Share your thoughts with the DNR

Share your thoughts with the DNR

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DNR News

Cardinal standing on snowy ground.
Jan. 25, 2024

Share your thoughts with the DNR at upcoming meetings

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages often, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.

February meetings

Work for wildlife: DNR hiring for spring positions

Work for wildlife: DNR hiring for spring positions

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Work for wildlife: DNR hiring for spring positions

DNR staffer holding chainsaw near cut treeCalling any nature enthusiasts, outdoor lovers or conservation-minded folks – the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hiring for a variety of temporary wildlife positions that may be right for you! These spring jobs, available around the state, could be especially attractive to those looking to enter the conservation work force or seniors and retirees who want to get more involved in the outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to gain new skills or seeking an interesting job steeped in natural resources, the DNR Wildlife Division has several options. Temporary workers are crucial to maintaining the healthy wildlife populations that are central to quality hunting and wildlife watching experiences. People in these roles:

  • Assist with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include farming, planting trees, cutting clearings and adjusting water levels.
  • Help with mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance duties.
  • Handle tasks related to wildlife surveys, wildlife sample collection, crop damage inspections, nuisance animal control and equipment operation and maintenance.

“These positions are a great way to experience the conservation field and learn new skills,” said Jennifer Schafer, human resource liaison for the DNR Wildlife Division. “Each of these roles within the wildlife team not only contributes to vital conservation efforts but also offers a rewarding and hands-on experience.”

Apply for DNR jobs ►

Apply for current postings on the State of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources jobs page. Search “wildlife” to show the Wildlife Division opportunities.

DNR career info ►

Taking care of the outdoors is a big responsibility. Learn more about the variety of seasonal, part-time and full-time positions, as well as career pathways and benefits.

Applications are due by Monday, Feb. 5. The listed job titles for these temporary positions include:

  • Spring non-career wildlife assistant.
  • Spring non-career wildlife state worker.

Questions? Call Jennifer Schafer or Brandi Holden at 517-284-9453 or email DNR-Wildlife-HR-and-Development@Michigan.gov.

DNR News Digest – Week of Jan. 15, 2024

DNR News Digest – Week of Jan. 15, 2024

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News Digest – Week of Jan. 15, 2024

small group of brown and white birds with red-tipped heads, feeding on the ground in bright white snow

Common redpolls, wintering in Michigan, feed in the crisp, white snow.

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.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of many of the images used in this email are available in this folder.


Nature Center Summit, Wildlife Weekend set for February

Nonformal nature educators looking for hands-on nature learning and inspiration, don’t miss next month’s Nature Center Summit in northern Michigan.

The one-day seminar – Friday, Feb. 9, at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center on Higgins Lake in Roscommon – brings together nature center interpreters, zoo staff, conservation district educators, higher education faculty and K-12 teachers interested in the latest updates and trends in Michigan natural resources management and environmental issues.

The summit generally welcomes about 100 people to learn from the state’s top authorities in their areas of expertise. Stay for the day (lunch included) or stay later and network with your education colleagues; the choice is yours. Find full event and registration details on the Nature Center Summit webpage.

Wildlife Weekend (open to everyone)

snow-dusted chairs and snowshoes around a gray concrete firepit in front of a fieldstone and steel lodge-style buildingSponsored by the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, Wildlife Weekend takes off when the Nature Center Summit concludes. Beginning that Friday evening and running through noon Sunday, Feb. 11, Wildlife Weekend offers three course options:

  • Snowshoe Making: Learn the step-by-step process to lace your own Green Mountain snowshoes, and join a trail adventure at Hartwick Pines State Park.
  • Geology Potpourri: Explore a billion-year timeline, learn how Native Americans used and traded rocks and minerals, and make your own jewelry.
  • Finding Your Way: Learn about navigation with the use of maps, enjoy a navigational road trip and see how the Land Ordinance of 1785 shaped today’s world.

