Fire danger is highest across the northern Lower Peninsula and in parts of the Upper Peninsula, said Jeff Vasher, fire specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“Humidity is low, so the environment is drying out fast,” Vasher said. “A fire can take off with very little warning in these kinds of conditions, especially if it’s windy at all.”

Some parts of the Upper Peninsula still have melting snow, but those that don’t also are drying fast. Fire danger is expected to remain elevated throughout the weekend.

Before burning yard debris or lighting any fire, check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.

Great Lakes Proud, a Traverse City-based company, will create and curate lifestyle merchandise and sustainably sourced apparel highlighting Michigan state parks, trails and boating. A portion of proceeds will be donated back to DNR programs and amenities that benefit natural resources and outdoor recreation in Michigan.

The partnership is part of “These Goods are Good for Michigan,” a program that recognizes partners who help support state parks through a revenue-sharing agreement from merchandise sales.

“For more than a decade, we have sought creative ways to fulfill our mission,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “Every point of contact is an opportunity to educate and inspire people to love and respect their public lands. Merchandise is as much of a point of contact as an interpretive panel or trail map, and by partnering with this Michigan-based business we are able to tap into their expertise to maximize this touch point with our visitors both on-site and online.”

Great Lakes Proud will roll out new merchandise all year, with initial offerings promoting Tahquamenon Falls to celebrate the launch of the park’s new gift shop, morel mushrooms, tree rings and the simple message of “Peace, Love, Parks” among other unique designs.

“Great Lakes Proud sources sustainable options whenever possible and utilizes environmentally friendly manufacturing practices to provide an eco-conscious choice for consumers,” said Cory Wright, project manager and director of operations at Great Lakes Proud. “Whether that’s using natural, water-based inks and dyes to avoid harsh chemical solvents, to finding organic or recycled fabrics to mitigate our carbon footprint, we are always striving to put our earth first and providing the highest quality options for our goods so they’ll outlast traditionally manufactured products.”

Visit Goods4Mi.com to see the DNR’s full collection of “These Goods are Good for Michigan” partners, including Great Lakes Proud.

Questions? Contact Maia Turek (DNR) at 989-225-8573 or Cory Wright (Great Lakes Proud) at 248-462-2152.

All wild mothers have strategies for how to best raise and protect their babies. If you come across young wildlife, do your part by simply leaving them alone. They may look abandoned, but mom is just away avoiding scary predators – like you! – until it’s time to feed them again.

An egg-citing surprise

Bird nests are found in all kinds of places, so don’t be surprised to find one in a flowerpot, downspout or elsewhere in your backyard. Mallard ducks often build nests in unexpected places near people in cities and suburban neighborhoods. The mother duck will lead her ducklings to water soon after they hatch. If you spot a nest, be a good neighbor: Leave it alone and keep pets and children away.

Remember, too, that bird nests and eggs are protected under federal law. It is illegal to touch, move or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit.

Watch your step

A mother deer’s best survival strategy for her fawn is to leave it unattended for several hours a day. She might leave the fawn near your home, or you may stumble upon it in your backyard, garden or patio.

These babies are not forgotten; the mother carefully selects a location and will return periodically to feed her baby. By staying away, she avoids drawing attention to its hiding place.

Young fawns have exceptional camouflage, almost no scent and remain still, making it difficult for predators to spot them. If you find a fawn – don’t touch it. Admire it quietly from a distance to increase its chance of survival.

Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. Unless someone is licensed, it is illegal to possess a live wild animal, including deer, in Michigan.

Find more tips about springtime wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

The 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan ultimately identifies goals and objectives that will help prioritize actions that address resource protection, recreation, education, funding, efficient business practices and environmental sustainability over the five-year period.

“The plan will serve as a roadmap to best manage Michigan’s diverse natural, cultural and recreational resources and help us provide long-lasting memories for visitors seeking outdoor recreation experiences,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “With park, trail and boating destinations located in urban and rural settings, we are proud to help contribute toward the state’s $26.3 billion tourism industry.”

The DNR Parks and Recreation Division manages 103 state parks and recreation areas, totaling 360,000 acres. It also oversees the state’s boating program, 13,400 miles of state-designated motorized and nonmotorized trails, 630 miles of state-designated water trails and 140 state forest campgrounds.

In 2021 alone, the state parks system attracted more than 30 million state park day-use visits and more than 1.4 million state park camp nights. As more people get outdoors, the new strategic plan will help enhance the state parks and recreation experience.

The plan is available at Michigan.gov/PRDStrategicPlans.

Questions? Contact Debbie Jensen at 517-230-6837.

“Every Michigander deserves equitable access to the outdoors that’s close to home no matter where they live, and that includes having quality local park and trail resources at the neighborhood and community levels,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Under the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan I signed last year, we made history with the largest one-time investment ever in our state and local parks. Michigan Spark Grants are unique because they align support directly with each community’s diverse recreational needs. We’re excited that these grants will help deliver critical funding to ‘spark’ more opportunities for residents to enjoy nature and connect with family and friends.”

Earlier this year, the DNR awarded $14.2 million in first-round funding to 21 communities. A great start, but interest in the Michigan Spark Grants program far exceeded the department’s expectations.

“We were astounded by the response to the first round,” said Dan Lord, assistant chief of the DNR’s Finance and Operations Division. “In a normal year, our top three recreation grant programs – the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Recreation Passport and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund – on average receive around 150 applications seeking between $50 million and $60 million.”

“For the Michigan Spark Grants, we accepted over 460 applications requesting more than $280 million,” Lord added. “It was clear we had tapped into a tremendous need. We also knew there was more work to do in supporting some communities and ensuring they have the capacity and resources to prepare, apply for and administer a grant like this.”

“Through this innovative partnership with the DNR, Michigan philanthropy will help to ensure community voice is centered in this work to advance equitable and transformative change for opportunity communities across the state,” said Kyle Caldwell, CMF president and CEO. “We look forward to supporting our foundation members as we collectively work to expand access to outdoor recreation spaces and programs for communities that have been historically under-represented and under-resourced.”

Michigan Spark Grants have proved much different than other grant programs offered by the DNR.

“We were very encouraged by the willingness of the DNR to do something different to further broaden access to recreational opportunities,” said J.J. Tighe, director of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s Parks & Trails Initiative, and a member of the Michigan Spark Grants advisory group. “We had to find creative solutions that didn’t just create a new grant program, but could instead leverage the locally based resources of community foundations to provide grantees with additional support, remove barriers and create the conditions for each community to have long-term success.”