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"News Digest - Week of July 7, 2025"

three young boys and a little girl in swimsuits smile and show thumbs-up while standing atop a sandpile at Bald Mountain Recreation Area


Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: 


* Hunters Feeding Michigan hosts food drive July 14-18 [ #link_16 ]
* NotMiSpecies webinars cover spotted lanternfly, climate change [ #link_17 ]
* Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing [ #link_2 ]
* ICYMI: Turkey brood survey is underway; you can help [ #link_3 ]
* Outdoor Adventure Center: 10 years of 'up north' downtown [ #link_4 ]
* Photo ambassador snapshot: Gale waves at Grand Haven [ #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 (kids on beach [ [link removed] ], spotted lanternfly [ [link removed] ], lake whitefish [ [link removed] ], turkeys [ [link removed] ], OAC entrance [ [link removed] ] and OAC waterfall [ [link removed] ]) are available in the DNR's public online image gallery [ [link removed] ].

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Hunters Feeding Michigan hosts food drive July 14-18

two women in blue T-shirts and jeans shelve nonperishable food items on the shelves at a food pantry

Helping your neighbors can be as easy as reaching in your pantry and stopping by your local DNR customer service center Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18.

The DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program, in partnership with the Food Bank Council of Michigan, invites all Michiganders to donate nonperishable food that will go to local food pantries.

Stop by any DNR Customer Service Center [ [link removed] ] during business hours to donate and support those in need. Donors will receive an exclusive sticker as a thank-you.

This food drive is a first for Hunters Feeding Michigan. Carly Kalkauski, the student assistant coordinating the drive, said they were thrilled to work on this initiative when program specialist Joe Presgrove brought it to them.

“You don’t have to be a hunter to help our program target hunger,” they said. “With one in seven Michiganders facing food insecurity, we’re hoping this food drive can help provide meaningful aid to our communities.”

Data about food insecurity in Michigan [ [link removed] ] is available from Feeding America.

Hunters Feeding Michigan offers hunters a way to share their harvest by donating deer at a participating processor. A network of processors and charities channels the venison donations to provide high-quality, nutritious protein to those in need across the state. Monetary donations also help support the program. Learn more at Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact Carly Kalkauski <[email protected]> at 231-690-1242.



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NotMiSpecies webinars cover spotted lanternfly, climate change

spotted lanternfly, with pale pink and red wings and black dots, being held in someone's hands

While you’re relaxing and recharging this summer, it’s good to remember that invasive species never take a break.

What can you do to fight back against these pests and diseases that pose a threat to Michigan's environment, economy and even human health? For starters, you can learn more about what to look for and what to do if you see it!

That’s where the NotMiSpecies webinar series [ [link removed] ] can help. It’s a collection that explores how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect our state’s natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program. There are more than three dozen past webinars you can watch on topics ranging from best boating practices to steps you can take to protect your backyard.

Two upcoming webinars will address tactics to combat spotted lanternfly and look at how climate change is heightening risks to Michigan’s trees. A Q&A session will follow each presentation.



'Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly: What to Know and What You Can Do'

* Tuesday, July 29, 9-10 a.m.

Invasive spotted lanternfly, first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, is present in at least 18 eastern U.S. states. In Michigan, localized spotted lanternfly infestations in four southeastern counties are expected to build and spread, especially in areas where invasive tree of heaven, the insect’s preferred host, occurs. Deborah McCullough, professor of forest entomology at Michigan State University, will cover spotted lanternfly’s life stages, tree of heaven identification and spotted lanternfly’s effects on trees and people. She’ll also cover options for managing this pest, if or when it arrives in your neighborhood.

Register for the Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly webinar [ [link removed] ].

'They’ll Need That Hug: How Climate Change is Increasing Native and Invasive Threats to Michigan’s Trees'

* Wednesday, Aug. 27, 9-10 a.m.

Invasive insects and diseases, including hemlock woolly adelgid, beech bark and beech leaf disease, are taking a toll on Michigan’s forests. As if this weren’t enough, the changing climate is further stressing trees and may lead to greater impacts by both invasive and native insects and diseases. Join forest entomologist Erin Biggs and forest pathologist Simeon Wright of the DNR to learn more about these emerging issues, how they are being addressed, and which ones may have the biggest negative effects on state forests and urban landscapes.

Register for the They'll Need that Hug webinar [ [link removed] ].

Questions about the webinars or Michigan's Invasive Species Program? Contact Joanne Foreman <[email protected]> at 517-284-5814.

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Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

a few slender, silvery lake whitefish lie in the bottom of a dingy white bucket

The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, July 10, in Lansing – includes an update on the status of lake whitefish, a presentation on generally accepted operation practices for shooting ranges, a legislative report and several land transactions.

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 [ [link removed] ] and remaining 2025 meeting dates at Michigan.gov/NRC [ [link removed] ].

