The Fourth of July holiday weekend is here! Get outdoors, stay safe and make some Michigan memories.



Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ]  |  Update preferences [ [link removed] ]




DNR banner [ [link removed] ]


"News Digest - Week of June 30, 2025"

A DNR park interpreter leads a group of about a dozen kids on a nature hike through Maybury State Park


Ready for the long holiday weekend? Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to get you started, keep you safe and inspire some outdoor independence! 


* ‘Forest bathing’ can cleanse the mind, refresh the soul [ #link_16 ]
* Operation Dry Water promotes sober boating July 4-6 [ #link_17 ]
* Free family fun with DNR’s explorer guide program [ #link_3 ]
* ‘Ride Right' for safe, responsible, off-road adventure [ #link_2 ]
* Photo ambassador snapshot: Heading toward sunset [ #link_1 ]

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom [ [link removed] ].

*PHOTOS:* Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (forest bathing [ [link removed] ] and kids on beach [ [link removed] ]) are available in the DNR's public online image collection [ [link removed] ]. Others – patrol boat, explorer guide and ORVs – are available in this folder [ [link removed] ]. 

________________________________________________________________________



‘Forest bathing’ can cleanse the mind, refresh the soul

Daylight breaks through the lush green canopy of the tall, dark-barked trees at Hartwick Pines State Park in Crawford County, Michigan

Feeling stressed out over the news, work pressures, a too-busy life? Or just feeling a deep desire to get away from it all? The forest is here to help.

Yes, the forest!

Take advantage of the long Fourth of July holiday weekend to immerse yourself in a little forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, a form of nature therapy that originated in Japan. The idea: Get far enough into the woods that you’re disconnected from the daily grind. Walk, sit, do yoga or tai chi, hug a tree, look up, take it all in. Try to use all five senses to truly experience the forest’s green embrace.

According to a report from National Public Radio [ [link removed] ], studies show that forest bathing can help your immune system, lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar and help with depression. For an even deeper dive, check out this Showcasing the DNR story [ [link removed] ] penned by a former DNR staff member who described their experience connecting with the forest.

You can enjoy forest bathing just about anywhere – a local park, your back yard – but you also might consider one of Michigan’s 103 state parks [ [link removed] ], nearly 4 million acres of state forest land [ [link removed] ] or more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Email Matt Watkeys at [email protected] <[email protected]>.



________________________________________________________________________



Operation Dry Water promotes sober boating July 4-6

A male DNR conservation officer holds onto the side of a patrol boat moving among boats and personal watercrafts on a Michigan lake

Boating is a big part of summer fun in Michigan, and the season regularly ramps up with the Fourth of July holiday. To ensure greater public safety and awareness, DNR conservation officers will have an increased presence on Michigan waterways July 4-6 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to promote sober boating.

According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard report, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in boating fatalities and a significant cause of on-the-water incidents.

Alcohol impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, and can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – elements common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

What can you do to protect yourself and loved ones? In addition to riding with a sober operator who has successfully completed an accredited boater safety course, boaters also should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Data shows that 87% of victims who drown in recreational boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Boaters also are urged to always:


* Use an engine cut-off switch.
* Check that all safety equipment is present and functional.
* Share trip details with a trusted person before heading out.
* Monitor weather conditions and be prepared for changes.
* Follow navigation rules and consistently look out for other boaters.

For more information, including more safety resources, visit Michigan.gov/Boating [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Email Cpl. Jill Miller at [email protected] <[email protected]>.



________________________________________________________________________



Free family fun with DNR’s explorer guide program

Falechia Barry, explorer guide at Interlochen State Park, shows animal furs to a group of kids and parents gathered in a forest area

There are more than a hundred fun and free activities happening over the holiday week thanks to the DNR's explorer guide program! You can join our guides at 30 different state parks throughout Michigan, where you’ll find activities ranging from guided nature walks and creative crafts to stories shared around a campfire.

On July 4, you can take a break from the parades and fireworks by writing and sharing nature poetry at Port Crescent State Park [ [link removed] ] in Huron County.

“I see art and beauty within science,” said explorer guide Natasha Swoish. “I'm hoping people can walk away feeling inspired by nature, and by extension, feel more inclined to take small actions to help protect it in the future.”

Port Crescent State Park, stretching across 3 miles of sandy Lake Huron shoreline, offers unique overnight accommodations, including geodesic domes and cottages, along with a dark sky preserve [ [link removed] ] that is perfect for stargazing.

