As brilliant red, orange and gold leaves blanket the ground and give way to the rich browns of late autumn, the question arises: What to do with them all? If creating tantalizing leaf piles isn't your thing and the thought of raking a whole yard’s worth of leaves doesn’t sound appealing, try composting instead.

Composting produces what gardeners call “black gold," a nutrient-rich soil supplement that holds moisture and helps gardens grow.

“With fallen leaves everywhere this time of year, it may be tempting to bag or burn them, but composting is a better way to handle them,” says Aaron Hiday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s statewide composting coordinator. “This reduces carbon in the atmosphere and helps nourish soil.”

Setting up a compost bin is easy, and there are many blueprints and designs available online. You can construct it using pallets, blocks or similar material, or you can buy one.

Once the bin is set up, it’s ready for leaves and other organic material, like kitchen scraps. Soon, with a little effort, you’ll have a valuable nutrient for your yard or garden.

Want to learn more? Check out EGLE’s composting webpage, and watch this EnviroMinute video that explains composting and offers tips.

‘Twas days before firearm deer season, and all through the state, hunters were readying stands, blinds and camps, hoping crafty deer would cooperate. Although hunters understandably are getting excited to hit the woods, they must respect the five-day “quiet period” Nov. 10-14.

During these days, it is unlawful to transport or possess a rifle or shotgun with buckshot, slug load, ball load or cut shell in an area frequented by deer. Unloaded firearms securely encased or carried in the trunk of a vehicle may be transported to or from a hunting camp. Refer to the 2022 DNR hunting digest for more information.

“From sighting in rifles to sprucing up the old deer blind, preseason activities can be a hectic time for firearm deer hunters,” said Capt. Pete Wright, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “The five-day quiet period creates a window of time, just prior to the opener, in which hunters can catch their breath and the woods have a chance to calm. This period is like pushing a reset button, allowing deer to settle back into their day-to-day patterns, which in turn increases the chances of a successful hunt.”

If you're hunting for small game or waterfowl, or fur harvesting, you can still carry the appropriate firearm for your season. Small game and waterfowl hunters may carry a shotgun with shotshells for hunting small game, but cannot possess buckshot, slugs, ball loads or cut shells during this time. Fur harvesters may carry a rimfire firearm .22-caliber or smaller while actively hunting or checking traplines during the open furbearing animal season.

Contact the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800 to report trespassing, shooting and other related natural resource violations.

For current rules and regulations, visit Michigan.gov/Hunting.

Questions? Email the DNR Law Enforcement Division at DNR-LawEnforcement@Michigan.gov.

Michigan’s firearm deer season is one week out, and the DNR reminds everyone to always put safety first. Lt. Tom Wanless, who heads the DNR’s recreational safety, education and enforcement programs, said although some safety tips seem like common sense, it’s critical for anyone hunting with firearms to understand and frequently revisit safety basics.

“Success is not always about filling your tag, it’s about safely enjoying the experience and sharing it with friends and family back at camp after the hunt,” Wanless said.

All hunters should:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Be aware of surroundings – know the target and what is beyond it.
• Unload firearms when crossing obstacles and/or getting in or out of a tree stand.
• Obey “no trespassing” signs; they are there for a reason.
• Obtain landowner permission to retrieve game that has wandered onto private property.
• Wear as much hunter orange as possible to increase visibility to other hunters.

During hunting seasons, the DNR strongly encourages nonhunters to wear bright colors, especially hunter orange, and be aware of their surroundings near woods or fields where hunting may occur.

Get more hunting safety tips and resources at Michigan.gov/HuntingSafety.

For season and regulation details, see the 2022 DNR Hunting Digest.

Questions? Contact Cpl. Ken Lowell at LowellK@Michigan.gov.

The leaves are falling, and some parts of the state have seen their first snow. That means one thing: it’s time to start thinking about holiday gift giving!

If you have a youngster in your life who is curious about nature, check out What in the Wild, the DNR’s game of building wildlife habitat. 

A unique 5-in-1 card game experience, What in the Wild is designed to help children and families learn about and appreciate local wildlife in a fun way and inspire a new generation of conservationists.

The game reviewers at The Family Gamers said, “Four of my children (ages 12, 11, 8 and 6) and I played What in the Wild? for two-and-a-half hours straight and did not once say ‘do we have to play it again?’ In one double-deck box, we found five different game plays for a variety of ages.”

Beat the holiday rush and order your copy today from The Game Crafter today!

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

The DNR’s Michigan History Center and partner Michigan Historical Commission have resumed an awards program to elevate the important contributions made by individuals who share or preserve Michigan history.

An award named for Gov. John B. Swainson (pictured) recognizes public employees who don't have jobs in history but whose passion for the story of our state drives them to make an impact on the field and their communities.

The Milliken, Adams, Austin, Kelley – shortened to MAAK – Award recognizes an individual of exceptional leadership and vision who supports Michigan’s historic resources, programs and institutions; it is not limited to the public sector.

Nominations for both awards are accepted through Dec. 31.

See awards FAQs and the nomination form.