Wildlife Weekend is designed for anyone who wants to learn, so bring a friend or partner and enjoy the food, fires and ambience of a winter weekend at the RAM Center. For more information and to register, go to the Wildlife Weekend webpage.

Questions about either event? Contact Kevin Frailey at 517-974-7941.


Keep, swap or sell? Weigh in on land review by Feb. 7

tall, slender mature trees with bright green foliage stand close together in a thickly forested area with a rough dirt trail cutting throughDNR staff recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell state-managed land in the ninth and final round of the land review are nearing DNR director approval, but there’s still plenty of time for anyone interested to review them and share feedback; public comments are due Feb. 7.

An updated, interactive web map reflects those recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy to see what has changed throughout the department’s ongoing review process.

Implemented as part of the 2013 Managed Public Land Strategy (later updated for 2021-2027), the state land review looks at DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage. This ninth and final round is different from the first eight, which focused on groups of 10 or 11 counties at a time. Group 9 is more of a catchall category that includes parcels – totaling nearly 4,000 acres – from 67 different counties that weren’t captured in the first eight rounds due to the parcels’ small size or the need for additional research to verify the accuracy of location or ownership.

“This county-by-county review process gives us the opportunity to evaluate and make decisions about how well the current land portfolio supports our mission of protecting natural resources while providing broad public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities,” said DNR forest land administrator Kerry Heckman. “It’s critical that people who enjoy and use these lands are part of the discussion, and we appreciate everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far.”

Comments left on the web map or emailed to DNR-StateLandReview@Michigan.gov by Feb. 7 will be compiled and provided to the DNR director. A final decision on recommendations is expected at the Feb. 8 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

Follow updates on the state land review process at Michigan.gov/PublicLands.

Questions? Contact Kerry Heckman at HeckmanK1@Michigan.gov.


Prune, plan, plant – get a jump on tree season

Closeup of a person's hand using pruning shears to remove a tree twigEven in the middle of winter, it’s not too early to be thinking of ways to be a good tree tender. One way is to prune your trees and shrubs to boost their health. Looking ahead, you can research and plan for new trees in your space, planting them once the ground thaws. See our quick tips to get your plant on!

Prune: Late winter is the best time to prune most types of trees. This is especially important for oaks to reduce the risk of spreading oak wilt disease. Pruning is used to improve a tree’s structure, remove weak or dead limbs and increase airflow, helping to ensure health during the growing season. This December 2022 Showcasing the DNR story has details on basic techniques. If you have fruit trees, which require specialized care, see a winter fruit tree pruning article from Michigan State University Extension.

Plan: Are you adding more trees in 2024? Think about whether you want a tree that will benefit pollinators, attract your favorite birds and wildlife or provide magnificent fall color. Take your growing zone, site conditions and nearby infrastructure (buildings, power lines and underground cables) into account to pick trees that are perfect for your location.

Once you’ve made your picks, it’s time to order them from your local conservation district or tree nursery. You can also purchase trees online from the Arbor Day Foundation or a reputable nursery. Don’t delay – many tree sales start in midwinter with spring pickup. If you’re planning to plant many trees on a large area of land, check out our resources for private forest land owners.

Plant: Plant one tree, or many! Download a copy of our tree planting and care guide or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tree Owner’s Manual for tips to help your trees thrive. Once your tree is in the ground, add it to our Mi Trees planting map to help us reach a statewide pledge to plant 50 million trees by 2030.

Questions? Contact DNR urban forester Lawrence Sobson at 313-316-4137.


New season of Outdoor Channel’s ‘Wardens’ starts Jan. 26

a woman in a DNR conservation officer uniform and hat examines a duck in the back of a pickup while checking a hunter's license info.Another season of the Outdoor Channel’s “Wardens” – featuring the Michigan DNR – begins Jan. 26. It’s a unique opportunity for a closer look at how our dedicated conservation officers, biologists, foresters, park employees and many others work to conserve, protect and manage Michigan’s natural and cultural resources.

