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 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 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.

Questions? Contact Carly Kalkauski at 231-690-1242.

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 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.

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 and remaining 2025 meeting dates at Michigan.gov/NRC.

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

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, 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 to submit observations.

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.

“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.”

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 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 July 20, July 27 and Aug 3; Family Campout at Maybury State Park Aug. 15-16, Grown-Up Gatherings: Nature Painting 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 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. Questions? Contact Missy Sharp at 844-622-6367.