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Showcasing the DNR

Showcasing the DNR

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Topics range from fishing and hunting to history and outdoor recreation. This is a weekly feature story sent on Thursday.

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Concessionaires bring sweet treats souvenirs and memorable moments to state parks

Dozens of business owners and state park friends’ groups partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to offer extra amenities at some 70 state parks and recreation areas across Michigan’s Lower and Upper peninsulas. From offering mobile food truck fare and rental of bike, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, power and pontoon boats to providing park souvenirs, dune rides, horseback riding stables, splash pad fun and whitewater rafting, these vendor partnerships are essential to creating memorable moments for state park goers.
Concessionaires bring sweet treats, souvenirs and memorable moments to state parks
The brick-and-mortar version of the Chicken Coupe at Belle Isle Park in Detroit.

Installing history: Setting up Fayette Historic Townsite

Of the Michigan History Center’s 12 historic sites and museums, seven of them, including Fayette Historic Townsite in Delta County, require a spring site installation, fondly referred to as “installs” by staff. Each install requires a team of three to six staff members to clean buildings, reset exhibits and artifacts, and put in new exhibits.
Installing history: Setting up Fayette Historic Townsite
Historian Troy Henderson cleans and replaces a Plexiglass window

Seeking spring outdoor adventures in the UP

With the right clothing and gear, along with an adventurous spirit, springtime outdoor exploring just might become a new favorite way to enjoy being outside and experiencing all that our beautiful state offers.
Seeking spring outdoor adventures in the UP
Wagner Falls in Alger County is shown from a downstream boardwalk viewing platform

Give them a brake – be on the lookout for migrating turtles on roads

Be on the lookout for turtles, which are on the move this time of year. Late spring and early summer are times when turtles are moving en masse across the landscape. This overland movement often involves crossing roads, which unfortunately results in noticeable levels of turtle mortality throughout the state. That roadkill can be high enough to affect local populations and likely is the largest direct loss of adult turtles by humans.
Give them a brake – be on the lookout for migrating turtles on roads
A close-up photo of an eastern box turtle

The power of powder – Michigan woman transforms her love of snowmobiling into success

Jennifer "Jen" Julien – a Hemlock, Michigan, native – recently made it to the finals for the World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She was the oldest competitor in both of her races and the only finalist from Michigan.
The power of powder – Michigan woman transforms her love of snowmobiling into success
Jennifer Julien competing in the World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb

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