If you work at a nature center, land conservancy or other environmentally focused organization and want to learn about the latest research on Michigan’s wildlife, fisheries, forests and more, join us Feb. 7! It’s time for the DNR’s annual Nature Center Summit in northern Michigan.

Hosted at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, near Roscommon, this one-day summit was established in 2019 to connect nonformal educators to the science behind natural resource management. Topics this year include threats to Michigan’s bald eagle population, invasive species management, updates from the Michigan Climate Corps and much more.

Joining the DNR will be speakers representing the Michigan departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Health and Human Services. Visit Michigan.gov/NatureCenterSummit for the complete agenda and to register. The $25 registration fee includes lunch.

Questions about the Nature Center Summit? Contact Shaun McKeon at [email protected].

Make it a Wildlife Weekend

If you'd like to extend the learning, the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education will host its annual Wildlife Weekend – this year’s theme is Cabin Fever – at the conference center following the conclusion of the Friday summit. Get more information about the event at maeoe.com/wildlifeweekend and in the story below.

February in Michigan often means winter blahs for many residents. If you need a midseason lift, longtime DNR partner the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education invites you to relax and learn at its Wildlife Weekend, Feb. 7-9 at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon.

This year’s program, Cabin Fever, offers sessions to help you safely enjoy the outdoors and discover more about our state’s incredible natural resources. This includes:

• DNR conservation officers demonstrating the tools of the trade they use for winter survival and showing how to endure a cold winter’s night – whether you’re lost in the forest or stuck in a stalled car.
• DNR wildlife biologist Mark Boersen talking about Michigan’s most famous winter sleeper, the black bear, and perhaps investigating the types of areas where they build their dens.
• DNR Outdoor Skills Academy instructor Jeff Lash teaching about wild edibles such as wild mushrooms.
• Retired teacher Mike Latus guiding you through Michigan’s beautiful night sky.

Wildlife Weekend is open to everyone 18 and older of any outdoor experience level. Participants can enjoy the RAM Center’s food, campfires and festivities, kicking off at 5 p.m. Friday and wrapping up with lunch Sunday, giving everyone plenty of time to get home for the Super Bowl. There also will be a bit of free time Saturday afternoon for those who want to explore the grounds and trails on their own.

The packed weekend, with two nights’ lodging, six meals and course instruction, is $345 per person. Space is limited, so save your spot by registering soon at maeoe.com/wildlifeweekend. 

Questions? Contact Kevin Frailey, DNR Education Services manager, at 517-231-9046.

Winter is “weird duck time,” as dozens of waterfowl species descend upon the Great Lakes, filling areas of open water with their quirks and quacks and making it an excellent time to go birding! Join MI Birds, an outreach program of the DNR and Audubon Great Lakes, for a free lunch-hour webinar to learn about the geese and swans of Michigan and the region.

Part I of the Winter Waterfowl ID Webinar series, with the Detroit Bird Alliance (formerly Detroit Audubon), Ducks Unlimited and the River Raisin Institute, dug into winter waterfowl spots, dabbling and diving duck identification, and ways to help conserve birds and their habitat. In the second installment of the webinar series, you’ll explore how to identify geese and swans, where to spot them, the habitats they rely on to thrive, and conservation efforts across Michigan and beyond.

Register for Winter Waterfowl ID Webinar Part II

• Thursday, Jan. 30.
• Noon-1 p.m. ET.
• RSVP required; register now.

Presenters include John Coluccy, director of conservation planning, Ducks Unlimited; Kylie McElrath, conservation manager, Audubon Great Lakes; and Patrick Doran, Midwest director of strategy, measures and science, The Nature Conservancy.

Questions? Contact Erin Ford, Audubon Great Lakes, at 313-820-0809.

Whether in our backyards, local parks, favorite fishing spots or other outdoor spaces, we all play a role in limiting the spread of invasive species: those non-native plants, animals, insects and other organisms that pose a threat to Michigan's environment, economy and even human health.

You can stay current on the latest invasives information with the NotMISpecies webinar series, a collection of species-specific actions, research and innovations designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species. Question-and-answer sessions and links to resources help everyone get the most out of each presentation. Upcoming webinars include:

• Tuesday, Jan. 14, 9-10 a.m. – "Don’t Let it Loose! Protecting Michigan’s Waterways from Pesky Pets and Plants"
  When non-native aquatic plants and pets outgrow their aquariums or water gardens, it can be a big problem. Paige Filice, with the Michigan State University Extension Center for Lakes and Streams, talks about the “don’t let it loose” campaign and working with leading retailers and conservation organizations. 
• Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. –  “Road Trippin’: How MDOT Manages Michigan’s Highways”
  Carla Ahlschwede shares how the Michigan Department of Transportation keeps our highways safe and the role it plays in managing invasive species along roadsides across the state.