It’s Arbor Week! Turn over a new leaf by planting a tree

It’s Arbor Week! Turn over a new leaf by planting a tree

by | Apr 25, 2023 | Recreation

 
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It’s Arbor Week! Turn over a new leaf by planting a tree

In the forest, in your community or even in a pot on an apartment balcony – trees are important, and Arbor Day, April 28, is the day to get excited about them! We’re so serious about trees, there’s an official Arbor Week proclamation.

In this tree-themed newsletter, you’ll find ways to get involved in a statewide tree planting initiative, be inspired by a sorority’s environmental work, read fun facts about native trees and learn what to do if you spot invasive bugs.

For local Arbor Day fun, check out the Arbor Day events on our webpage.

Stories include:

We’re planting millions of trees – join in and post yours!

Mi Trees Planting map - images of laptop, tablet and phone displaying map where planted trees are loggedWant to join thousands of other Michiganders in a good cause? Plant a tree this spring!

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Michiganders to plant 50 million trees by 2030 and pin their trees’ locations on our interactive map. People have planted more than 84,000 trees already toward the goal.

The Mi Trees planting campaign is part of 1T.org, a global effort to plant more trees to help communities adapt to the world’s changing climate.

Plant your new tree with plenty of room for its roots and water it throughout the summer. Here are some more tips:

  • These tips from the Arbor Day Foundation can help you choose the right tree. Staff at your local nursery can also advise you. This planting guide can help you give your tree a good start.
  • Consider planting native trees, which provide food and cover for wildlife.
  • Water your tree daily in the first week, then about once a week afterward. Check out the Tree Owner’s Manual for more care tips.
  • Visit our interactive map and log your tree.

The DNR’s Forest Resources Division sustainably manages nearly 4 million acres of state forest land, including planting millions of trees each year.

Project Learning Tree and Alpha Kappa Alpha dive into projects to enhance the environment

A group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members holding seedlings, with DNR trainers, pose for a photoAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members have been busy this month working on community-focused projects that support their “Enhance Our Environment” initiative. Three Michigan chapters around the state are collaborating with educational and government organizations. Among these collaborators is Project Learning Tree, a pre-K-12 environmental education program sponsored by the DNR. Together, they are galvanizing sorority members to make positive impacts on the environment while creating an inspiring ripple effect in their communities.

Earlier this month, Project Learning Tree educators joined two Michigan chapters, Alpha Rho Omega of Detroit and Eta Iota Omega of Inkster, for a “mini training.” Sorority sisters were guided through tree planting techniques and given instructions and resources to teach engaging nature activities for local grade schools.
A second group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members holding seedlings and DNR trainers pose for a photoAttendee Angel Squalls, an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. committee member, said, “I am a firm believer that the first step to enhancing our environment is through education and outreach, as you can’t enhance what you are unaware needs improvement. We look forward to taking back what we learned and implementing it among our community and upcoming tree plantings. Accolades to our Michigan Project Learning Tree coordinator Andrea Stay and Project W.I.L.D. facilitator Natalie Elkins for putting on a great educational workshop and Huron Pines AmeriCorps members for their assistance.”

Lansing chapter Delta Tau Omega collaborated with the City of Lansing and a fourth grade class at Pattengill Biotechnical Magnet School to celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Together, they planted an American linden to beautify the schoolyard.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Its mission focuses on encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards, promoting unity and friendship between women, alleviating problems concerning girls and women, maintaining a progressive interest in college life and to be of “Service to All Mankind.” Michigan is home to 31 chapters.

Michigan’s native trees are neat

Sugar maple TreeNA graphic with red, 5-pointed leaf and samara graphicDid you know? 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 our native tree webpage.

Watch out for bad bugs to help protect trees

A gray and black spotted lanternfly perches on a twigWhether you’re out on a trail in the woods, driving on a state forest road or in your own urban backyard, you can help keep Michigan’s trees healthy by using your powers of observation.

A sharp-eyed landowner in Oakland County spotted the first known infestation of spotted lanternfly last year. The invasive pest feeds on a variety of trees, hops and grapevines.

A thumb and finger holding a hemlock branch infested with hemlock woolly adelgidMichiganders also should be alert for signs and symptoms of the Asian longhorned beetle and hemlock wooly adelgid. The Asian longhorned beetle is an invader that kills hardwood trees, leaving telltale pencil-shaped holes. It has been found in nearby states. On the west side of the Lower Peninsula, folks need to be on the lookout for tiny cottony spots at the base of hemlock needles, a sign of the tiny, sap-sucking hemlock woolly adelgid insect.

