Education
The Importance of Michigan’s Rivers
According to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, Michigan is home to over 300 named rivers which extend 51,438 miles across the state. Rivers offer many important benefits such as habitat for fish and wildlife, transportation, and recreational opportunities for the general public. Things like pollution can damage a river, causing harm not just…
Read MoreHow Does a Solar Eclipse Affect the Environment?
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a rare total solar eclipse is set to cross the entire North American continent. The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, passing through the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the eclipse will pass over Mexico starting at 11:07 AM…
Read MoreHow to Become a Michigan Recreational Safety Instructor
Background and Problem Over the last several years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been developing a new process to become a certified Michigan Recreational Safety Instructor. This process was rolled out at the beginning of 2024 and is only necessary for new instructors for all programs (Bow Hunter Education, Trapper Education, Snowmobile…
Read MoreGarlic Mustard: The Edible Invasive
Have you ever heard of an invasive species that you can eat? Now you have! Garlic mustard, also called poor man’s mustard, hedge garlic, and garlic root, is an invasive species of plant found across the northern United States. It hails from Europe and Asia and was introduced to the United States in the 1800s…
Read MoreVernal Pools: Learn More About These Important Wetlands
There’s an old saying here in Michigan, “You’re never more than a few minutes away from a body of water”. Whether it’s a stream, pond, inland lake, or one of the Great Lakes, the state of Michigan is home to a large amount of water. According to the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes hold…
Read MoreInvasive Species in Michigan: Narrowing Down the Science
Michigan is home to many different types of ecosystems that support a wide variety of plant and animal species. From the hardwood swamps found in southern Michigan to the cliffs and granite bedrock found in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s diversity is what makes it such a beautiful place to live. However, the native species found…
Read MoreOutdoorama Starts Next Week
It is almost that time of year again. Time for the annual staff pilgrimage to Novi for Outdoorama. Outdoorama has been going on in the Detroit area for more than 50 years. This year it is once again combined with the Lakefront and Cottage living show. Your admission to one of these shows gives you…
Read MoreWetland Community Types in Michigan
According to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, a wetland is defined as an ecosystem that is saturated with water for varying periods and characterized by water-loving vegetation and soils. A few other important factors that distinguish wetlands from other ecosystems are soil chemistry, hydrology, species composition, and geographic distribution. Wetlands are important because they provide…
Read MoreWhite-tailed Deer: How do they Survive Michigan Winters?
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are considered to be one of the most popular game species in Michigan, and for good reason. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush when a big buck walks out in front of your hunting spot. During this time of year, deer are well adapted to survive the cold and snow, but why…
Read MoreGlacial History of Michigan: How did we get our Great Lakes?
It is well known that Michigan was once covered in glaciers, or huge slow-moving masses of ice that formed from the accumulation and compaction of snow. But how exactly did this happen, and how did the glaciers create the Great Lakes we know today? First, we need to take a trip back in time. The…
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