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, 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 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, nearly 4 million acres of state forest land or more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails.

Questions? Email Matt Watkeys at [email protected].

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.

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

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 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 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 in Presque Isle County.

“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 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 at the 30 explorer guide parks, visit Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms. Questions about the DNR’s explorer guide program? Contact Shaun McKeon at 989-370-0789.

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 on the DNR's ice storm response page.

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