The final Free ORV Weekend of the year takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21. On these two days, Michigan residents and visitors can legally ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of designated routes and trails, and the state’s six scramble areas, without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply.

“Our hope is that after experiencing a weekend of off-road fun, riders will consider purchasing an ORV license or trail permit for the remainder of the season,” said Jessica Holley-Roehrs, statewide motorized trails program analyst with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We always like to say that it’s the perfect time to introduce – or reintroduce – friends and family to the fun and beauty of a ride.”

The DNR directly reinvests ORV trail permit and license dollars back into the ORV trails system. The funds help pay for trail brushing, signage, maintenance, bridge and culvert construction, maintenance of trailhead amenities and other expenditures.

A Recreation Passport still is required where applicable, such as at trailheads and scramble areas. Typically, there’s an entrance fee at the Holly Oaks ORV Park (although no Recreation Passport requirement), but the fee is waived for this special weekend.

Visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.

Questions? Contact Jessica Holley-Roehrs at 517-331-3790.

The meeting also will include DNR Law Enforcement Division lifesaving awards, the 2021 Hunter Instructor of the Year Award, an update on the DNR licensing mobile app, upcoming fisheries orders, a legislative update and several land transactions.

It will start at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, in the Riverview Loft of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., in downtown Detroit. See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC.

Before the meeting, the public also is invited to “Coffee with the Commissioners” from 8 to 9 a.m. in the OAC Forest Room.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected].

On his birthday, Aug. 9, the wildfire prevention icon is celebrating 78 years of protecting forests.

Our furry friend’s message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” still rings true today; nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans.

“In 2021, escaped yard waste burns and campfires were the most common causes of wildfire in Michigan,” said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers.

DNR firefighters have responded to 172 fires burning 3,248 acres so far during this year’s fire season.

Do you know how to safely build a fire and fully put it out? Make Smokey proud by committing these safety tips to memory:

• Always have a water source nearby.
• Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
• Keep a metal shovel and bucket nearby.
• Put out fires completely with water.
• Don’t burn on windy days or during dry weather.

Find fun, Smokey-themed activities on his website SmokeyBear.com, or download the “Flat Smokey” coloring page inspired by Dale Hubert’s Flat Stanley Project.

Learn more about wildfire prevention at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

The eastern monarch butterfly population has been declining over the last 20 years, primarily due to habitat loss in its summer range – including Michigan – and Mexico, where these beauties spend the winter.

Due to the declining population, monarch butterflies are listed as a candidate species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and their population status is under review annually. Learn more at FWS.gov/SaveTheMonarch.

You can help monarchs as you work in your backyard, garden or community garden this year by following these tips to make these spaces beneficial for pollinators. You can even help create and maintain a certified monarch waystation.

Monarchs rely on habitat with milkweed plants. Milkweeds are the only species of plant on which monarchs lay their eggs, are the only plants that monarch caterpillars eat, and provide nectar-producing flowers as food for adult butterflies.

“The monarch and other pollinators need both early- and late-blooming plants as well as plants that flower mid-summer, a diverse mix which can be found in grasslands, agricultural fields and urban backyard habitats,” said Mike Parker, conservation partners program specialist with the DNR. “These habitats can also support milkweeds, which are essential for the monarch’s reproductive cycle.”

If you spot monarchs or their caterpillars this summer, be sure to report sightings to help inform conservation decisions here in Michigan! You can report monarch sightings and track their journey at Journey North.

Find out more about ways you can help monarchs by visiting Michigan.gov/Monarchs or contacting the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

In the lead-up to popular hunting seasons, the department hires seasonal employees to work at various locations throughout the state, including DNR field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the DNR Wildlife Division, help answer questions from the public or spend some time outdoors, this could be the job for you!

These positions involve duties such as conducting drawings for waterfowl hunting areas, entering database information, assisting the public with questions, as well as chronic wasting disease surveillance.

These jobs are perfect for college students, those looking to reenter the workforce and seniors or retirees interested in getting more involved in the outdoors.

Get more details on these seasonal wildlife job opportunities by visiting Michigan.gov/DNRJobs and looking for the seasonal wildlife positions section.

