Spring is in the air – and so are American woodcock! The "peent" of an American woodcock ushers in the signature start of springtime in Michigan. To enjoy the return of migratory birds, grab your binoculars and join the DNR and the Ruffed Grouse Society for a guided woodcock walk at the Lame Duck Foot Access Area GEMS location Thursday, April 24.

Located 15 miles northeast of Gladwin, this 11,000-acre Grouse Enhanced Management Site is Michigan’s largest and provides ideal habitat for American woodcock, ruffed grouse and Wilson’s snipe. As evening falls, watch and listen as male woodcock take to the sky in their mesmerizing courtship display – don't miss this chance to experience one of spring’s most magical wildlife performances!

All ages are welcome and encouraged. Tour participants will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Bowmanville Road and Lame Duck Truck Trail (44.098025, -84.236925).

Prepare for the walk

• Bring binoculars (if you have them) and a flashlight or headlamp.
• Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Trails may be muddy and uneven; due to the terrain, this event is not considered accessible under Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
• Enhance your experience with birding apps like eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Bruce Barlow at 989-426-9205, ext. 2267630. Learn more about GEMS at Michigan.gov/GEMS.

The walk is presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders' engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

Set your DVR! A new episode of "Wardens" is on the Outdoor Channel Friday, April 11, at 9 p.m.

This week's episode has conservation officers in District 7 (southwest Michigan) checking on winter waterfowl hunters and summer boaters. Viewers also will get an extended look at Nature Awaits, a new Michigan program providing free state park visits to fourth graders.

“Our hope is to get more kids more comfortable outside and provide a balance to the technology in their lives,” said Allye Kemme, DNR Nature Awaits communications coordinator. “We start with making sure the kids know state parks belong to them. Then we focus on tapping into our senses, discovering what makes each park unique, having quiet time to soak up the world around us and building connections to nature.”

To get the Outdoor Channel, ask your local TV service provider or go to outdoorchannel.com, myoutdoortv.com, MAX or Amazon Prime Video, or call 855-44-OUTDOOR.

The DNR partners with the Outdoor Channel to tell the story of dedicated staff and the work they do to conserve Michigan’s natural resources, weaving important conservation messages into every story line. This is the show’s ninth season featuring the state of Michigan.

Episodes air on the Outdoor Channel every Friday at 9 p.m. Previous episodes air on FOX UP/WLUC-TV6 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The show also is available on Animal Planet under the title "Wardens of the North."

Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819.

The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, April 10, in Lansing – includes a Lifesaving Award presentation to a DNR park ranger, overviews of small game, fall turkey and deer regulations, a legislative report, several land transactions, and updates on chronic wasting disease monitoring and surveillance, bovine tuberculosis surveillance and highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. in Rooms M119-121 on the West Campus of Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing. See the draft meeting agenda and remaining 2025 meeting dates at Michigan.gov/NRC.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, email [email protected].