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Library of Michigan, DNR Give State Park Visitors Mobile Access to Info About Local Wildlife

LANSING – Visitors to Michigan’s state parks can better enjoy the state’s rich natural landscapes through a partnership between the Library of Michigan and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The collaboration enables park visitors to access detailed information about local wildlife on their mobile devices.

A curated collection of Michigan Field Guides is now available for free and for instant use through the Library of Michigan’s Read Michigan eBook platform, to encourage exploration and learning in real time.

“The Library of Michigan provides valuable resources for the state’s residents—whether they are schoolchildren or adults,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is excited that visitors to state parks will have the opportunity to learn more about our state’s wildlife and native plants as they explore the beauty of the Great Lakes State.”

The Library of Michigan is an agency of MDE.

“Any time enjoying Michigan’s 100-plus state parks is time well spent, and mobile access to the Michigan Field Guides is just icing on the cake because these resources really can enhance the visitor experience,” said DNR Director Mr. Scott Bowen. “From ‘The Waterfalls of Michigan’ and ‘Tall Ships’ to ‘The Midwest Birding Companion’ and the ‘Night Sky’ guide to constellations, there are more than three dozen guides to explore ahead of time or at the park, and each one helps build greater appreciation of and a keener connection to all that you’ll see, hear, and discover outdoors.”   

The Michigan Field Guides include detailed information on the state's flora, fauna, geology, and other natural features. Whether identifying wildflowers along the trails, spotting native birds, or learning about Michigan’s unique ecosystems, users can dive deeper into the natural world around them.

“This collaboration makes it easier than ever for people to connect with our state’s rich story and natural environment,” said State Librarian Mr. Randy Riley. “Read Michigan helps us bridge the gap between experiencing nature and understanding it, with real-time learning opportunities during exploration of Michigan's great outdoors.”

Read Michigan was initially developed by the Library of Michigan in collaboration with Michigan Humanities and the presses of University of MichiganMichigan State University, and Wayne State University to create a unique collection of regional eBooks available to all residents of Michigan. The collection has expanded to include many past Michigan Notable Books selections, titles by Michigan poets, and more. This newest partnership underscores Michigan’s commitment to accessible learning and environmental awareness for all ages and is part of a broader effort to enhance the visitor experience across Michigan’s vast network of state parks.

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The Library of Michigan is an agency within the Michigan Department of Education and is dedicated to providing the people of this state and their government one perpetual institution to collect, preserve, and provide access to the story of the state, and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors. To learn more, visit www.Michigan.gov/LibraryofMichigan.

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