The application period is open through Aug. 14.

Questions? Contact Jen Schafer at 517-648-8290.

The three-day virtual event will include more than 45 presentations and workshops designed to engage, educate and empower. Participants can choose from a variety of concurrent sessions focused on specific issues such as fisheries management, landscaping near shorelines, lake protection and governance, algal blooms, native freshwater mussels, communications, policy, invasive species, lake restoration and much more. Wednesday and Thursday will also include keynote speakers regionally recognized for their contributions to the field of lake science and conservation.

Registration is $60 and includes three days of virtual workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. Student registration is $15. A complete agenda is available on the convention website. Sign up today to save your spot!

Registration closes Sept. 11.

Questions? Contact Joe Nohner at 517-599-6825 or Christina Baugher at 517-582-3245.

To make sure people know which forest roads are open or closed to public use, the DNR annually updates online maps on April 1 as part of its review process. This annual update helps the DNR keep its forest road inventory accurate and meet requirements outlined in Public Act 288 of 2016.

Comments on forest road maps may be submitted at any time. Feedback received by Aug. 31 will be considered when developing the 2023 maps.

Updates may include decisions to open or close a road to ORV or conventional vehicle traffic, or to update a road’s status. These decisions are typically made to protect damaged natural resources, ensure public safety due to road conditions or fix data errors in maps.

About 11,700 miles of forest roads currently are open to the public. View the status of forest roads and submit comments on an interactive map at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads, or email comments to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.

Questions? Contact Jason Caron at 906-235-4361.

Designed for multiple generations to enjoy, this all-inclusive package for up to 12 people – offered Aug. 12-14, Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 29-31 – is like a private summer camp for your friends and family. Your group can lodge at the RAM Center and learn about local wildlife, Michigan ecosystems and outdoor skills.

The package includes three days filled with your choice of summer-camp style programs provided by your own nature educator, two nights of lodging for your group, an evening bonfire with s’mores, use of kayaks for those over 16, and all your meals for one rate of $2,200 for the stay!

Select your favorite Lodge and Learn programs when you register.

Offerings for adults are Birdwatching 101, RAM Center Escape Room, Tour Historic Higgins Lake Tree Nursery and CCC Museum, Compassing and Navigation 101, and Fishing Knot Jewelry.

Programs for families are Leaf Impressions: Looking at Shapes, Water Bug Investigation, Mini Biodiversity Investigation, Parent-Guided Scavenger Hunt, Invasive Species “Among Us”: A Naturalist’s Version, Signs Animals Leave Behind and Sensing like a Wild Animal – Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell.

Registration is available through the Lodge and Learn event registration form. Call the RAM Center at 989-821-6200 for more details.

Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn

• Walker Wheels Historic Base Ball Invitational, Aug. 27
  Cheer on the home-team Walker Wheels as they compete against other historic base ball clubs in this annual invitational tournament. They all play the game by 1860s rules – no gloves, no swearing! – when the sport was so new, it was spelled as two words.

Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor

• Fort Wilkins 1870, A Living History Experience, daily through Aug. 19
  Step back to summer 1870, as costumed interpreters portray the daily life of people who lived and worked at this remote outpost.

Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in Roscommon

• A Tree Party!, Aug. 6
  Celebrate forests and the hard work the Civilian Conservation Corps did in Michigan! You can cool off with an ice-cold, local root beer and meet Smokey Bear, tour Michigan’s first tree nursery, watch as a shortwave radio operator shows how CCC members communicated between camps and learn about the life of a CCC boy from reenactors. Make your weekend even more fun – stay overnight with event cohost, the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, where you’ll enjoy a special CCC dinner and the enchanting songs and stories of Bill Jamerson’s CCC Boy program – register using MobileCause.com.

