The first of two 2021 Free Fishing Weekends will take place Feb. 13-14. Twice a year, residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing on two back-to-back days without a fishing license. All other regulations apply.

Why not add a few state parks to your weekend itinerary? During these two days, we also waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee to all 103 state parks and more than 1,300 DNR-managed boating access sites. Learn more at Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.

The deadline to register for the Run for the Trees / Happy Little Virtual 5K is Monday, March 1.

No matter how you reach the finish line – walk, run or hike – you have between April 22-30 to complete  this state parks-supporting race, anywhere outdoors!

Earn cool Bob Ross swag! The cost is $34 per person and everyone will be mailed a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and finisher's medal (featuring a real reproduction of a Bob Ross painting). All proceeds support tree-planting and preservation efforts in state parks.

For group discounts and team registration, contact Michelle O’Kelly at OKellyM1@Michigan.gov  

Meet our new cohort of photo ambassadors! We sifted through more than 500 talented applicants and selected 35 ambassadors to take part in this year's program.

These photographers work hand-in-hand with the DNR to share and curate beautiful images at many of our state parks. Watch for their stunning snapshots on the @MiStateParks Instagram page throughout the year. The ambassadors also will feature imagery on their own accounts.

Want introductions? Go to Instagram.com/MiStateParks and tap on the 2021 Ambassadors story highlight.

Photo taken by 2021 photo ambassador Karen Allmond of Palms Book State Park.

It's not too early to plan your summer trip! Two of the best opportunities to hit the trails yourself or introduce friends to the joys of riding are Michigan’s Free ORV Weekends – June 12-13 and Aug. 21-22.

During these back-to-back days, residents and nonresidents legally can ride nearly 3,800 miles of off-road trails and the state’s six scramble areas (though there is an entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park) without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit; all other ORV rules and laws still apply.

June 12-13 is also Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend!

Getting K-12 students outdoors is a fun and engaging way for them to learn and have an immersive experience, while still maintaining proper social distancing, but transportation costs can be a barrier.

The Wheels to Woods program provides funding to help cover transportation costs for educational field trips to a nearby forest or forest products company. Quick fact: it costs less than $5 to send one student on a life-changing field trip!

Applications can be obtained and submitted by emailing Admin@WheelsToWoods.org. If you would like to support this program, visit IGFN.us/f/373e/n or text W2W to 80888.

The DNR also offers a webinar series, Nature at School, for virtual or in-person classrooms not currently able to take field trips. These 30-minute virtual lessons cover a multitude of science themes connected to NGSS and STEM.