This year’s episodes take viewers to locations across the state, including a walleye patrol on the Detroit River, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program in the Upper Peninsula and a charity event hosted by Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow at the Bald Mountain Shooting Range in Lake Orion. Check out a sneak peek of the season’s first episode, “Firearm Season Whitetails & BOW.”

The DNR initially partnered with the Outdoor Channel on production of the television show in 2016. “Wardens” viewership via the Outdoor Channel in 2023 was over 2 million households.

Since the show began featuring the Michigan DNR:

  • Total viewership is more than 36.6 million households.
  • 78 episodes have aired over 1,000 times.
  • “Wardens” continues to be available Sunday mornings on WLUC FOX UP TV6.
  • Previous episodes have been repackaged on basic cable as “Wardens of the North” and “Michigan Wardens” on Animal Planet.
  • Outdoor Channel is accessible via cable and mobile platforms including MyOutdoorTV and Amazon Prime Video.

Episodes appearing on Animal Planet made an immediate public impact. The DNR doesn’t have ratings information but reports that public feedback was noticeable.

Commercial spots within the show feature recruiting opportunities for new officers and promote accessible recreation opportunities at Michigan state parks, hunting areas, beaches, fishing piers, historic sites and other destinations.

Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819.


Photo ambassador snapshot: Snowy smile at Belle Isle

a young girl, brown hair spilling out from her hood, in a navy blue winter coat, smiles as light snow falls around her in a wooded areaSee 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 Samantha Hageman Gaina, for the Michigan DNR, at Belle Isle Park in Wayne County.)


THINGS TO DO

Michiganders know the fishing doesn’t stop when the snow starts to fly. Get all the ice fishing information you need and get out there!

BUY & APPLY

Buy licenses and permits, check drawing results, report harvests and check regulations; do it all at the DNR’s eLicense webpage.

GET INVOLVED

Count birds, collect water samples, find Michigan’s biggest trees … how can you support community science efforts in 2024?

DNR News: Eastern UP snowmobile trail temporarily closed

DNR News: Eastern UP snowmobile trail temporarily closed

 
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DNR News

Jan. 17, 2024
Contact: Peter J. (PJ) Costa, 906-630-0513

Eastern UP snowmobile trail temporarily closed

Two snowmobilers ride a trail on a snowy afternoon in Marquette County.

A 14-mile section of a Chippewa County snowmobile trail has been closed temporarily by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources because of hazards posed by weather conditions.

While the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula didn’t receive the same significant snowfall other areas of the state did in the past several days, this area has experienced high water on certain trails because of this winter’s overall milder weather conditions.

Snowmobile Trail UP 49 from Sault Ste. Marie south toward Kinross in Chippewa County is temporarily closed because of high water, with no reroutes available.

“Multiple spots along this route are not passable,” said PJ Costa, eastern U.P. trails specialist with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Disregarding closed trail signs or gates could jeopardize rider safety. The trail closure is taking place to proactively help protect riders from these hazards, Costa said.

“Emergency crews have pulled sleds out of deep-water areas a couple times over the last week,” he said. “These areas with swamps have a lot of water holes in the trails. Conditions there may not improve until significant snowfall and much colder temperatures occur, which are needed to freeze and firm up the trails.”

View the DNR’s interactive snowmobile map for more details.

For the latest information on DNR trail and other facility closures, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

For more information on snowmobiling in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.

Review trail safety tips at Michigan.gov/RideRight.


Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Trail closure: This map shows the section of Snowmobile Trail UP 49 from Sault Ste. Marie south toward Kinross in Chippewa County that is temporarily closed because of high water. No reroutes are available.

 

DNR urges snowmobile, ice safety amid winter storm

DNR urges snowmobile, ice safety amid winter storm

 
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DNR News

Jan. 12, 2024

Contact: Cpl. Mike Hearn or John Pepin, 906-226-1352

DNR urges snowmobile, ice safety amid winter storm this holiday weekend

An ice angler pulls an auger back through the ice after drilling a hole for fishing.It’s finally time to tune up the snowmobiles and break out the hand warmers, as Michigan is bracing for the impact of one of the largest winter storm systems of the so-far mild season.

Heavy snow, blizzard conditions and low visibility are expected to hinder travel to varying degrees across the state, according to the National Weather Service.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges all outdoor enthusiasts to use caution, especially when snowmobiling or venturing onto the ice.

“Unfortunately, with the unseasonable winter we’ve experienced this season, there are still marginal ice conditions throughout the state,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety, education and enforcement supervisor. “Accumulating snowfall often creates blankets of snow on top of bodies of water that are still freezing, which creates deceiving perceptions that the water is solid and safe to venture onto.”

If you plan to be on or near ice, the DNR reminds you to wear a life jacket and carry icepicks in an easy-to-reach spot, such as clipped onto your chest. You can test ice thickness and quality using a spud, needle bar or auger. If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, be extra cautious for potentially hazardous conditions.

The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile safety campaign urges snowmobilers to ride sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail or roadway. Group leaders should also “lead right” by riding at a comfortable pace that their most novice rider can safely maintain, stopping regularly to check on the group, using an experienced snowmobiler to ride last in the group and limiting the overall number of riders in the group.

Snowmobilers enjoy a trip riding right on a winter morning in Gogebic County.“All snowmobilers should slow down when taking corners and make a complete stop at all intersections,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR snowmobile and off-road vehicle specialist. “This is often when collisions happen, because people take a turn too fast or tight and collide with another snowmobiler or object or leave the path. Just slow down.”

The DNR encourages all individuals to complete an approved snowmobile safety course. If you are interested in becoming a snowmobile safety instructor, learn more on the DNR website.

So far this winter, one snowmobile fatality has been reported.

Conservation officers throughout the state will be conducting advanced patrols over the holiday weekend to help ensure people are enjoying outdoor activities safely.

Additional winter recreation safety tips are available on the DNR’s website.

Visit Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling to buy a trail permit or find places to snowmobile.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Ice fishing: An angler pulls an auger back through the ice after drilling a hole for fishing, releasing a gush of water.

Snowmobiling: Snowmobilers enjoy a morning riding right on a trail in Gogebic County.

Showcasing the DNR: Add more outdoors in 2024

Showcasing the DNR: Add more outdoors in 2024

 
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Showcasing the DNR

a few solitary fishing shanties dot the ice on Saginaw Bay, set against a brilliant pink and orange sunrise

Add more outdoors in 2024

By SARAH LAPSHAN
Senior communications advisor
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

When it comes to nature-based fun and learning, we’ve got you covered. Everyday adventurers, weekend warriors and everyone in between – you’re all welcome in Michigan’s big green gym.

“No matter where you live or where you’d like to go, our state has a wealth of quality public lands offering many opportunities to get you outside,” said Scott Whitcomb, director of the Office of Public Lands at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “If your 2024 plans include resolutions for better physical and mental health, less screen time and more days enjoying, supporting and learning about the outdoors, this is a pretty great place to be.”

Here are a few ideas to get started.

Tackle new trails

A small group of men and women in winter outdoor gear and helmets stand with mountain bikes on a snowy, forested trailMichigan has more than 13,400 miles of state-designated trails, including multiuse trails that can accommodate more than one type of recreation use. These trails are for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, paddling, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, snowmobiling and more.

To tweak your trails routine:

  • Try a new trail at least once a month.
  • Paddle one of nine designated state water trails (totaling 630 miles) that flow through more than a dozen counties.
  • Sign up for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K (April 22-26) and support tree-planting and forest-protection efforts in state parks.
  • Bring a buddy and introduce someone to the trails experience.