Michigan History Museum in Lansing

• Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century, through Nov. 6
  This special exhibition highlights the life and work of noted Michigan artist Mathias J. Alten, who was born in what is now Germany in 1871, came to the United States at age 17 and settled in Grand Rapids. The exhibition features more than 45 works and artifacts, from Alten’s naturalization papers as a U.S. citizen to his impressionist oil paintings – some that celebrate Michigan’s compelling natural landscapes.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee

• Iron Ore Heritage Bike Tour, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12
  Enjoy a leisurely, guided bike tour on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, led by historian Troy Henderson. Stops along the way include the Jackson Mine and Old Town Negaunee.
• Tuesday afternoon Upper Peninsula history programs
  Drop by the museum on select Tuesday afternoons for stories of the U.P.’s intriguing history, courtesy of a variety of experts. Programs are also available on the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Facebook page. August programs include:
  • The Seventh Fire: A Decolonizing Experience, Aug. 2
  • Lost and Found: The Henry B. Smith, Aug. 9
  • The Find of a Thousand Lifetimes: The 35th Anniversary of the Story of the Gorto Site Discovery, Aug. 16

For more details about everything going on at the Michigan History Center, see the MHC events calendar.

Get hooked on fishing

Aug. 6, learn more about the fish found in the Detroit River, how to fish, the parts of a fish and how to identify fish with Get Hooked on Fishing, a catch-and-release fishing program. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome! Included with the price of admission, but preregistration required to ensure the availability of supplies.

Adults interested in fishing for the first time and seasoned anglers alike, grab your fishing license for Fishing With Friends Aug. 12. We’ll fish near the harbor at Milliken State Park and offer prizes for the most fish, biggest fish and smallest fish caught. Don’t let this one get away! Beer, wine and snacks provided. For age 21 and over only. Cost is $20 per person.

Relax and see what you can reel in during an evening of fishing on the Detroit River Aug. 25, with a Thrilling Thursday that’s all about fishing. For these monthly, family-friendly, free evenings of fun, we offer free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. for all our visitors. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided, and beginners are welcome.

Get to know nocturnal animals

Join us for Nighttime Animals on Belle Isle, a series of outdoor nighttime animal explorations, Aug. 11. We’ll take a hike to look for resident bats, listen to the calls of summer insects, attract moths to observe up close and more. Taking place at the Belle Isle Nature Center, the hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany children under the age of 18. The event is free, but registration is required.

Aug. 27, find out what happens after the sun goes down with Nature’s Night Life, an exciting exploration into the world of nocturnal animals presented by Leslie Science and Nature Center. Meet live animals such as bats, owls and arachnids to learn why they choose to work in the dark and how they are adapted for life at night. Included with the price of OAC admission.

Get on your bike and ride

Bring your bikes and join us for our Dequindre Cut Bike Ride Aug. 13. During this leisurely, 4-mile-roundtrip ride along the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market, we’ll learn about the history of the area and explore the market. Upon our return to the Outdoor Adventure Center, we’ll cool down with lemonade and a snack. Suggested for ages 7 and up. This is a free outdoor event. Regular admission fees apply for building access.

Get the lowdown on all the August fun

Learn more about everything that’s coming up – including opportunities to try archery, nature education programs for kids and more – on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar.

• 11 a.m. Friday, July 22 – Field Investigation: Monarchs! (Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area, Washtenaw County). Be part of a field investigation of monarch butterflies and help naturalists collect eggs and caterpillars for the visitor center display. Visit the center’s webpage for more details, including the weekly events calendar and other helpful info.
• 1 p.m. Friday, July 22 – Chalk Art Contest (Interlochen State Park, Grand Traverse County). Kids can create designs that promote ways to preserve area lakes and waterways. The winner in each age group gets a gift bag. Check out the weekly events calendar to see what else is happening.
• 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 24 – Cast Away (Tawas Point State Park, Iosco County). Practice casting a fishing line with Explorer Guide Nicole, and see who can cast the farthest and who has the best aim! The weekly events calendar offers more suggestions (Outstanding Owls or Super Snakes, anyone?).

If those sound inviting, definitely see what else is offered at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms; there is a map linking to individual locations. Throughout the summer, program schedules also will be posted in participating parks; check with campground hosts or other park staff to see what’s happening.

Though the programs are free of charge, you do need a Recreation Passport for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas.

Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn at 248-459-7917.

While the outdoors is an important component of many people’s leisure activities and healthy lifestyles, it’s just as critical that we each do our part to take care of these outdoor spaces so they are protected and here for future generations to enjoy and use.