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



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ICYMI: Turkey brood survey is underway; you can help

three brown and gray wild turkeys walk through a grassy, forested field

Turkeys may not be the first species you think of when it comes to wildlife watching, but these birds may well be among the first you see this summer. That's because this midseason period is when turkey broods are most visible and when you're most likely to see hens crossing roads or foraging in fields with a line of little ones in tow.

If you do come across these busy birds, the DNR wants to hear about it! In case you missed it, the DNR is running its annual wild turkey brood survey [ [link removed] ], a community science effort for people statewide to report sightings of wild turkeys and turkey broods (hens with their young). By taking just a few minutes to report any turkeys you see, you’ll be adding valuable data that helps wildlife managers track the health of the state’s turkey population.

Anyone in Michigan can help by reporting wild turkey sightings now through Aug. 31, using the online turkey brood survey form [ [link removed] ] to submit observations.



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Outdoor Adventure Center: 10 years of 'up north' downtown

Adults and kids walk on the tree-lined sidewalk in front of the Outdoor Adventure Center, a brick building with a large green DNR sign

The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit turns 10 years old this month and invites Michiganders to stop by and see why it’s a birthday worth celebrating.

Located on the city’s riverfront in the historic Globe Building, with the Dequindre Cut greenway running through its front yard, the Outdoor Adventure Center opened to the public July 20, 2015. The aim of this innovative destination: offer “up north” downtown, providing hands-on experiences focused on Michigan’s many outdoor recreation opportunities and teaching visitors about natural resources and conservation.

Learn more about the history of the OAC and the Globe Building [ [link removed] ].

“We hope that giving visitors a chance to sample Michigan’s great outdoors, without leaving the city, inspires them to get out and discover all there is to explore in our state – the spectacular parks, public lands and waters that are theirs to enjoy,” said Missy Sharp, Outdoor Adventure Center director. “We also offer plenty of fun and learning for people of all ages right here in Metro Detroit.”



Adults and several young children splash through a forest stream and waterfall area inside the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit

Visitors can experience exciting outdoor adventures with interactive activities, exhibits and simulators – walking behind and touching a waterfall, stepping into a fishing boat and reeling in a big fish, hitting the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more. They also can learn about how the DNR manages forests, wildlife and fish as they explore the roots and canopy of a bur oak tree, hop aboard an airplane and see what’s swimming in the OAC aquarium.

“We’re kicking off our birthday week with the Family Campout [ [link removed] ] July 11-12, and then July 12-19 guests can enjoy scavenger hunts and more as part of their regular OAC admission,” Sharp said. “We’ll also showcase a special audio/video exhibit, featuring memories gathered during our ‘Share Your Stories’ event.”

The OAC events calendar also offers options for everyone from preschoolers to retirees to connect with Michigan’s natural and cultural resources. Upcoming programs include Get Hooked on Fishing [ [link removed] ] July 20, July 27 and Aug 3; Family Campout at Maybury State Park [ [link removed] ] Aug. 15-16, Grown-Up Gatherings: Nature Painting [ [link removed] ] Aug. 22 and many others – archery, birding and yoga programs, nature exploration for kids, experiences for seniors and more. Check out the OAC activity schedule [ [link removed] ] for a full list.

Each year, about 100,000 people visit the Outdoor Adventure Center, which also hosts thousands of students during hundreds of annual field trips.

Find more visitor information at Michigan.gov/OAC [ [link removed] ]. Questions? Contact Missy Sharp <[email protected]> at 844-622-6367.



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Photo ambassador snapshot: Gale waves at Grand Haven
Gale waves crash around the Grand Haven lighthouse and pier as bright sunlight frames the scene against a steel gray sky

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 Ryan Burger DeVries [ [link removed] ], for the Michigan DNR, at Grand Haven State Park in Ottawa County.)

"This picture is a reminder that the Great Lakes are beautiful and incredibly powerful, and conditions can change quickly! Everyone should use caution in and around the water. For tips to keep you and your family and friends safe, visit our Great Lakes beach safety page [ [link removed] ]."

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THINGS TO DO [ [link removed] ]

Music at Cambridge Junction [ [link removed] ] July 10, Beekeeping at Mitchell State Park [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] July 13, an Ice Cream Read at Mann House [ [link removed] ] July 16; all this and more on the DNR events calendar [ [link removed] ]!




BUY & APPLY [ [link removed] ]

Still need your hunter safety certification? Registration is open for more than 50 classes offered during the DNR's Hunter Safety Education Week, Aug. 11-17 [ [link removed] ]. 




GET INVOLVED [ [link removed] ]

If you'd like to lend a hand at some of your favorite parks in southern Michigan, sign up for a volunteer stewardship day [ [link removed] ]. Help remove invasive plants and restore natural areas. 

 





"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] ]."


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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