When you’re ready to blaze your own trail, get everything you need – interactive nonmotorized trail and ORV route maps, snowmobile trail maps, track chair details, etiquette guidance and closures info – at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

Watch for wildlife

A curving line of animal tracks crosses snow-covered ice in a sunlit, forested areaAn easy, fun way to enjoy fresh air is to keep an eye out for animal tracks. You can do this year-round, but with tracks and evidence of critters more visible with snow on the ground, winter is one of the best times.

Rachel Lincoln, a DNR wildlife outreach coordinator, said many animals remain active during Michigan winters, both in urban and rural settings, and it’s common to see tracks of deer, squirrels, coyotes, birds and rabbits widespread throughout the state – though the tracks of bobcats, foxes and weasels prove more elusive.

“Small mammals such as shrews, mice and voles will tunnel beneath the snow, leaving lines of raised snow that are easy to spot,” she said. “Following tracks gives insights into animal behavior. You’re like a detective, piecing together what the animal was doing, where it was traveling to and from, whether it was alone or traveling in groups.”

Want to know more? Animal track field guides can help you learn about the tracks you’re seeing. Peterson’s Field Guide on Animal Tracks is a great resource to explore beforehand or take with you in the field. Learn more about plant and wildlife species at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

Try your hand at tree ID

A little girl in a pink coat and pom hat holds up a red and orange maple leaf as she stands on an autumn trailWith more than 20 million acres of forest land and expanding urban tree canopy, Michigan knows trees … but do you? Hartwick Pines State Park interpreter Craig Kasmer has some tree-identification tips to keep in mind when you’re out exploring.

Conifers (pine, spruce, fir and cedar, for example) that retain their leaves are easier to ID in the winter. Deciduous trees (like maple, birch and elm) that lose their leaves take more effort to determine.

“The three characteristics to look for are bark, branching and seeds, and the seeds are usually found on the ground at this time of year,” said Kasmer.

For a branching reminder, he suggested the acronym MAD HORSE, because maple, ash, dogwood and horse chestnut all have opposing branching patterns: twigs grow off a branch opposite of each other like our arms from our torso. All other trees/shrubs grow in an alternate pattern.

Some quick tree traits: White oak trees have water-resistant properties that make them great for building boats and wine barrels. Redbud trees have tiny pink flowers that bloom before the trees even grow leaves. The mighty eastern white pine, Michigan’s state tree, can grow over 100 feet tall!

Intrigued? Discover more facts about Michigan’s trees on the DNR’s native trees webpage.

Know your invasives

About a half-dozen people with garbage bags spread out in an open grassy area to look for invasive plantsNo matter how or where you spend time outdoors, there is something you can do to care for your favorite places: learn about invasive pests and diseases that threaten native plant and animal species.

If certain invasives are given the chance to outcompete native species enough to establish themselves in new ecosystems, they pose a huge risk to Michigan woods and water. Certain species can cause deforestation, reduce fish populations and alter valuable habitat.

It’s easy to help; just know what to look for and report what you see!

Visit Michigan.gov/Invasives to learn more about identifying and reporting problem species; get tips on actions hunters, anglers, boaters and others can take to reduce the spread of invasives; and explore the popular NotMiSpecies webinar series. It covers everything from rock snot (yes, a true aquatic invasive species) to protecting your own backyard or neighborhood from damaging bugs like spongy moth or spotted lanternfly.

Volunteer

A woman volunteering as a campground host helps young campers at a picnic table work on a nature-themed arts and crafts project.Teaching new hunters about safety, answering campers’ questions and sharing campground program information, pulling invasive plants in state parks’ natural areas, cleaning up illegal dumping sites in the forest, installing fish-spawning structures, gathering water samples from an inland lake, giving lighthouse tours, reporting sick or dead wildlife – these all are things you can do to help Michigan’s natural world and the people who like to spend time in it.