“We’ve seen record numbers of both established and new visitors over the last couple years,” said Jason Fleming, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Resources Section. “Many visitors have grown up coming to state parks and others are new to outdoor recreation. We’re always excited to provide these opportunities to create new memories, but we also need everyone’s help to work together to maintain these natural and historical spaces.”

A new “Recreate Responsibly” video series highlights guidelines and steps people can follow to protect Michigan’s woods, water and wildlife, while also keeping themselves and other visitors safe. Those tips include:

• Plan ahead.
• Build an inclusive outdoors.
• Leave no trace.
• Be a kind visitor.
• Play it safe.

Visit Michigan.gov/RecreateResponsibly to check out the videos and learn more about getting involved. If you’d like to help promote the “Recreate Responsibly” principle and video series, consider sharing them on social media. You can also share your stewardship ideas by using the #RecreateResponsibly, #MiOutdoorIdea and #MiDNR hashtags. We’ll see you outside!

Questions? Contact Stephanie Yancer, social media coordinator, at [email protected].

If you have fond memories and a love of Michigan’s outdoors, consider sharing your knowledge to inspire a new generation of outdoor adventurers and conservationists!

In case you missed it, last week we announced we are recruiting volunteers to help at the DNR’s Pocket Park during the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug. 15-21 in Escanaba. The 1-acre park, located off U.S. 2 within the fairgrounds, caters especially to youngsters seeking an outdoor adventure or wanting to learn an outdoor skill.

You can help kids catch and release bluegills in the U.P.-shaped pond or shoot a pellet gun or bow and arrow, staff the fire tower or greet visitors. A variety of shifts are available. Businesses, organizations, clubs and groups also can sponsor shifts and have their employees or members volunteer as a group.

Want to help? Contact Jo Ann Alexander at 906-786-2351, ext. 0 or Kristi Dahlstrom at 906-226-1331.

Follow their 23-week experience by subscribing to the weekly conservation officer academy blog, which also will be shared on DNR social media accounts.

“We have high expectations for this group, all of whom bring diverse life experiences with them,” said Chief Dave Shaw, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “These new recruits will be immersed in the rich history and culture of DNR law enforcement, and they’ll receive instruction from the ‘best of the best’ — veteran conservation officers who excel in the many specialized areas that make conservation officers unique among the law enforcement community.”

Additionally, three certified police officers were also hired as DNR conservation officers. They were sworn in Tuesday and will begin their natural resources law enforcement training as probationary conservation officers.

While conservation officers’ mission is to protect Michigan’s natural resources and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement and education, these certified peace officers also enforce all of Michigan’s criminal laws. (Yes, this means they can pull you over for a traffic violation.)

Because of their specialized training and equipment, conservation officers often are first to respond in situations such as medical emergencies, lost or missing persons and public safety threats in all types of weather conditions and environments. In addition to fish and game and general criminal law enforcement, recruits also get training in waterfowl, trapping, firearms, survival tactics, precision driving, off-road vehicle operation and maintenance, water safety, first aid, criminal law, report writing and alcohol enforcement.

Those recruits who successfully complete the academy will join the ranks of Michigan’s conservation officers as part of the DNR Law Enforcement Division, the state’s oldest statewide law enforcement agency — now celebrating its 135th year.

Questions? Contact F/Lt. Jason Wicklund at 906-284-1933.

In 2019, the Kirtland’s warbler was removed from the endangered species list. Ongoing efforts by the DNR and a multitude of partners have ensured that ample habitat is, and will continue to be, available for this songbird that nests only in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario.

All proceeds from the sale of the wildlife habitat license plate support the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund and benefit nongame species like the Kirtland’s warbler.

You can buy the wildlife habitat license plate through the Secretary of State for $35, with $25 of that fee going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund. Since 2006, the fund has received more than $3.9 million from the purchase of wildlife habitat license plates.

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

The meeting also will include an update on the printing of hunting and fishing digests, upcoming fisheries orders, a legislative update and several land transactions.

It will start at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 14, in West Campus Rooms M119-121 at Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing. See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected].