For the second year, Van Riper State Park in the western Upper Peninsula served as the "base camp" for Michigan’s moose research project.

The project began last winter, with the collaring of 20 moose, to help learn more about the region's moose herd and why population levels have stagnated. This winter, the team worked from Feb. 14-17 with a goal of capturing 40 moose – a total of 41 new moose were captured, and two more moose were recollared, over the four days. The 41 moose included 20 adult females, 10 adult males and 11 calves. The team now has a total of 56 collars deployed, including the moose collared in last year's capture efforts.

Moose team members said this was a successful capture event and staff worked together incredibly well to reach its goal. These moose, and the biological samples and collar data they provide, will be invaluable in helping the researchers better understand moose survival and factors that are influencing population growth in the western Upper Peninsula moose population.

Read more in this Showcasing the DNR story. And check out the DNR’s “Wildtalk” podcast to hear from someone who was on the ground for the planning and rollout of the effort to safely capture and collar several dozen moose. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRWildtalk for the March episode.

Want to learn more about the different birds stopping for layovers or moving into your community each new season? 

All bird enthusiasts can take advantage of the DNR's Winged Wednesday texts that provide updates on birds being spotted in state parks, state wildlife areas and other places around the state. A new bird and new park are highlighted each week.

Ready to get started? Simply text BIRD to 51555 or register online to sign up for Winged Wednesday weekly text updates.

Spots are filling quickly for Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K, April 18-26, supporting tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks.

Now in its seventh year and with 18 states represented, this program keeps on growing.

Registration closes April 1 – or earlier if the 14,000-participant cap is reached – to ensure timely shipping of race T-shirts, bibs and finisher medals. Register at Runsignup.com/BobRoss5K.

Here in Michigan, two in-person events are planned for anyone wanting to meet up and log their miles with fellow nature lovers:

• Saturday, April 18: Bay City State Park, Bay City.
• Saturday, April 25: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit.

And if you’re looking for another spring 5K to add to your race calendar, check out the Lumberjack Pancake Run and Pancake Breakfast Sunday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to noon. You'll get a custom medal, lumberjack buff and complimentary admission to the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Prizes will be given for Best Beard and Best Dressed Lumberjack!

As the weather warms (spring is almost here!), we’re reminding everyone to help protect trails.

Remember that exploring muddy trails can leave ruts, uneven tire tracks and footprints, contribute to erosion and inadvertently widen the path.

Please try to avoid muddy trails altogether, and if you do encounter a messier section, please keep the following in mind:

• If bike riding, dismount and tiptoe down the center, not to the sides, which widens the trail.
• If hiking, go right through the center of the trail rather than travel around the mud – this helps lessen any widening of the trail.
• Riding horseback? Travel through the center of the trail so trail widening doesn’t occur.
• Follow the “PlayCleanGo” approach to help prevent the spread of invasive species: Yes to playing outdoors! But also, be sure to “clean”: before you leave the trail, campground or shore, shake it out, brush it off, wipe it down or whatever it takes to remove dirt and debris from your shoes, gear and vehicle. Then head out on your next adventure, invasive species-free!

Love your trails? Show it off with a trail sticker, T-shirt or hoodie from Great Lakes Proud, the DNR’s official retail partner!!

Michigan's 2026-27 off-roading vehicle season is just around the bend! Now is a great time to purchase your ORV license and trail permit, both of which are valid April 1 through March 31, 2027.

You'll have access to 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas, eligible county/national forest roads, state forest roads (open to ORV use) and frozen surfaces of public waters. 

Fees generated through ORV licenses and trail permits are reinvested into the ORV system, benefiting trail expansion, grant funding for annual trail grooming, infrastructure improvements and more.

Before you hit motorized trails, be sure to review safety and trail etiquette information at Michigan.gov/RideRight.