If you want to lend a hand but aren’t sure how to make the leap, visit the DNR’s Get involved webpage. Explore the different volunteer options and see where you have a natural inclination, what feels like the right fit. If Michigan’s great outdoors has given a lot to you over the years, make 2024 the year you give back. You’ll be glad you did.

Discover new pursuits

hands work to weave thick white laces through the frame of wooden snowhoesAlways wanted to try fishing, hunting, hiking, birding, mushroom hunting or other nifty nature quests, but want a little guidance? The DNR’s Outdoor Skills Academy has just what you need: expert-led outings, all the gear, and time and space to let yourself learn.

“Sometimes a lack of experience with a certain hobby or skill can be intimidating, but the Outdoor Skills Academy removes all of that,” said the DNR’s Ed Shaw, who oversees the program. “Spend a weekend with your son or daughter, partner or best friend – or go solo and make new friends – and enjoy diving into something new that might just become a lifelong passion.”

Upcoming classes include ice fishing and snowshoe building, with more opportunities added throughout the year. Watch for updates and registration details at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Michigan’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program offers women (18 and older) opportunities to explore outdoor activities in a noncompetitive, supportive atmosphere. The program offers weekend events in February and June in the Upper Peninsula at the Bay Cliff Health Camp north of Marquette.

“BOW truly is a life-changing experience for many of the participants who often find deep and meaningful connections to the outdoors on their very first visit,” said John Pepin, administrator of the program. “There is also a camaraderie, finding of new friends and good times shared by participants and volunteer instructors alike.”

The program has dozens of class offerings ranging from self-confidence, shotgun and rifle shooting and cross-country skiing to fly fishing, paddleboarding, photography, wilderness first aid, archery, backwoods cooking, hiking and more. Sign up for upcoming activities and learn more at Michigan.gov/BOW.

Look local

two little boys cool off and have fun playing with a spray gun on a cement water splash pad set in a grassy park areaWhitcomb said that state-managed public lands aren’t your only option for getting outdoors. At the local and regional levels, too, you can find quality public recreation resources – neighborhood playgrounds, nature centers, community parks, city-to-city trails and more – that often are available closer to home.

“Such opportunities proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to provide the safe, welcoming outdoor space people value,” he said.

One place to start the search is the DNR’s Michigan.gov/YourLocalOutdoors website, where you’ll find an interactive map pin-pointing the names, locations, directions and destinations for plenty of places to camp, hunt, fish, boat, bike and more. Most entries offer information such as latitude and longitude, address, contact phone number and link to a dedicated webpage with more specific details and amenities.

Get more outdoor inspiration – including winter fun such as fat-tire biking, stargazing and cross-country skiing – on the DNR’s Things to do webpage.

If you’re looking for new opportunities for adventures and recreation in the outdoors, Michigan has what you’re looking for. Add more outdoors to your life in 2024.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.


Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Winter mountain biking: A group of holiday mountain bikers stop for a picture on the Norway Ridge Trail near Alpena.

Trail running: Enjoying a sun-filled run at Pinckney Recreation Area in southeast Michigan.

Animal tracks: Animal tracks are pictured crossing the ice of Mud Creek in Gogebic County.

DNR TreeNA sugar maple graphic: A graphic highlighting characteristics of the sugar maple. See nearly two dozen other TreeNA graphics on the DNR’s Michigan trees webpage.

Little leaf hunter: A young girl proudly shows off her find: a red and gold maple leaf picked up in Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon. Photo courtesy of Michigan state parks photo ambassador Blair Celano, for the Michigan DNR.

Stewardship day: Volunteers at Brighton Recreation Area spread out to locate and remove invasive plants from natural areas at the state park.

Campground host: The campground host at Hayes State Park in Lenawee County helps young campers with a nature-themed art project.

Snowshoe making: Learning to make your own traditional snowshoes at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling.

Ice fishing sunrise: A few lone fishing shanties dot the ice at sunrise on Saginaw Bay.

Splash pad: Two little boys cooling off and having fun on the splash pad at Bay City State Park.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.