If you see an oak tree with wilting, mottled green-and-brown leaves or leaves rapidly dropping before fall, starting near the top of the tree, it could be a sign of oak wilt. Beech trees are under duress from two diseases – beech bark disease and beech leaf disease.

Check out the Michigan Invasive Species Watch List to learn more about insects, animals and diseases to watch for.

There are a variety of ways to report what you see to help keep pests and diseases in check. Report sightings to the Michigan Invasive Species Information Network through its website or mobile app. You can also email the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development or DNR Forest Health team with suspected sightings of invasive species. Include photos if possible, and if you can, catch a bug and place it in the freezer to help with identification.

View and report oak wilt locations using our interactive oak wilt map. View and report Heterobasidion root disease locations using our interactive HRD map.

With the help of sharp eyes in the field like yours, forest health experts will be able to respond quickly to potential new threats to Michigan’s forests.

More ways to get involved

Celebrate ►

Hold a community tree celebration, do a nature-themed family activity, or find an Arbor Day event to attend!

Volunteer ►

Love Michigan’s outdoors? Give back to nature by organizing or joining an Adopt-a-Forest trash cleanup.

Explore ►

Into the woods! Visit your closest state forest to hike, camp, watch wildlife and enjoy nature under the forest canopy.
State park enhancements mean temporary closures

State park enhancements mean temporary closures

by | Apr 24, 2023 | Recreation

 
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DNR News
April 24, 2023
Contact: Kristen Bennett, 248-431-1265

DNR outlines temporary closures due to enhancement projects in state parks this spring and summer

brick building under constructionThanks to $250 million in federal relief COVID-19 funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, several of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ planned improvement projects at state parks are getting underway this spring and summer.

The result? Temporary closures will be in place so the DNR can address a long list of critical needs.

Because of this work, visitors will be able to enjoy new and upgraded camping amenities, park roads, electrical and water distribution systems and toilet and shower buildings, as well as visitor center enhancements and historic preservation work – all things that contribute to a better visitor experience.

“Although there may be some dust and some campgrounds and amenities may temporarily close during construction, staff is working hard to minimize the duration of any closures and the inconvenience to our guests,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Shovels in the ground are a true testament to the historic investment being made in our state parks and recreation system, and we appreciate visitors’ patience this season.”

Stay up to date on closures

Get the latest information on closures at all DNR facilities at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures. Some of the planned state park closures include:

  • As part of an enhancement project involving two different closure timelines, Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County) is upgrading water and sewer lines and reconstructing campground roads. The entire day-use area, including roads, organizational campground and visitor center, is expected to be closed through July 7. Then, after the first phase is completed, the modern campground will tentatively close July 7 through the end of the 2023 camping season.
  • Due to reconstruction of the road where the visitor center and headquarters building are, and expansion of the Summit Peak parking lot, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) visitor center will close May 15-Aug. 15 and Summit Peak parking lot will close Aug. 15-Oct. 15.
  • To minimize the modern campground closure timeline at Mitchell State Park (Wexford County), a new toilet and shower building and ARPA-funded campground road construction were paired. The road project includes 10 new jug fillers for campers.
  • The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and outdoor gardens in Belle Isle Park (Wayne County) have been closed since November to revitalize the upper 60 feet of the 80-foot-tall conservatory dome in one of the nation’s oldest turn-of-the-century glass houses still in existence. The outdoor gardens are slated to reopen next month, while the conservatory is set to reopen in May 2024.

Additional information on these enhancement projects, proposed ARPA funding and information on future enhancements at these parks can be found on the closures page. Other ARPA-funded projects will kick off this fall and into 2024.

Before visiting a state park, boating site or trail, it is always a good idea to check the latest closures due to weather-related events, planned improvement projects and repairs in DNR facilities around the state.

Follow ARPA-funded projects

To stay up to date on the status of ARPA-funded projects and learn more about funding and decision-making, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress. There you’ll find FAQs, a photo gallery and an interactive map identifying proposed project locations, details and status of those projects.

Please note that the map is specific to ARPA-funded projects; it does not include other work happening throughout the state parks and recreation system (often funded through Recreation Passport dollars and various federal grants). The costs and timelines shown on the interactive map are estimates based on the most urgent needs, and estimates could be affected by contractor availability and supply chain challenges.

