Michigan is home to nine species of bats, all of which are insectivores – meaning they eat exclusively insects. During the evening hours, these flying mammals consume many insect pests including mosquitoes, beetles, moths and flies.

Unfortunately, many bat species are facing challenges. The DNR, along with numerous partners, works to conserve bats and bat habitat because many species are in decline due to habitat loss, diminished food supply and disease.

White-nose syndrome is a deadly disease that affects North American bats primarily during their winter hibernation and has devastated many bat species. Infected bats prematurely awaken from hibernation, rapidly deplete their fat reserves and do not survive the winter. Bats with this disease often exhibit unusual behavior, like flying during daylight hours or gathering outside of hibernacula (mines and caves) in cold weather.

Here are a few things you can do to help bats:

• Plant a bat-friendly garden and minimize the use of insecticides.
• Remove invasive species.
• Install a bat house in a location not frequented by people.
• Do not enter closed mines.
• Follow decontamination guidelines to help reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome.

Learn more about bats and ways you can take action during Bat Week – and all year long – at BatWeek.org.

Find more information on Michigan’s bat species and ways to help at Michigan.gov/Bats.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

A great place to do that? DNR shooting ranges around the state.

“Our eight staffed shooting ranges in southern Michigan offer a fun, safe shooting environment with customer-friendly and highly trained employees,” said Dennis Fox, DNR Recruitment and Retention Section manager. “They feature amenities like handgun, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and restroom facilities.”

The staffed ranges are located in Clinton, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer and Oakland counties. The DNR also operates several unstaffed shooting ranges in Allegan, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Montmorency and St. Clair counties.

Both the staffed and unstaffed ranges have accessible features for visitors with disabilities.

The DNR Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake and Sharonville shooting ranges are open six days per week through the end of October (closed Tuesdays) and seven days per week Nov. 1-15 (including Election Day and Veterans Day). To help hunters prepare for firearm deer season, these ranges are also offering extended weekend shooting hours Oct. 29-30, Nov. 5-6 and Nov. 12-13.

Find hours, locations and more information about DNR shooting ranges – and  for those who aren’t near a DNR range, a listing of all shooting ranges around the state – at Michigan.gov/ShootingRanges.

However, while searching for natural foods, bears may come across enticing foods near homes and residential areas that keep them coming back for more.

“Bears have an excellent sense of smell and will follow their nose to find food. While natural foods may be abundant, bears could be drawn to bird seed in feeders, pet foods and garbage, because they’re appealing food sources and easy to access,” said Rachel Leightner, wildlife outreach coordinator for the DNR Wildlife Division.

While there is some nutritional value in bird seed and pet foods, allowing bears to eat these foods teaches them bad behavior. Bears will return to locations where they found a meal, and if they continue to be rewarded with food near homes, the situation could lead to human-bear encounters, property damage or ultimately, removal of the bear.

“Even if you enjoy wildlife watching and seeing black bears, it’s critical for the health and safety of the bear to not let it eat from human-provided food sources. Bears that seek out these types of foods are more at risk to lose their fear of humans, which may lead to an unfortunate outcome for the bear,” said Leightner.

Until bears enter their dens in December, it’s best to remove bird feeders and other potential food sources that may attract bears or other wildlife. Get additional tips and information about preventing potential conflicts with bears at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

Questions? Contact Rachel Leightner at 517-243-5813.

Burn safely

Whenever you burn, have a shovel and water source nearby, and never leave a fire unattended. Avoid burning on a windy day when hot embers can be whisked up by the wind into dry grasses or leaves.

Burning yard waste? Remember to check for a burn permit to see if conditions are safe for burning and know your local fire ordinances. Most wildfires are started by people burning yard clippings and leaves. You’ll need a burn permit any time the ground is not covered in snow.

Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula residents can view conditions at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or call 866-922-BURN for information. Southern Michigan residents should check with their local municipality or fire department.

Burn efficiently

Well-dried wood is the most efficient fuel for your wood stove or campfire, burning more cleanly and releasing less irritating smoke than poorly seasoned wood.

The U.S. EPA’s Burn Wise efficiency program recommends drying cut wood in an airy, covered location for at least six months. Check your fuel using a moisture meter tool, waiting to burn until moisture content clocks in at 20% or less. Dry logs should feel light when lifted and produce a hollow sound when thumped together.

Burning trash, plastic and hazardous materials is never allowed, and can cause health issues. Safely recycle or responsibly dispose of these materials.

Burning isn’t always best

Many folks burn leaves and brush in the fall, but did you know you can repurpose fallen leaves? No fire required!

Dead leaves are a great free mulch that will insulate perennial plants and keep garden soil from washing away in the rain. They can also be raked up into a bin or pile to turn into nutrient-rich compost. Learn how with composting tips from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

In addition to helping your garden, fallen leaves serve as winter habitat for wildlife. Turtles, toads, salamanders, moths and butterflies all spend the winter snuggled under leaves. An easy way to keep your area neat and provide habitat is to rake leaves under bushes and shrubs in your yard or provide a “wild area” where leaves can break down naturally.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be set to enjoy a fall season filled with campfires, hot cider and stargazing. Find more information on safe burning at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

AmeriCorps members support natural resource management in their host communities and receive a stipend, educational funding and health care coverage.

Huron Pines AmeriCorps currently has 25 service positions at host sites across Michigan, including seven with the DNR. Host sites include DNR offices and local organizations such as the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

These positions introduce service members to career paths including community conservation, volunteer coordination, nature education programming, invasive species prevention, conservation science and more. Application requirements and eligibility information are available on the Huron Pines AmeriCorps hiring page. Apply by Oct. 28.

Questions about DNR host sites? Contact Andrea Stay at 517-542-5465.

