The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission officially welcomed Michigan's 103rd state park, adding 1,122 acres of new recreational public land in southern Michigan, at a ribbon cutting this past week.

The park is located just miles from Hayes State Park, Pinckney Recreation Area and Waterloo Recreation Area in southern Michigan. It features beautiful rolling land covered in a mixture of open meadow, mixed hardwoods, low wetland areas and open water.

Hemlock woolly adelgid was recently discovered in the western Lower Peninsula. This tiny sap-feeding insect is an invasive forest pest that has killed hundreds of thousands of hemlock trees in several eastern states. 

Officials are currently conducting surveys to assess the situation, but the presence of HWA and its potential impacts on hemlocks are of major concern. An important way to stop the spread is to use local firewood. You can help identify invasives in Michigan by joining the Eyes on the Forest program. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources welcomes furry companions to some of Michigan’s best outdoor recreation destinations. 

Beginning Nov. 1, 2017, up to two pets (dogs and cats only) can stay in cabins at Harrisville State Park (mini cabin #186), Lime Island State Park (mini cabin #4), Leelanau State Park (Hemlock and Cedar) and Sleepy Hollow State Park (rustic cabin). In addition, pets can stay at the lodge at Cheboygan State Park. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin or $15 per night/pet/lodge. All pet rules and leash laws still apply.

Cabins and lodges can be booked up to 12 months in advance by visiting www.midnrreservations.com or calling 800-44-PARKS (800-447-2757). This means that reservations can be made as early as November 1, 2016.

Are you ready? Michigan is known for its abundant snow, exciting terrain and more than 6,200 miles of designated snowmobile trails.

Don’t be left out in the cold when the snow flies. Purchase your snowmobile trail permit, which is required to operate snowmobiles in the state and valid for one year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30).

It's not too early to think about summer camping. Reservations can be booked up to six months in advance in Michigan state parks and recreation areas, and campsites are already being booked for early summer. 

Michigan state parks and recreation areas offer a diverse range of modern, semi-modern and rustic camping sites. There are also a variety of alternative lodging options available, including rustic cabins, camper cabins, mini cabins, lodges, pop-up camper rentals, tepee rentals and yurts, available in many of the parks.

The HeartMiRun Virtual 5K is a fun way to get out in Michigan state parks and recreation areas, while helping raise to funds for the DNR. 

This 5K is unique because it allows participants to choose where and when they participate and offers the perks of a traditional 5K, such as a race t-shirt and medal. A portion of the proceeds will go back into Michigan state parks.

The registration deadline has been extended to Sunday, Nov. 6 and participants have until Dec. 15 to complete their 5K.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is celebrating 40 years of funding high-quality public outdoor recreation projects for Michigan citizens and visitors! The Trust Fund has provided more than $1.3 million for the development of the 11-mile Saginaw Valley Rail Trail that stretches from St. Charles to Saginaw. The trail is designed for a variety of recreational uses, including hiking, bicycling, walking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and more.