Questions on the projects? Contact Kristin Bennett at 248-431-1265 or [email protected].
Michigan Spark Grant applications open May 1

Michigan Spark Grant applications open May 1

by | Apr 24, 2023 | Recreation

 
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DNR News
April 21, 2023
Contact: Dan Lord, 517-290-5603

Michigan Spark Grant applications open May 1; nearly $23 million available for public recreation projects

Additional pathway to Spark Grants funding will be open to ‘opportunity communities’ through new partnership with Michigan’s philanthropy network

a small group of young girls and boys, clothed in shorts, T-shirts and sweatshirts, smile while running down a dirt path lined by mature treesAfter record interest in first-round Michigan Spark Grants funding, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will reopen grant applications starting May 1 with up to $23 million available for public recreation improvement projects in areas most affected by COVID-19. To boost grant access for those in greatest need, the DNR also announced a partnership that will connect identified “opportunity communities” with funding and the support of Michigan’s philanthropic network.

“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.”

a smiling young boy in navy blue swim trunks jumps in the spray of a concrete splashpad, with two small boys playing behind himA new philanthropy-focused partnership through the Council of Michigan Foundations will make Michigan Spark Grants funding available this summer to communities identified as “opportunity communities” – those that traditionally have been under-resourced and under-represented and who lack access to parks and recreation.

This innovative model aligns with federal funding requirements to support communities adversely affected by COVID-19, along with helping to improve and redevelop existing public recreation in communities that historically have experienced barriers to accessing these types of grants.

Connecting ‘opportunity communities’ to resources

To create this new grantmaking model, the DNR sought advice and perspective from an advisory group composed of philanthropy, regional government planning, parks and recreation, and other grant-making entities with relevant expertise. What emerged was the framework for a grant program with a more equity-focused application and evaluation process, a new approach that gives funding priority to opportunity communities – areas that lack public recreation spaces and have a high proportion of households that are struggling financially and a high number of residents with physical and mental health disparities.

The DNR’s new partnership is aimed at removing barriers facing these nearly 40 opportunity communities in accessing not only funding, but also the needed supporting services for expanding a community’s ability to successfully manage and implement recreation projects.

a small group of adult men and young boys wearing athletic shorts, tank tops and T-shirts shoot baskets on a paved basketball court in a greenspaceRecognizing that the Council of Michigan Foundations – representing Michigan’s united, diverse philanthropic community, and an original member of the Michigan Spark Grants advisory group – has the structure and network in place through its members to engage and support the opportunity communities, the DNR forged a groundbreaking partnership with CMF to align $27.5 million in Michigan Spark Grant funds (the balance of the program’s original $65 million allocation) through CMF member foundations to support communities in developing and implementing their local public recreation projects.

“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.”

an older couple, the man wearing jeans and zip-up jacket and the woman in jeans and a light sweater, also in a wheelchair, on a paved path

Multiple paths, one goal

“The partnership with CMF expands the reach of the Michigan Spark Grants program and better supports grantees interested in bringing more public recreation opportunities to their residents,” said Tighe. “It’s about trying to ensure that everyone who wants to take advantage of grant dollars can find a way there.”

Prospective applicants can visit the Michigan Spark Grants webpage to determine their eligibility and best prepare to complete the grant application:

  • The final round (nearly $23 million) of Michigan Spark Grants through the DNR (applications due June 26).
  • The $27.5 million subset of CMF Michigan Spark Grant funding and additional resources available to opportunity communities (details coming this summer).
  • Other DNR recreation grant funding opportunities, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Recreation Passport and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (apply by April 1 each year).

How to apply

Applicants can seek a minimum of $100,000 up to a maximum of $1 million. Applications opening May 1 are due June 26, with award announcements expected in late September. Michigan Spark Grants, administered by the DNR, are available to entities that are legally constituted to provide public recreation, such as:

  • Units of government or public authorities.
  • Federally designated tribes.
  • Regional or statewide organizations that are established with a recreational focus.
  • Consortiums of local units of government or public authorities.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Michigan Spark Grants webpage for more on the application process, including a few steps that need to be completed before submitting an application, as well as a helpful webinar that answers a lot of common questions.

Learn more about Michigan Spark Grants and all DNR-administered grants at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
Fire danger is high across Lower Peninsula

Fire danger is high across Lower Peninsula

by | Apr 12, 2023 | Recreation

 
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DNR News
April 12, 2023

Contact: Don Klingler, 989-370-0440 or Paul Rogers, 616-260-8406

Fire danger is high across Lower Peninsula; be careful outside

A sign featuring Smokey Bear indicates that fire danger is high. Warm temperatures, winds and winter buildup of dry grasses and leaves have pushed fire danger to very high levels across the Lower Peninsula.

