Adopt-a-Game-Area program kicks off at Maple River State Game Area

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DNR staff and partners gather around the newly installed Adopt-a-Game-Area kiosk at Maple River State Game Area

DNR staff and partners gather around the newly installed Adopt-a-Game-Area kiosk at Maple River State Game Area.

Adopt-a-Game-Area program kicks off at Maple River State Game Area

On Monday, Dec. 3, representatives of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever and many other organizations gathered at Maple River State Game Area (which stretches through Clinton, Gratiot and Ionia counties) to kick off the new Adopt-A-Game-Area program and to dedicate the new kiosk created to recognize sponsors of the game area.

“We are excited to initiate this new program that enables a unique habitat restoration partnership between Pheasants Forever, Michigan DNR, the Hal & Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation, and numerous individuals, businesses, clubs, foundations and conservation organizations,” said Bill Vander Zouwen, Michigan Region representative for Pheasants Forever. “Together, we can make a big difference for grassland wildlife and the people who enjoy them.” 

The Adopt-a-Game-Area program allows individuals and organizations to sponsor grassland habitat projects on state lands that they use and appreciate.

“Support of the Adopt-a-Game-Area program provides valuable habitat for nesting, brood-rearing and foraging, and for the winter – all for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, cottontail rabbits, songbirds and pollinators,” said DNR upland game bird specialist Al Stewart.

Throughout Michigan, grasslands are being converted to agriculture and development and are now one of the rarest habitat types in the world. In addition to providing habitat and food resources for wildlife, grasslands help improve water and air quality and provide habitat for pollinators like monarch butterflies and bees, which help pollinate crops. Grasslands also offer important recreation opportunities for hunters, wildlife viewers, photographers and many others.

At the reception, Adopt-a-Game-Area program sponsors were recognized for their contributions to the Maple River State Game Area:

  • Gold Sponsors (over $25,000): Michigan DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant Program, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., North American Wetland Conservation Council, Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Joint Venture
  • Silver Sponsors (over $5,000): Enbridge Corporation, Clinton County Pheasants Forever, Ingham County Pheasants Forever, Gratiot County Conservation District, Maple River Wildlife Association
  • Bronze Sponsors (over $500): The Hal & Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation, Clinton County Conservation District

“We appreciate knowing that the money that we help to contribute will be used locally for habitat projects at a game area that we are invested in”, said Maple River Wildlife Association member Nick Green. “Conservation at the community level is of vital importance.”

Sponsors are recognized on a kiosk at the game area, on the Pheasants Forever website and Facebook page, on the DNR website, in an annual press release and in additional publicity materials.

Special thanks to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance for constructing the kiosk at Maple River State Game Area.

Want to become a sponsor? Earn gold, silver or bronze sponsorship levels with your tax-deductible donation. Contact Ben Beaman at bbeaman@pheasantsforever.org to make a donation in support of Michigan State Game Areas today. More than 20 properties are available to adopt. Watch for a coming option on the Michigan Pheasants Forever website to donate and be recognized on a state game area kiosk.

Learn more about the program and the public lands that you support at michigan.gov/pheasant.


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.