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Michigan has some of the best wildlife-based recreation opportunities around. This quarterly newsletter will give you updates on the great work going on for wildlife conservation across the state and some tips on how to get involved.
Story submitted by Huron Pines
The Huron Pines stewardship staff is involved in an ongoing effort to preserve and restore grassland openings near Inspiration Point, a popular overlook and a vital habitat for wild elk in the heart of the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
Working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, the crew is cutting and permanently removing invasive autumn olive and Japanese barberry from the landscape, as these thorny nonnative shrubs spread fast and crowd out native plants in grassland habitats.
 Rachel Leggett leads the Huron Pines Heartland Restoration Team.
“Preserving these open grasslands is essential, not just for elk but all kinds of wildlife found within the Pigeon River Country,” Leggett said. “This is also one of the more popular elk-viewing sites visited by people, so maintaining that recreational access and viewshed is an important part of the forest as well.”
Removing invasive species is an important step in this large project.
“This is the heart of the elk range, but it’s managed with a number of objectives that support improved wildlife habitat, recreational trails, viewing opportunities, and hunting and timber management,” said Jessica Greenwald, wildlife technician at the Gaylord DNR office. “All of which are negatively impacted by invasive species.”
This grassland openings project is multifaceted. A nearby grassland was the site of a prescribed fire in May, which cleared away unwanted plants and invasive shrubs to allow native grasses and wildflowers to grow. Over the next couple years, timber harvests are expected to occur to remove aging red pine to allow for a young forest to regrow.
Learn more about Huron Pines at HuronPines.Org.
 Looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors in southeast Michigan? The newly acquired Crystal Waters State Game Area in northern Monroe County is open to all. The 680-acre parcel offers inland bodies of water and upland forest habitat perfect for outdoor recreation on water or land, and excellent opportunities for waterfowl, turkey and deer hunting.
The new addition to public hunting lands in southern Michigan was purchased in a “cold zone,” an area of the state that previously lacked huntable public lands, in 2021. For information on the area, contact the Point Mouillee State Game Area at 734-379-9692.
There are over 1 million acres of huntable public lands in Michigan waiting to be explored.
Explore public hunting lands ►
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Wildlife biologist Zach Cooley has been with the DNR Wildlife Division for 15 years. Based out of the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, he covers covers Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne counties. Zach says a favorite part of working for wildlife is that every day can be different.
"Priorities change, which can be tough, but it keeps things fresh and new. There is not any other job I have ever wanted, though. As young as I can remember I've always wanted to work for the Wildlife Division."
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Also based at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is wildlife technician Adam Shook. Adam's favorite part of working for wildlife is "being part of something that allows me to make a career out of my hobbies, like habitat and species management, and then to share that with the public." Adam has been with the Wildlife Division four years.
If you are interested in learning more about wildlife management or state game areas near you, contact your local wildlife biologist or email [email protected].
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 A recently completed project at the Port Huron State Game Area improved habitat for the American woodcock. Woodcock, a ground-nesting bird species, need open areas to breed, nest and rest in. With support from Wildlife Habitat Grant funds and the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, 14 acres of brush and woody species were cut to create open ground for the birds. Food- and shelter-producing trees like apple, crabapple, white pine and oak trees were left to provide for wildlife.
Come see the area for yourself!
Join us at the Port Huron State Game Area on Saturday, Sept. 24, for a day of outdoor fun! The local DNR staff will be guiding area tours and activities for nature lovers and anyone else interested in spending time outside exploring their public lands. The event will start at 9 a.m., with various tours and activities scheduled throughout the day. Guests can plan to park at the Port Huron State Game Area Field Office at 6181 Lapeer Road in Kimball. For more information and event updates, email DNR wildlife biologist Kaitlyn Barnes at [email protected].
Kaitlyn Barnes, wildlife biologist, is stationed out of the Lake St. Clair Fisheries Research Station office and covers Macomb and St. Clair counties. Kaitlyn has been with the Wildlife Division just under a year. Kaitlyn, when asked about her favorite part of working for wildlife, said, "I love being able to make a difference in someone's day. Whether it is offering advice on fox kits in their backyard, answering questions about hunting regulations or sharing current information on wildlife disease in the state, I always appreciate the connections I make with people."
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Wildlife technician John Darling also covers Macomb and St. Clair counties and is based out of the St. Clair Flats Wildlife Area. John has been with the Wildlife Division for 12 years and says his favorite part of working for wildlife is "a two-way tie between banding waterfowl and seeing people enjoy the areas we manage."
If you are interested in learning more about wildlife management or state game areas near you, contact your local wildlife biologist or email [email protected].
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