November 2025 events and opportunities to get involved with the Michigan DNR



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"DNR Events/Get Involved - November 2025"
food bank volunteer grans venison bags out of freezer

"Help neighbors in need with a donation to Hunters Feeding Michigan [ [link removed] ]."



November offers a variety of ways to enjoy and learn about Michigan’s outdoors and to get involved in helping the Department of Natural Resources take care of the state’s natural and cultural resources – here are a few highlights. For a full list of events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar [ [link removed] ], and for more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers [ [link removed] ].


* Donate a doe – or some dough – to help Michiganders in need [ #link_4 ]
* Help protect natural areas at state parks [ #link_8 ]
* Sign up for 2026 Run for the Trees 5K, support trees and forests [ #link_1 ]
* Stop by and see us at Deer Drop-In Mondays around the state [ #link_2 ]
* Find fall fun for all ages at the Outdoor Adventure Center [ #link_3 ]
* Hike by lantern light at Island Lake [ #link_5 ]
* Support DNR shooting ranges [ #link_6 ]

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Donate a doe – or some dough – to help Michiganders in need

Hunters Feeding Michigan logo

Help fight hunger and ensure Michiganders have access to a nutritious protein source when they need it the most by contributing to the DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan [ [link removed] ] program.

The program makes a positive difference in communities across Michigan, connecting hunters, wild game processors and charities to feed those in need.

Hunters can share their harvest by donating their deer at a participating processor or by taking part in Hunters Feeding Michigan deer donation drives [ [link removed] ]. We’ll be taking deer donations in several locations across the state – including Clare, Eau Claire, Escanaba, Gaylord, Howard City, Linwood and Sterling Heights – Nov. 21-23.

Each deer donated will provide an estimated 160 high-protein and nutritious meals. Thanks to the DNR’s' partnership with Feeding America and its collaboration with a statewide network of processors, venison donations go to Michigan residents in need.

Anyone can make a monetary donation to help cover the cost of processing donated deer on the Hunters Feeding Michigan donation webpage [ [link removed] ] or the DNR eLicense website [ [link removed] ], at any DNR retail license agent [ [link removed] ] location or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app [ [link removed] ].

To learn more about the program or find a participating processor, visit Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact Joe Presgrove <[email protected]> at 517-643-3809.



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Help protect natural areas at state parks

group of volunteers near brush pile with fall forest in background

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays. Volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. Workdays will take place:


* 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).
* 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
* 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 22, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar [ [link removed] ].



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Sign up for 2026 Run for the Trees 5K, support trees and forests

2026 Run for the Trees logo

Get a jump-start on your 2026 race planning – and support nature in the process! – by signing up for next spring’s Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K [ [link removed] ].

 Registration for this event, which is a collaboration between the DNR, Bob Ross, Inc. and a dozen other states, opens this Saturday, Nov. 1.

 “We are thrilled to see the Happy Little 5K return for its seventh year,” said Michelle O’Kelly, race director and philanthropy specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “What started as a creative way to connect people with Michigan state parks and tree plantings has grown to a nationwide movement. Participation grew again last year – more than 10,000 people, in Michigan and across a dozen other states, participated in the 2025 event – showing that more and more people are eager to make a difference.”

Participants receive a Happy Little T-shirt, sticker, commemorative bib and finisher’s medal, and may select their preferred state to support with their registration. This virtual event, which takes place between April 18-26, honors iconic art instructor and television host Bob Ross while supporting tree-planting and forest-protection efforts [ [link removed] ].

Register on RunSignUp.com [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly <[email protected]> at 517-899-5211.



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Stop by and see us at Deer Drop-In Mondays around the state

DNR staffer help hunters age deer using jaw bone

This fall, we want to say "thank you" to Michigan hunters. The DNR’s Hunter Appreciation: Deer Drop-In Mondays are happening at locations across the state, and all hunters are invited to drop in and say hello. Harvested deer are welcome but certainly not required!

Each event offers the chance to bring in a deer or lower jaw for aging, pick up free hunting swag (may vary by location, while supplies last) like patches, stickers, hand warmers, field-dressing gloves and more, and connect with DNR staff and fellow hunters and talk about the season. We hope you’ll stop by and share your story with us.

Remaining event dates – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1.

Locations:


* Upper Peninsula [ [link removed] ]
* Northern Lower Peninsula [ [link removed] ]
* Southern Lower Peninsula [ [link removed] ]

Mark your calendar and drop in at a location near you!



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Find fall fun for all ages at the Outdoor Adventure Center

person sits on bench looking at wall of plants

If you’re in the Detroit area, or your November travel plans take you there, don’t miss the variety of opportunities for fall fun and learning – for kids, adults, seniors and families – on the Outdoor Adventure Center calendar [ [link removed] ]. Here’s a sampling of November events:

*Grown-Up Gatherings*

* Hunter's Harvest Tasting [ [link removed] ], Nov. 7. A strolling tasting experience with wild game and harvest-inspired small plates and a chance to take your shot in our shooting range, meet local vendors in hunting, fishing and shooting sports, and explore the OAC.
* Holiday Wreath Making [ [link removed] ], Nov. 14. We're celebrating Michigan's beautiful fall colors with an evening of crafting and creativity. Natural and artificial materials will be provided for participants to construct their own fall wreath.

*Active Aging Adventures*

* Brunch and Learn – Lake Huron Red Tails: Recovering a World War II Tuskegee Airplane [ [link removed] ], Nov. 13. Learn about work to archaeologically document an airplane wreck in Lake Huron. The fighter plane, lost in April 1944, was being flown by Tuskegee Airman Lt. Frank H. Moody.
* Senior Stroll: Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and Dossin Great Lakes Museum [ [link removed] ], Nov. 18. A morning exploring two of Belle Isle's gems.

*Learn about nature and outdoor recreation*

* Archery [ [link removed] ]. Check out a variety of programs, from one-hour Explore It and After School Archery sessions to a four-week Archery 101 class.
* Nature Discovery: Live Reptiles and Amphibians [ [link removed] ], Nov. 2. Find out what makes reptiles and amphibians so cool and get up close and personal with many of these creatures.
* Incredible Insects and Friends [ [link removed] ], Nov. 15. Learn and ask questions about – and in some cases even hold! – a selection of fascinating live invertebrates, which may include large millipedes, beetles, isopods and roaches.
* Nature Play: Turkeys [ [link removed] ], Nov. 21. Kids ages 3-5 can learn all about turkeys – where they live, what they eat and the fun sounds they make – and make a personalized turkey craft.
* Fishing Pole Setup [ [link removed] ], Nov. 20. So, you’re hooked on fishing and want to learn more? Learn how to assemble your fishing pole, including tying fishing knots, selecting bobbers, tackle setup and pole maintenance.


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Hike by lantern light at Island Lake

Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton will host an evening lantern hike [ [link removed] ] along a 1.5-mile loop trail near Kent Lake Saturday, Nov. 8, from 7-9 p.m. Solar lanterns hung from the trees guide the way, creating a peaceful, scenic winter walk. Restrooms and a hot beverage truck will be available, and fire pits will offer warm spots to take a break.




Support DNR shooting ranges

With hunters getting ready for firearm deer season, it’s the busiest time of year for our shooting ranges. You can support these public facilities that offer a safe shooting environment by donating to DNR shooting ranges [ [link removed] ]. Donations help with the areas of greatest need, including range improvements, expansion and shooting education programs.




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