“I’m loving the color, for sure! We’ve had some beautiful days,” said Nelson, who works out of the DNR’s Baldwin Field Office. During her quick morning chat with host Shelley Irwin, Nelson dug into the science behind why many trees go from green to gold, red, orange and other autumnal colors. If you want an easy-to-understand primer on photosynthesis, chlorophyll and the way trees process energy, take 10 minutes for a listen.

Nelson also talked a bit about the diversity of tree species across the state, citing Gaylord – full of maple and birch – as one of her favorite fall color spots, but also appreciating pops of color (like dogwoods) in more urban areas, like Ferndale, where she grew up.

If you’re looking for great color close to home or ready for a road trip, check out Michigan.gov/DNR/FallColorTour for statewide and regional fall foliage maps, paired with information on nearby historic sites, hunting, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing opportunities.

“This year is special because two of our largest concession operations are up for bid: Tahquamenon Falls and South Higgins Lake state parks,” said DNR Parks and Recreation’s Lori Green, who oversees commercial land use in state parks, trails and waterways for the east side of the state.

In 2021, Tahquamenon Falls State Park welcomed more than 575,000 visitors, and the concession generated more than $1 million in revenue. The concession building was reconstructed this year and will reopen in 2023 with a brand-new, 3,600-square-foot-facility perfect for food trucks, rowboat rentals, a gift shop and more.

South Higgins Lake State Park welcomed more than 162,400 campers and 80,000 day-use visitors in 2021, who generated more than $500,000 in sales for the beach store on-site.

Concessionaires have until Nov. 2 to bid on Tahquamenon Falls and South Higgins Lake, but other opportunities are also posted for Tawas Point, Maybury, Sleepy Hollow, Van Riper and Wilson state parks, as well as Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Other locations will be added throughout the month of October, including Warren Dunes and Muskegon state parks.

“Tahquamenon Falls and South Higgins Lake are two of the many great opportunities available this year. From RV rentals and a horse livery and guide services to beach shops and restaurants, there are many opportunities to establish a small business within state parks and harbors,” said DNR Parks and Recreation’s Elissa Buck, who oversees commercial land use in state parks, trails and waterways for the west side of the state.

Currently, there are several business opportunities up for bid, including food trucks, a riding stable, beach concessions and more. Visit Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions to see a list of current opportunities.

Questions? Contact Lori Green or Elissa Buck.

Gather dead and downed wood from designated state forest areas, primarily in the northern two-thirds of Michigan, with a $20 fuelwood permit. Permits are valid for a maximum of 90 days and all expire Dec. 31. Purchase permits online through DNR eLicense or in person at select office locations.

Plan to harvest firewood from the location closest to where you live to reduce the chance of spreading forest pests or diseases.

Fuelwood permit details:

• One permit per household each year.
• Permits are for personal use only.
• Up to five cords of wood may be gathered under the permit.

See available state forest collection locations, learn about collection rules and find related information at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood. Get tips and tricks for safe and efficient wood burning from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Burn Wise program.

For fuelwood collection in federally managed forests, find details on your local national forest website: Hiawatha National Forest, Huron-Manistee National Forest or Ottawa National Forest.

Questions? Contact fuelwood program coordinator Doug Heym, 517-930-4248, or timber program forester Jake Reid, 517-284-5908.

At the Michigan Energy Innovators Gala Sept. 28 in Detroit, the DNR was presented with the Project of the Year award for its partnership with Utopian Power to bring clean, renewable energy to Michigan state properties.

After careful planning and installation – making sure not to negatively affect the outdoor experience of visitors – solar arrays and electric vehicle charging stations were set up at several state properties. The solar arrays will generate clean, renewable energy and create opportunities for visitors to learn more about innovations in clean energy while they enjoy their time in the outdoors. The EV charging stations keep Michigan at the forefront of the changing automobile landscape.

With this project, Michigan continues to be a leader in sustainability and renewable energy, ensuring our natural resources are here for future generations to enjoy.

No matter where you’re from or where you call home, everyone has a story about the outdoors. Each perspective is unique and every story is different, and we want to help share them with our new quarterly Gather ‘Round blog: an online space to hear signature stories written by people like you, along with looks at little-known critters, places, Michigan history and more.

This first issue covers topics like the rusty patched bumblebee and a recipe for foraged nettles, as well as a feature on the critical connection between mental health and the natural world. If you like what you see, feel free to share Gather ‘Round with your friends and family.

Questions? Contact Emma Kukuk at 517-284-5815.

The recruits recently completed their 11th week, with 12 more to go. For a glimpse of academy life, follow their journey with this year’s recruit school blog. From week 3 on, the recruits themselves have been writing the entries, sharing their perspectives on goals, fears, expectations and much more.

Sign up for the conservation officer academy blog and other DNR email topics.

Two upcoming webinars include:

There’s a lamprey in my classroom! Infusing invasive species education into statewide programs (Thursday, Oct. 26, 9-10 a.m.)

Whether you’re an educator, a parent or someone who just enjoys learning, Tracy Page, DNR aquatic education coordinator, will explain how to take advantage of the department’s educational programs as you travel the state, or even in your own home or classroom.

Treat me right! Rules, regulations and best practices for controlling aquatic invasive species in Michigan’s inland lakes (Thursday, Nov. 10, 9-10 a.m.)

Join Eric Calabro, environmental quality analyst with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to learn about state regulations and options – When is a permit needed? What are safe, effective treatments? – for control of aquatic invasives.

Nearly two dozen past webinars on a variety of topics (rock snot, boating hygiene, environmental DNA, to name a few) are available to watch anytime, too. Visit the NotMiSpecies webinar page for registration information, past programs and more.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman at [email protected].