On July 5, visitors can learn about the 360-million-year-old fossils they might find on the beach or even in the campground at Hoeft State Park [ [link removed] ] in Presque Isle County.



A little girl and little boy crouch down on the beach at Hoeft State Park as they dig through the sand, sending sand up in the air

“The coral fossils visitors are finding here are much older than dinosaurs,” said explorer guide Dana Roof. “They are close to the surface because the glaciers in this area scraped away all of the layers of fossils above them and left only the older fossils behind.”

Visiting history buffs also will appreciate Hoeft State Park’s picnic shelter. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and offers visitors a chance to learn about the park's importance in conservation history.

On July 8, guests can join Interlochen State Park’s explorer guide, Falechia Barry, at Platte River State Fish Hatchery [ [link removed] ] for a guided tour. The hatchery, located in Benzie County, focuses on raising coolwater fish like Chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon – species that support both the ecosystem and Michigan’s recreational fishing industry.

“The excitement kids feel when they see 100,000 fish at once is irreplaceable,” said Barry. “It’s a moment that sticks with them, and the knowledge they gain from the tour stays with them, too.”

For more information and weekly nature program schedules [ [link removed] ] at the 30 explorer guide parks, visit Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms [ [link removed] ]. Questions about the DNR’s explorer guide program? Contact Shaun McKeon <[email protected]> at 989-370-0789.



________________________________________________________________________



‘Ride Right' for safe, responsible, off-road adventure

Tall, black off-road vehicles drive single-file down a dusty trail framed by thick, green forest and yellow flowers

Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but activity in Michigan tends to increase around the Fourth of July holiday as people head to trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.

Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes and injuries primarily were due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. Parents are reminded, too, that they must have visual supervision of all children under the age of 16 when those children are operating an ORV.

“Always ride within your and the machine's capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When you ride too fast, you are more likely to lose control when hitting even the smallest bump or trying to make turns or stop.”

All ORV operators are urged to "Ride Right" and keep other important guidance in mind:


* Ride at a safe speed.
* Ride sober.
* Ride on the right side of the trail.
* Keep lights on when riding.
* Always wear a helmet.

Please keep in mind that about 60% of motorized and nonmotorized DNR-managed trails in northern Michigan remain temporarily closed due to effects of the March 28-30 ice storm. For status updates on state-managed facilities, trails and forest roads, refer to the map and dashboard [ [link removed] ] on the DNR's ice storm response page [ [link removed] ].

Additionally, ORV operators who are transporting children should refer to the ORV manufacturer owner’s manual regarding use of car seats or boosters.



Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight [ [link removed] ].

For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected] <[email protected]>.

________________________________________________________________________



Photo ambassador snapshot: Heading toward sunset
A standup paddle boarder far offshore from Port Crescent State Park framed against the orange sunset and flat-bottomed clouds

See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors [ [link removed] ] at Instagram.com/MiStateParks [ [link removed] ]. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer <[email protected]> at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Karen Allmond [ [link removed] ], for the Michigan DNR, at Port Crescent State Park in Huron County.)

________________________________________________________________________




THINGS TO DO [ [link removed] ]

Michigan's great outdoors is for everyone! From color-blind scenic viewers and track chairs to beach walkways and hunt seasons, explore accessible outdoor recreation options [ [link removed] ].




BUY & APPLY [ [link removed] ]

If you want to learn more about fishing, hunting, beekeeping, foraging and other outdoor fun but are nervous about getting started, the Outdoor Skills Academy [ [link removed] ] is for you. Check the schedule!




GET INVOLVED [ [link removed] ]

You can help researchers and natural resource managers learn about wildlife, invasive species, water quality, climate change and more. Find a community science project near you [ [link removed] ].





"Following the unprecedented March 28-30 ice storm in northern Michigan, Department of Natural Resources teams from across the state have been working tirelessly to assess the damage and continue the monumental cleanup. " All impacted state parks and boating access sites have reopened. "Find a map and dashboard [ [link removed] ] with the latest status of state-managed trails and state forest campgrounds; an interactive map; safety updates; and more on the DNR's ice storm response page [ [link removed] ]."


facebook icon circle [ [link removed] ]X icon circle [ [link removed] ]YouTube icon circle [ [link removed] ]instagram icon [ [link removed] ]email icon circle [ [link removed] ]pinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]Bluesky icon [ [link removed] ]




If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ]  |  Provide Feedback <[email protected]>

Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420