“People need to be careful when doing any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire,” said Don Klingler, Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource manager for the southern Lower Peninsula. “These fuels can ignite very easily.”

Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people, and yard debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.

Burn permits will not be issued for the next few days, Klingler said. It’s always critical to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start your fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.

Fire danger goes up when weather is hot and dry and increases even more when it’s windy. Windborne embers can travel far and fast, turning a small fire into a large one. Lightning strikes are also an issue if stormy weather is predicted.

Due to the increased fire danger, the DNR has suspended most prescribed burns over the next few days.

Snow is still present in parts of the Upper Peninsula, but people should exercise caution in areas without snow.

Safety tips to keep fires under control

When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time. Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:

  • Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
  • Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
  • Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
  • Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
  • Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
  • Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
  • It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
  • You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

DNR wildland firefighters have a goal of keeping as many wildfires fires as possible under 10 acres in size. Get more fire tips and learn more about the DNR’s fire programs.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Smokey sign: Fire danger is high across the Lower Peninsula so that means everyone needs to refrain from burning at the moment and be careful using power equipment.

Share this video: Smokey Bear rates folks on their ability to correctly put out a campfire.
DNR News: Gear up for spring fishing

DNR News: Gear up for spring fishing

by | Apr 10, 2023 | Recreation

 
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DNR News
April 10, 2023
Contact: Christian LeSage, 517-449-7073 or Sierra Williams, 517-230-8788

Gear up for spring fishing by getting your 2023 fishing license

Shore fishingThe new fishing license and regulation season kicked off April 1, so anglers need to be sure they have purchased a new license in order to enjoy Michigan’s great fishing opportunities. The 2023 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2024.

Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing via the app.

Michigan DNR Hunt Fish, an official app of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, gives you a mobile path to buy and store hunting, fishing, ORV and snowmobile licenses and permits, report harvests, access guides and digests, and get the latest outdoor recreation updates.

Make future online fishing license purchases even quicker by selecting auto-renew at checkout to automatically receive licenses in the future.

2023 fishing seasons

  • The statewide trout opener and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons all open Saturday, April 29.
  • In Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike seasons open Monday, May 15.
  • Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 3. (Remember that catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year).
  • The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing – check the current Michigan Fishing Guide for specifics).
  • The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 27, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and the Detroit rivers which open Saturday, June 17.

The 2023 Michigan Fishing Guide and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online along with a lot of other helpful fishing information – including fishing locations, species identification and tips for beginners – at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
Download the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app
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News Digest – Week of April 3, 2023

News Digest – Week of April 3, 2023

by | Apr 6, 2023 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of April 3, 2023

Daffodils emerge from the verdant ground, tall and vibrantly yellow in the spring afternoon.

Spring is on the way, and with it, new experiences, classes and events!
Here are just 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 the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Belle Isle blossoms

Blooms of white flowers cover two trees, creating a botanical veil through which the Belle Isle fountain can be seen aglow with sunlight.Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Diane Wilks at Belle Isle State Park in Wayne County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.

Your ‘burning questions,’ answered

A burning brush pile is supervised by an onlooker holding a shovel.Warmer weather has arrived in some parts of the state and is coming soon to the rest! While setting out the lawn chairs, you might notice your yard has accumulated some unwanted scenery: fallen leaves, twigs and branches from seasonal pruning, and the remnants of last year’s foray into gardening are majorly harshing the BBQ vibes.

While you’re dreaming of warm-season fun, keep in mind that as temperatures rise and the ground dries out, spring also paves the way for wildfire season. Most wildfires are started by humans, so be extra careful with how you plan to dispose of yard waste or other materials.

If you’re planning to open burn, let’s make sure all your questions are answered:

What is a burn permit and why do I need one?

The State of Michigan’s burn permit is required for burning any unwanted material, such as yard waste or paper products. It’s not a physical permit you apply for. Instead, you can check online to see if weather conditions allow for you to safely open burn.

Burning trash, plastic, Styrofoam or other hazardous materials is never permitted and can have serious effects on your health. A burn permit is required anytime snow is not covering the ground.

For the Upper Peninsula and the northern half of the Lower Peninsula, you can check online to see burn conditions for your county. For the southern Lower Peninsula, contact your local fire department or governing body for a burn permit.

Individuals can be held legally responsible for letting a fire escape, and additional city or township burn restrictions may be in effect. Always double check before lighting anything.

“Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by people, but following a few simple fire safety tips can reduce the risk for everyone,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “When you’re burning, always have a water source and shovel nearby to thoroughly extinguish the embers, and never leave your fire unattended.”

What other options do I have? 

Burning your yard waste isn’t the only way to dispose of it. Here are some other ideas for getting your yard in shape:

  •       Composting can retain soil nutrients for your yard, giving flowers, trees and other plants a boost.
  •       Leave the leaves if you can – they are a fantastic habitat for native pollinators!
  •       Chip up woody material for garden beds or pathways.

To learn more and see if conditions are safe for burning, visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

For fire safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

Questions? Contact DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.

‘An Ordinary Man’: Discussion on President Gerald R. Ford

An older man with a ginger and white beard, thick glasses and inviting expression.What do you know about the 38th president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford? Maybe his brief presidency in the 1970s is ancient history to you, or perhaps you’re old enough to recall Chevy Chase parodying President Ford on “Saturday Night Live.” Whatever the case, there is so much to know about the life and legacy of the only U.S. president from Michigan.

Join the DNR’s Michigan History Center Thursday, April 13 at 2 p.m. for “An Ordinary Man,” in-depth conversation about President Ford, his family and his life between two men who knew him: author and nationally recognized historian Richard Norton Smith and Hank Meijer, vice-chairman and a trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

After the discussion, there will be time for audience questions and a book signing of Smith’s latest presidential biography “An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford.”

The event is free of charge at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing.

Springtime fun on the agenda with April events

An angler wades in knee-deep water, eyes focused on their bobber in the mildly agitated waves.Spring is here, and the DNR’s April calendar is full of opportunities to enjoy and learn more about Michigan’s natural and cultural resources.

Try a new outdoor activity, or get better at one, with the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy. Learn strategies and techniques for chasing Michigan’s “chrome torpedoes” at the April 15-16 steelhead fishing clinic or the A to Z of walleye fishing at the April 16 walleye clinic, both in Cadillac. And sign up now for the Saginaw Bay walleye clinic, coming up May 2-3 in Bay City. See a full schedule of classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

The Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit offers a variety of fun for all ages this month. The April calendar features a variety of archery programs throughout the month, education programs for kids and seniors, opportunities to learn more about our avian friends with Birding Belle Isle April 16 and the Detroit Pheasant Walk April 30, and a boater safety class April 22. Get up close to cows, pigs, chickens and more during Down on the Farm in Downtown Detroit April 23, and learn how to make a wine bottle hummingbird feeder April 28. Find more info about these and other programs on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar.

Also on the April agenda are Maple Syrup Day at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling April 8, Easter egg hunts, a dark sky event at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County April 22 and more. For a full list of DNR events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.

Get involved in state park stewardship, wildlife habitat improvement and more

Volunteers pick uprooted invasives off a forest floor, placing them in large trashbags.Each month, the DNR offers a variety of opportunities to help take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources. Here are a few ways to get involved this April.

State park volunteer stewardship workdays

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:

  • Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County), 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8 and April 29.
  • Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15.
  • Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 16 and April 30.
  • Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22.
  • Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 23.
  • Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29.
  • Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 30

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery volunteer open house

Want to turn your passion into action? Learn about volunteering at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan during an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. Find out how you can make a difference by getting involved in opportunities with kids’ fishing, stewardship projects and more, and join a special, behind-the-scenes hatchery tour at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.

On the Ground habitat improvement projects

Join in fish and wildlife habitat improvement efforts with On the Ground, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer program in partnership with the DNR. Projects coming up in April include:

  • Clinton River watershed cleanup, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15 in Pontiac (Oakland County). Volunteers will help the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders clean up Dawsons Millpond at Beaudette Park and Upper Silver Lake at Hawthorne Park.
  • Brush pile building in Kalkaska County, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Part of the Mark Kenyon’s national Working for Wildlife Tour. Volunteers will be working to maintain wildlife openings and build brush piles on public hunting land in the Traverse City Forest Management Unit.
  • Brush pile building and edge-habitat enhancement, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29 in St. Clair County. Work with the Robert J. Lytle Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society to remove invasive woody vegetation and create brush piles for wildlife habitat at Port Huron State Game Area.

Find more details and register for these events at MUCC.org/on-the-ground.

For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

THINGS TO DO

Get a jump-start on caring for your local trees and start planning for hemlock woolly adelgid management.

BUY & APPLY

Forest Legacy Program nominations are due May 1; the program protects important forests in Michigan.

GET INVOLVED

Michiganders love our loons – and you can help protect this important species by joining the Loon Rangers.