications coordinator, at 517-243-6450.